About Pearls
Pearl Types
Pernulo offers such a wide range of pearl types, our customers can often times be confused on which type of pearl offers the best value at their budget. Read our brief summaries below to educate yourself regarding the origin, value, size and quality of each pearl type.
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearls are commonly grown inside the Hyriopsis cumingii mollusc, also known as the “triangle mussel” in rivers, lakes or ponds. The history of freshwater pearl cultivation can be traced back to the 13th century when the earliest blister pearls were cultured in China. However, it wasn’t until the mid 1990s that the Chinese started producing higher quality pearls. Most of the freshwater pearls seen today are cultured in China although a very small percentage of them are also grown in Japan and the US. The most common pearl-growth period for freshwater pearls is three to five years, although some may take up to seven years to grow.
Japanese Akoya Pearls
Since the 1930's, Akoya pearls are the world's best-known pearl. Akoya pearls are often very round and spherical in shape and are complemented by very high luster. Produced by a small oyster called the Pinctada Fucata off the seas of Japan and China, they are commonly found in sizes ranging from 2mm to 10mm in size. Akoya pearls are a long-time favorite in the pearl industry and are commonly worn by brides on their wedding day.
A top quality Akoya pearl typically exhibits a lustrous surface with a mirror-like reflection. Nacre quality is one of the important factors that determine a pearl’s lustre.
WHITE & GOLDEN SOUTH SEA PEARLS
White & Golden south sea pearls are cherished for their classic color as well as their exceptional sizes. These rare gems are produced by the Pinctada Maxima oyster, found in very deep and offshore waters. White South Sea pearls are commonly found off the shores of Australia and are typically creamy white in color with a silver overtone. High quality golden South Sea pearls are usually found in the Philippines and include a wide variation of shades of light to dark golden colors.
Tahitian South Sea Pearl
Tahitian south sea pearls also known as black South Sea pearls or simply black pearls, are cherished for their incredibly exotic colors and mirror-like luster. Whereas other pearl types are typically limited in color, Tahitian pearls consist of hundreds of overtones with incredibly exotic colors such as peacock green, silver green, blue, and eggplant, just to name a few. These pearls are produced by the Pinctada Margaritifera oyster, which is found exclusively in Tahiti and several other French Polynesian islands.
