SOUTH SEA PEARLS

American Pearl is world-renowned for its collection of the absolute finest quality South Sea pearls available in the marketplace. All of our South Sea pearl necklaces, earrings and loose pearls are naturally colored, untreated, cultured pearls from the finest farms in Australia and other South Sea pearl-producing countries. American Pearl boasts one of the largest South Sea pearl inventories in the world, so if you do not see the item you are looking for, please phone one of our pearl specialists who is ready to assist you in creating your own custom piece. Each piece includes a complimentary pearl Evaluation & Identification Report, using the GIA Pearl Grading System.
American Pearl is world-renowned for its collection of the absolute finest quality South Sea pearls available in the marketplace. All of our South Sea pearl necklaces, earrings and loose pearls are naturally colored, untreated, cultured pearls from the finest farms in Australia and other South Sea pearl-producing countries. American Pearl boasts one of the largest South Sea pearl inventories in the world, so if you do not see the item you are looking for, please phone one of our pearl specialists who is ready to assist you in creating your own custom piece. Each piece includes a complimentary pearl Evaluation & Identification Report, using the GIA Pearl Grading System.
We're the premier online resource for top-quality South Sea pearl jewelry, complete with breathtakingly beautiful white South Sea pearls that provide a classic look as well as lovely golden South Sea pearls that bring some major glitz and glam to the traditional pearl. Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind South Sea pearl bracelet to complete your dazzling pearl set or dream of surprising your spouse for a breathtaking pearl anniversary gift, the South Sea pearl is a gem that's worthy of your consideration. The best part is, you'll find South Sea pearl jewelry for wholesale prices here.

How South Sea Pearls are Made


Farmers implant a mother of pearl bead into oysters in the hope of producing a perfectly round, high-luster, clean pearl. The larger the pearl the oyster produces, the more valuable it is in the trade. Farmers hope that their entire crop turns out with these large South Sea pearls that are perfectly round. However, as the oyster fights this mother of pearl bead implant (which it sees as a foreign body) and the oyster's environment is disrupted by unpredictable weather, the likelihood of producing a perfectly round pearl that is beautiful and blemish-free decreases. That is why a perfectly round South Sea pearl is considered to be a paragon. Compose a necklace of these perfectly round white South Sea pearls or black South Sea pearls, and you have an investment-grade South Sea pearl necklace. The photograph below shows the varieties of South Sea pearls that are available from white to gold to black to multicolor strands.

South Sea Pearls

South Sea Pearls



There are many countries which produce the fine necklaces which consumers know as South Sea pearls necklaces. Below is a listing of the different countries that produce South Sea pearls and the range of colors (like white South Sea pearls and black South Sea pearls) that each country is known for. Geography, weather and slight variations in the species of oysters that produce South Sea cultured pearls can all contribute to a pearl's color.


South Sea Pearl Color Chart
The Most Common South Sea Pearl Colors

The Most Common South Sea Pearl Colors

Golden Pearl Color Chart

The Most Common Golden Pearl Colors

The Most Common Golden Pearl Colors

South Sea Pearl Producing Countries

South Sea Pearl Producing Countries

There are many species of mollusks which live all over the world. The oyster (mollusk) which produces the South Sea pearl is known as Pinctada m axima or the Silver Lip Oyster. It is the largest oyster in the world capable of cultivating a pearl. The larger a pearl is, the longer it has to cultivate in an oyster, adding to its rarity. Because the Pinctada m axima oyster lives and grows its pearls in the wild, its production is limited. This is the single most important factor which contributes to the rarity of South Sea pearls making them the "Rolls Royce" of cultured pearls. Before a South Sea pearl oyster begins cultivating a pearl, a mother of pearl bead implant is inserted into the oyster to begin the pearl forming process. This can be seen in the photograph below and to the right.

Pearl Implant Process

Pearl Implant Process

South Sea Pearl Shapes The chart below illustrates the range of South Sea pearl shapes. Again, rounder pearls are most valuable. Circle pearls or ringed pearls are the least valuable pearls second only to baroque pearls. Baroque pearls can be as lustrous and beautiful as round pearls. As you move from left to right in this South Sea shape chart, the pearls become less valuable within the wholesale trade, and the South Sea pearls' prices change to reflect that

South Sea Pearl Shapes

South Sea Pearl Shapes

  • Round. A perfectly round South Sea pearl when measured with a caliper has a variation in its circumference that is less than 2 percent. For example, if what appears to be a perfectly round South Sea pearl is 12 millimeters measured in its shortest diameter and 12.1 millimeters in its longest diameter, the circumference variation is 1 percent (12 divided by 12.1 = .99). Or you can refer to this pearl as 99 percent round. Rounder pearls are most valuable.
  • Semi- Round. A pearl that appears to be perfectly round whose circumference variation is 2 percent or more. If a pearl has a diameter of 12 millimeters in its shortest length and 12.3 millimeters in its longest length, the variation in its circumference is 2.5 percent (12 divided by 12.3 is .975). Or you can refer to this pearl as 97.5 percent round. The fact that it has a variation in circumference that is over 2.5 percent means that it is semi round. Semi round South Sea pearls are the most valuable shaped pearls second only to round pearls. It is very common to see a South Sea pearl necklace that is composed of round and semi round pearls. The reason for this is that it is very difficult to make a necklace where all of the pearls are perfectly matched in body color, shape, overtone, quality and luster. Semi round South Sea pearls can be 20 percent less than round pearls.
  • Button. A pearl that has a variation in circumference that is approximately 20 percent. For example, a pearl that measures 12mm by 12.5mm. These button pearls are often used in jewelry pieces and earrings because they are not round or semi round. It is common to have a pearl and diamond earring set with button pearls. Buttons that appear to be round are called "Tall Buttons." A talented jeweler can set buttons into jewelry and make the pearls appear round, especially when working with tall buttons. Some people insist on making earrings or other jewelry with only perfectly round pearls, but because these round pearls are rare and reserved for necklaces, they are expensive. Buttons can be half the price of round pearls. We often make South Sea button necklaces where we drill a full necklace of South Sea button pearls through their shortest diameter so they sit like disks on a strand. These necklaces are not as valuable as round or semi round necklaces, but have an expensive look to them at a fraction of the price of round necklaces. A bargain shopper might purchase a button strand where all the pearls are "tall buttons" because when viewed from a distance, they appear to be round.

    • South Sea Pearl Size

    The next criteria needed to understand South Sea pearls are size. South Sea pearls are most notable for their large sizes. This is because the oysters (Pinctada m axima for Australia, Indonesian and Myanmar pearls and Silver Lip for Tahiti) are the largest species of mollusk capable of producing a pearl. Whereas the Akoya oyster (which produces the Japanese Akoya pearl) tops out at 10mm, the white South Sea pearls from Australia, the black South Sea pearls from Tahiti (the primary island of French Polynesia) and the golden pearls from Indonesia and Myanmar have a minimum size of 10mm and a maximum of 20mm!

    Please see the chart below to view the size range of white South Sea pearls from Australia and black South Sea pearls from Tahiti. Although it is possible to get pearls smaller than 10mm and larger than 16mm in the South Sea, they are scarce. However, in recent years, the market has seen an increase in South Sea pearls under 10mm. These 8 millimeter and 9 millimeter pearls are mostly used in what's called "baby South Sea necklaces."
    Pearl Size Chart

    Pearl Size Chart

    Most of the necklaces that are composed using cultured South Sea pearls have a size variation of 2 to 3 millimeters within each necklace. This is because there are not enough South Sea pearls produced each year to make uniform necklaces exclusively that match in luster, body color, shape and overtone. A pearl company, such as American Pearl, must have a selection of a minimum of 10,000 pearls (lot) to compose a necklace that is properly matched. This necklace will be graduated in size. For example, one might compose a necklace of 33 pearls which is 16 inches long and graduates from 10 millimeters up to 13 millimeters as the center pearl.

    The fewer the pearls in a beginning lot, the less likelihood there is of composing a necklace where all the pearls have a similar luster, body color, shape and overtone. How well a South Sea necklace is composed is known as make. Therefore, in a South Sea necklace which has a good make, all the pearls look alike. Go straight to the White South Sea Pearls Page or click on some of our favorites.
    9.5 x12mm White South Sea Pearl Necklace - 16 inches
    9mm White South Sea Cultured Pearl Earrings in 14K Gold

    1. Understanding White South Sea Pearls

    White South Sea pearls, often referred to as the "Queen of Pearls," are meticulously cultivated in the Silver Lip oyster, Pinctada maxima, throughout the pristine waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These extraordinary gems are highly renowned for their exceptional size, remarkable luster, and brilliant white color ranging from silver-white to cream. The impressive dimensions and radiant glow of these unique oceanic treasures have firmly established them as among the most prestigious and luxurious pearls available in the global jewelry market today.

    2. The Value of White South Sea Pearls

    2.1. In Australian Aboriginal traditions, pearls represent the tears of heaven that fell into the ocean, where they were captured by oysters and transformed into luminous treasures. Despite being called "South Sea" pearls, these exquisite gems are specifically cultivated in the waters surrounding Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The prestigious history of these pearls—interwoven with luxury commerce, sustainable farming practices, and superior cultivation techniques—significantly contributes to their enduring desirability and elevated status in the fine jewelry world.

    2.2. From approximately the late 20th century, following the refinement of specialized pearl culturing methods, White South Sea pearls emerged as the premier choice for luxury pearl jewelry. The cultivation process is extraordinarily meticulous: Silver Lip oysters are carefully nucleated, diligently farmed in pristine marine environments, and harvested over an extended period of 2–5 years. Only the largest and healthiest oysters are specifically selected for the process, producing pearls that can exceed 16mm in diameter—significantly larger than most other pearl varieties.

    2.3. Unlike many other varieties of cultured pearls, White South Sea pearls undergo minimal processing after harvest. They naturally possess a thick nacre layer that creates their distinctive satiny luster and remarkable shine. Once carefully harvested from the oysters, these pearls are gently cleaned and lightly polished to enhance their natural beauty, but importantly, they are never artificially bleached or color-treated. The majority of these luxurious gems are meticulously cultivated in the remote northern waters of Australia, particularly around Broome in Western Australia.

    2.4. The exceptional value of these pearls can be attributed to both the relatively limited annual production and the extraordinary environmental conditions required throughout the cultivation process. Distinguished by their impressively thick nacre layers and remarkably deep, reflective luster, White South Sea pearls are professionally evaluated based on multiple specialized criteria detailed below.

    3. Evaluation and Quality Factors
    3.1. Color

    The color spectrum of authentic White South Sea pearls spans from pure silver-white and classic ivory to warm cream tones. The most valuable specimens display a consistent, even color throughout the entire pearl with subtle satiny overtones that create a three-dimensional appearance under light conditions.

    3.2. Luster

    Luster, a critical quality factor, precisely measures the pearl's ability to reflect light and is methodically rated on a scale ranging from poor to excellent. Premium White South Sea pearls exhibit an exceptional satiny sheen rather than the mirror-like reflections of other pearl types. Their superior luster gives them a unique glow that seems to emanate from within, significantly enhancing their overall value and luxurious appearance.

    3.3. Size

    The size range of White South Sea pearls typically spans from 9mm to an impressive 20mm in diameter, with approximately 13-14mm representing the statistical average. Pearls exceeding 16mm are demonstrably rare and consequently command a substantially higher price point in the international pearl market, often increasing exponentially in value with each millimeter gained.

    3.4. Surface Quality

    A reduced presence of blemishes, spots, and surface irregularities reliably indicates higher intrinsic value. While completely flawless White South Sea pearls are extraordinarily rare due to their extended cultivation period in open-water environments, those with minimal surface imperfections are particularly prized by connoisseurs and luxury retailers worldwide.

    3.5. Shape

    Perfectly round White South Sea pearls represent the absolute rarest shape category and are universally considered the most valuable form in the market. Other distinctive shapes such as drop, oval, and button forms are also widely appreciated for their unique aesthetic character and versatility in sophisticated jewelry designs, particularly for statement earrings and pendants.

    3.6. Nacre Thickness

    White South Sea pearls are celebrated for their exceptionally thick nacre layers, typically exceeding 2mm, which significantly enhances both their long-term durability and characteristic luster. This substantial nacre thickness virtually guarantees that these pearls will maintain their exceptional beauty over generations, making them superior heirloom investments and explaining their reputation as the most durable cultured pearls available.

    4. Size Matters: Rarity and Range

    4.1. White South Sea pearls typically exhibit a dimensional range from 9mm to an impressive 20mm in diameter, with approximately 13-14mm representing the statistical average in the luxury market. The most frequently encountered size category falls between 10mm and 13mm, while pearls measuring between 14mm and 16mm are considerably less common and therefore more valuable. Spectacular specimens exceeding 16mm in diameter are classified as exceptionally rare and are highly prized by collectors and luxury jewelers for both their extraordinary scarcity and substantial investment potential, often increasing in value by 20-30% with each additional millimeter in diameter.

    5. Grading White South Sea Pearls

    5.1. The comprehensive A, B, C, and D grading classification system is extensively employed by pearl experts worldwide for systematically evaluating White South Sea pearls:

    • 5.1.1. A Quality: Exhibits superior satiny luster and minimal surface imperfections affecting less than 10% of the overall surface area, representing the pinnacle of pearl quality and luxury appeal.
    • 5.1.2. B Quality: Displays good to very good luster characteristics with visible surface imperfections distributed over less than one-third of the total surface area, still highly suitable for fine jewelry.
    • 5.1.3. C Quality: Presents average luster properties with noticeable visible imperfections extending over one-third to approximately two-thirds of the pearl's surface, typically used in more affordable jewelry pieces.
    • 5.1.4. D Quality: Characterized by poor luster measurements with significant surface defects covering more than two-thirds of the total surface area, rarely used in quality jewelry designs.

    5.2. This standardized evaluation system provides valuable consistency across different pearl varieties and ensures that consumers can make informed purchase decisions when investing in these exceptional gems. Many Australian pearl producers also employ their own proprietary grading systems that may include additional criteria specific to White South Sea pearls.

    6. White South Sea Pearl Shapes

    6.1. White South Sea pearls naturally occur in a fascinating variety of distinctive shapes that significantly influence their market value and design applications:

    • 6.1.1. Round: These represent nearly perfect spherical specimens with less than 2% diameter variation when measured from multiple angles. They are universally recognized as the most valuable shape category and are primarily reserved for prestigious strand necklaces.
    • 6.1.2. Semi-Round: Characterized by slightly irregular spherical forms with approximately 2%–5% diameter variation. These rank as the second most valuable shape classification and are often used in high-end necklaces where the slight irregularity is virtually undetectable.
    • 6.1.3. Button: These pearls have one flattened side, resembling a button shape. They are particularly prized for earrings and rings where the flat side can be concealed in the setting, creating the appearance of a perfectly round pearl.
    • 6.1.4. Drop: Symmetrical teardrop-shaped pearls that are highly valued for pendant designs and statement earrings due to their elegant, elongated appearance and natural sophistication.
    • 6.1.5. Baroque: Completely irregular formations with unique organic shapes. While less valuable than round pearls, they have gained significant popularity in contemporary jewelry design for their one-of-a-kind character and artistic appeal.

    6.2. While shape categorization significantly impacts market pricing, many collectors specifically seek certain non-round shapes for their distinctive aesthetic appeal and versatility in creating unique jewelry pieces. The exceptional size of White South Sea pearls means that even baroque shapes can create spectacular statement pieces that showcase the pearl's natural luster and beauty.

    7. Origin and Geographic Influence

    7.1. White South Sea pearls are internationally recognized by their geographic origin, with each producing region imparting subtle characteristics that can influence both appearance and value. Australian pearls are generally considered the most prestigious, typically displaying the purest white colors and largest average sizes. Indonesian pearls often exhibit warmer cream to off-white hues and slightly smaller average sizes, while Philippine pearls frequently show silver overtones and excellent luster. Connoisseurs and collectors often develop preferences for specific origin regions based on these subtle variations, with Australian specimens typically commanding the highest premium in the international luxury pearl market due to their exceptional size, color consistency, and historical reputation for quality.