What are South Sea pearls? A comprehensive explanation of their basic

South Sea pearls are pearls harvested from the white-lipped bivalve oyster. They are large in size, and it is not uncommon for some to be over 20mm in size.

Due to their rarity, they are traded at high prices on the market, and golden pearls, which have gold impregnation, are especially expensive.

When purchasing white South Sea pearls, it is important to understand the characteristics and evaluations well and choose a pearl that you will not regret.

In this article, we have explained the following characteristics of white South Sea pearls.

By the time you finish reading, you will understand what South Sea pearls are and deepen your knowledge of pearls.

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What are South Sea pearls? Basic information you should know

The characteristics of white South Sea pearls are explained in the following four sections.

The Birth and History of White South Sea Pearls
Mother shells and types of white pearls
White South Sea pearl production area
The meaning of white pearl

Compared to Akoya pearls, which are familiar to Japanese people, South Sea pearls differ greatly in size and brilliance. The different characteristics of South Sea pearls from Akoya pearls are also part of the charm of South Sea pearls.

If you watch until the end, you will understand the individuality and charm of white South Sea pearls and will want to try handling them.

The Birth and History of White South Sea Pearls

Both white South Sea oysters and white South Sea pearls are transparent and have the beauty of shining iridescent colors. In Europe and the United States, they are known as "mother of pearl" because of their exceptional beauty.

In the past, its brilliance was highly valued, and it was used for luxury shell buttons and cutlery handles. Even today, white mother-of-pearl is used for the dials of luxury watches.

They are also called "South Sea pearls" because they grow in southern countries such as Australia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Indonesia. The name South Sea pearls also comes from Japan's history of successfully cultivating pearls on the southern islands.

Overseas, Indonesia succeeded in cultivating them in the early 20th century, and the technique spread to other countries, where production continues to this day. Amami Oshima and Ishigakijima in Japan are production centers for high-quality white South Sea pearls.

Mother shells and types of white pearls

The mother shell of South Sea pearls, the White Lip Oyster, is a bivalve mollusc of the Bucconidae family. Larger specimens can grow up to 30cm in size , making them the largest of all pearl oysters.

Due to the large size of the mother oyster, the size of white South Sea pearls is large, averaging 12mm, but they can also grow to around 20mm.

There are two types of South Sea pearls : silver lip and gold lip. The color of the periphery of the South Sea pearl is reflected in the pearl. If the periphery of the South Sea pearl is silver lip, the pearl will be silver colored, and if the periphery is gold lip, the pearl will be gold colored.

Golden pearls in particular are called "golden" and are considered to be particularly beautiful, and are priced at a high price.

White South Sea pearl production area

White South Sea pearls are mainly produced around the equator, with many harvested in Indonesia and Australia. Other habitats for white South Sea pearls include the Philippines and Myanmar.

The main characteristics of silver lips are that they are often found in Australian waters, while gold lips live in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar. However, if the cultivation of the mother shells is included, it will take many more years.

White South Sea pearls harvested in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, are called "Amami Pearls" and are famous for their high-quality gold pearls, the "Sunshine Gold." In Ishigaki Island, artificial seedling collection was successful in 1984 , and mass production became possible in 1991 , and they are now produced as "Ryukyu Pearls."

The meaning of white pearl

There are three meanings for white South Sea pearls :

Purity
health
longevity

The transparency of South Sea pearls and pearls represents pure and untainted nature. Since pearls take a long time to grow, the name can be thought of as representing "longevity."

South Sea pearls, which grow in tropical seas, are larger and more lustrous than Akoya pearls. The beauty of pearls may be evocative of the bright tropical seas and shining sun, which is why the name came to mean "health."

When you wear pearls, you will receive positive energy.

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The four charms of white South Sea pearls

The charms of white South Sea pearls are the following four points .

The grains are large and have a strong presence
A wide variety of shapes
The color varies depending on the type of shellfish.
The thick nacre gives off a soft glow.

White South Sea pearls, with their sparkling beauty of silver and gold, are pearls that inspire positive energy just by looking at them.

Here, we will explain the charm of white South Sea pearls in detail. If you read to the end, you will understand the characteristics of white South Sea pearls that are different from Akoya pearls and black South Sea pearls, and you will be captivated.

The grains are large and have a strong presence

One of the characteristics of white South Sea pearls is their size. Akoya pearls are 7 to 8 mm in size, and black South Sea pearls are 10 mm in size , while white South Sea pearls average 12 mm .

The striking size of the beads gives them an outstanding sparkle when worn as accessories, creating a gorgeous impression when worn.

Large pearls can reach up to 20mm in size , making them popular among those who prefer larger pearls or want jewelry with a stronger presence. Gold pearls in particular are characterized by their dazzling, strong shine, similar to gold.

A wide variety of shapes

White South Sea pearls come in a variety of shapes, with round (perfectly circular) pearls being the most highly valued. Other shapes include baroque, drop, and MacPhele (semicircular) pearls, and the closer they are to round, the more highly valued they are.

On the other hand, because the nucleus inserted into the pearl is perfectly round, the distortion of the pearl, like that of a baroque pearl, is evidence that it was cultivated for a long period of time . You can think of the distortion of a pearl as evidence that it was cultivated with care for a long time.

Additionally, in recent years, baroque-style stones have also become increasingly popular as they are "reminiscent of natural pearls."

The color varies depending on the type of shellfish.

The color of South Sea pearls is influenced by the color of the mother oyster. White-lipped oysters with a silver interior are called "silver-lip" oysters, and the pearls that grow from them are also silver.

On the other hand, if the inside of the pearl oyster is gold, it will have a gold lip and produce gold-colored pearls. There are many different shades of silver and gold, so no two are the same color .

The "Golden" variety, which is rarely harvested from the Gold Lip, is highly valued on the market. It has a soft shine like gold leaf and is considered the highest grade.

The nacre is thick and has a soft shine.

South Sea pearls are also characterized by their thick luster. The luster of South Sea pearls is 0.4 to 0.6 mm , which is thicker than that of regular pearls.

The thickness of the pearls gives them a smooth luster and a soft sparkle. Combined with their large size, the gorgeousness of these pearls will draw attention when worn.

"Lumpiness" refers to the thickness of the nacre, and the thicker the luster, the more complex the reflection and refraction of light. Since the reflection and refraction of light are directly linked to the luster (interference color) of the pearl, the thickness of the luster is an important factor in determining the beauty of the pearl.

In addition to its beauty, thickness is also an important factor in determining the lifespan of a pearl. Generally, the thicker the luster, the longer it will last and maintain its beauty.

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What is the difference between South Sea pearls and Japan's representative Akoya pearls?

There are four differences between South Sea pearls and Akoya pearls:

Size
Shine
color
price

Akoya pearls average 7 to 8 mm in size, while South Sea pearls can be as large as 12 mm and can even reach 20 mm. For this reason, Akoya pearls are loved for their modest sparkle, while South Sea pearls have a more glamorous image.

South Sea pearls have a soft luster, but when worn they also have a heavy feel to them. Akoya pearls have a rainbow-colored luster, and their gentle, sophisticated luster is captivating.

In terms of color, South Sea pearls tend to be cool in color, while Akoya pearls tend to be warm in color, but South Sea pearls have a beautiful silvery-white color and sparkle like freshly fallen snow.

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How to choose the right white South Sea pearl for you - explained in 4 cases

Since each white South Sea pearl has a different size, color, and luster, it is important to choose an individual pearl that suits the occasion. Here, we will explain four ways to choose the following accessories that use white pearls.

When worn for ceremonial occasions
If you want to use it for everyday use such as work or going out
If you are giving it as a gift to a special person
When choosing with a focus on quality

All South Sea pearls are beautiful, but if you can choose the one that best suits you, you and the pearl will look even more beautiful. Read to the end and you will learn how to choose the right South Sea pearl for any occasion.

When worn for ceremonial occasions

If you are using white South Sea pearls for weddings, funerals, or other formal occasions, choose white or gray colors. Select calm white or gray pearls, and be mindful of not being too flashy.

Gold is too flashy, so it is not suitable for funerals.

Additionally, pearls used for funerals tend to be smaller. Akoya pearls are suitable for formal occasions at 7 to 8 mm , while black lipped pearls tend to be 10 mm in size, taking into account their black base.

Since the average size of white South Sea pearls is 12mm , choose ones with as strong a grey colour as possible, being mindful to avoid looking too flashy.

If you want to use it for everyday use such as work or going out

If you are planning on wearing white South Sea pearls on a daily basis, you can prioritize your personal preference. If you are planning on wearing them for work, choose silver-colored pearls with small pearls, which will give a refined impression without being too flashy.

However, if your work involves apparel or brands, larger beads or gold-colored beads are also recommended.

If you are going to wear them privately, choose a pearl with a color tone that matches the clothes you already own. If you want to emphasize the naturalness of white South Sea pearls, we recommend larger pearls with a gold color .

Gold is a color unique to white South Sea pearls, so you can enjoy coordinating it in a different way than with other types of pearls.

If you are giving it as a gift to a special person

If you are thinking of giving white South Sea pearls as a gift, research the recipient's preferences. Find out what accessories they usually wear, such as necklaces, pendants, or brooches, and you will be able to decide on the appropriate accessory.

It is also necessary to consider whether to go for silver or gold based on the person's preferences and skin color.

If you find it difficult to research, we recommend a silver single pearl necklace . Silver is easy to match with any outfit and is a color that can be used in any situation.

It also has a modest beauty and is an accessory that can be worn without hesitation. A single pearl can add a subtle sparkle to any outfit, and makes a great gift.

When choosing with quality in mind

When selecting South Sea pearls based on their quality, pay attention to whether or not they have any "processing scratches ." Pearls that are closer to perfect roundness and have fewer scratches are considered to be of high quality, but there are difficulties in measuring their quality based on that alone.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend to value the scratches that occur during the pearl formation process as evidence that the pearl was grown in nature. For this reason, even if a pearl is given a negative rating for scratches, it will still be given a positive rating if it is generally in good condition.

It is difficult to find natural pearls that are free of flaws.

However, pearls with "processing scratches" from the process of making them into ornaments will still be valued lower. Processing scratches can affect the lifespan of a pearl, so be sure to check that there are no scratches.

Especially when choosing a gift, be careful of any scratches that may have been caused by processing.

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Are White South Sea Pearls Expensive? Introducing the Price Range for Each Type of Jewelry

The average prices for four types of accessories using white South Sea pearls are as follows:

Necklace: 300,000 yen to 600,000 yen
Pierced earrings: 100,000 yen to 200,000 yen
Ring: 200,000 yen to 300,000 yen
Brooch: 100,000 yen to 200,000 yen

South Sea pearls are the largest of all pearls, and therefore are expensive.

Akoya pearls come in a wide price range, so you can choose one that fits your budget, but it's important to note that South Sea pearls are generally more expensive.

Here, we will take a closer look at the market prices of the four types of accessories mentioned above. By the time you read to the end, you will have gained knowledge about the price of white South Sea pearls.

The price of Golden Pearls is explained in the article below, so please refer to it.
What is the market price for golden pearls? A comprehensive explanation from the prices of different brands and jewelry to the buying market

Necklace: 300,000 to 600,000 yen

The average price for a South Sea pearl necklace is between 300,000 and 600,000 yen. You can choose the rank of Akoya pearls according to your budget, but the price of larger South Sea pearls tends to be higher overall.

There are necklaces that cost over 1 million yen , but the most commonly purchased prices are in the 300,000 to 600,000 yen range. The price also depends on the metal used, so we recommend deciding on a budget in advance.

Generally, platinum is the most expensive, followed by white gold and yellow gold.

Also, compared to a string of pearls, a single pearl necklace is more affordable and easier to purchase, helping you stay within your budget.

Pierced earrings : 100,000 yen to 200,000 yen

The average price for white South Sea pearl earrings is 100,000 to 200,000 yen. White South Sea pearls are large in size, so even a simple single pearl earring can have a strong presence.

Gold is more expensive, but ear jewelry is quite noticeable, so if you prefer something more subtle, silver is also a good choice.

As with other accessories, the price will vary depending on the pearls used, but there are many reasonably priced earrings and pierced earrings available. If you want to keep the price down, it's best to avoid perfectly round pearls and choose semi-round or baroque pearls.

Ring: 200,000 to 300,000 yen

The average price for a white South Sea pearl ring is 200,000 to 300,000 yen.

You can't choose a ring based on the size or quality of the pearl alone. You need to consider the balance between the size of the pearl and the thickness of your finger and choose one that fits comfortably.

Large pearls don't look good on thin fingers, and small pearls look unnatural on fuller fingers. A ring with a stone that is the wrong size for your finger will not make your hand look beautiful.

After trying on the ring, choose the pearls while considering the balance with the thickness and length of your finger . Since it is difficult to imagine the size of a ring from a picture, we recommend that you see the actual ring in a physical store before purchasing.

Brooch: 100,000 to 200,000 yen

The average price for a brooch made with white South Sea pearls is 100,000 to 200,000 yen. In addition to round pearls, there are also baroque and semi-round pearls that can be purchased at low cost.

For this reason, it is also recommended if you are looking to keep your budget a little low.

Because white South Sea pearls are large, even a single pearl can have a strong presence. Depending on the decoration, choosing a larger pearl will give a sense of dignity and allow you to enjoy coordinating a look centered around the pearl.

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Three points for coordinating outfits that make the most of white South Sea pearls

There are three key points to coordinating your outfit to make the most of white South Sea pearls.

Choose a color that matches your personal color
Keep it simple and feminine
Put your hair in an up style

When wearing white South Sea pearls, consider coordinating your outfit around the pearls.

Here, we will explain the tricks to wearing white South Sea pearls stylishly. By the time you finish reading, you will know how to make the most of the beauty of white South Sea pearls and broaden the scope of your coordination.

Choose a color that matches your personal color

Personal color is a term that refers to colors that harmonize with your skin, hair, and eye color, making it easier to choose the pearl color that suits you.

Knowing your natural color tendencies and understanding which colors go well with you are hints for bringing out your own charm. Colors that go well with you can improve the transparency of your skin, making you look brighter, and can also help reduce blemishes and wrinkles.

There are four personal colors, each with different characteristics that suit you:

Hue (Undertone)
Lightness (Brightness)
Clearness (transparency)
Saturation (vividness)

Generally, blue-based pearls go well with silver, and yellow-based pearls go well with gold. Don't make an amateur judgment; get a professional diagnosis.

Keep it simple and feminine

White South Sea pearls are larger than Akoya pearls and black South Sea pearls, and even a single pearl has a strong shine. If you limit yourself to one accessory and coordinate your outfit around pearls, you will have a feminine look with a high-quality feel.

Since the main colors are silver and gold, pair them with simple clothing that will bring out the beauty of the pearls. Colors that contrast well with white South Sea pearls are deep colors such as black, red, and green.

Pairing the necklace with a V-neck top will draw attention to the pearls.

Put your hair in an up style

For outfits featuring white South Sea pearls, we recommend an updo hairstyle, which will give a clean look to the neck and leave the ears and nape uncovered.

It does not interfere with the brilliance of white South Sea pearls, and allows you to see their lustrous shine and color.

A single strand pearl necklace has a large pearl placed in the center, and small pearls are arranged to balance the left and right, so if you hide it with your hair, the gradation will not be visible. We recommend wearing it up to show off the beauty of the strand.

The sparkle of pearls can only be seen when they are worn with clothing that hides nothing. Be mindful not only of your clothing, but also of your hairstyle, so as not to interfere with the beauty of your pearls.

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How to care for white South Sea pearls? Three basic steps explained

The three basic steps for caring for white South Sea pearls are as follows:

Wipe with a soft cloth after use
Store separately away from heat and humidity.
Change the strings on your necklace regularly

South Sea pearls are organic gemstones that grow inside South Sea oysters. Unlike inorganic gemstones such as diamonds, they age and change shape over time.

Pearls age by turning yellow, fading, and losing luster, but the speed at which this happens depends on how they are used and the environment. Daily care is essential to slow down this process and maintain their beauty for a long time.

If you continue with the above three care methods, your pearls will maintain their luster for about 20 to 30 years. By the end of this article, you will have a deeper understanding of how to care for your pearls.

Wipe with a soft cloth after use

The secret to keeping white South Sea pearls shining is to wipe them with a soft cloth after use. Pearls that come into contact with the skin become dirty with invisible sweat and sebum.

Dirt can cause damage over time and can lead to discoloration and yellowing of pearls. After use, wipe with a soft cloth to remove any dirt.

Use a cloth for jewelry or a glasses cleaner . We recommend avoiding tissue and cotton as they may damage the pearls.

Having your pearls professionally cleaned on a regular basis is another option to extend their lifespan.

Store separately away from heat and humidity.

Pearls, including South Sea pearls, are jewelry that are easily affected by heat and humidity. Avoid storing them in sunny places or near lights, and choose a dark place to store them.

It is also vulnerable to water and moisture, so it is necessary to avoid places with high humidity. Heat and humidity are also affected by the season, so it is necessary to think about changing the storage location depending on the season.

Store your jewelry in a jewelry case to protect it from everyday irritation. If you have multiple pieces of jewelry, it's important to store them separately to prevent scratches and discoloration.

Change the strings on your necklace regularly

A common problem with single-strand pearl necklaces, including South Sea pearls, is the thread breaking. In the past, silk thread was used for pearl necklaces.

Silk is a natural material that deteriorates easily, so currently, materials that emphasize strength are chosen. However, as it is a thread, it cannot avoid deterioration over time, and there is a risk that it may suddenly break one day.

Depending on how often you wear your necklace, you should have a maintenance professional change the strings every 3 to 10 years. Regularly changing the strings will help prevent damage and allow you to use your necklace with peace of mind.

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Three Frequently Asked Questions about White South Sea Pearls

Below are three frequently asked questions about white South Sea pearls.

What determines the value of white South Sea pearls?
Which is more luxurious: South Sea pearls or Akoya pearls?
What is the highest grade of pearl?

We have explained the appeal of white South Sea pearls, but many of you may still have unanswered questions.

Here we will answer the questions that many people have about white South Sea pearls. By the time you finish reading, you will have gained a deeper knowledge of white South Sea pearls.

What determines the value of white South Sea pearls?

There are five points that determine the value of white South Sea pearls:

Size
Shine (interference color)
shape
color
Rolling

In particular, luster (interference color) and luster are directly related to the rank of pearls. At the Pearl Research Institute , we focus on luster and luster in our evaluations.

The thicker the nacre is, the more beautiful the luster is, and the more dazzling the shine and luster it emits. However, since the evaluation takes into account scratches and distortions, the evaluation may be contrary to expectations.

In addition, there are no standards for pearls that correspond to the 4Cs of diamonds, and their evaluation varies depending on the appraisal agency.

Which is more luxurious: South Sea pearls or Akoya pearls?

South Sea pearls are more valuable. Akoya pearls are cultured in Japan and are loved for their modest size of 7-8mm and their soft shine.

On the other hand, South Sea pearls are mainly produced overseas and are larger, averaging 12mm in size. When comparing the characteristics of pearls, South Sea pearls are harder to obtain and more expensive.

However, Akoya pearls are well suited to the slender figure of Japanese people, and are just as popular as South Sea pearls. Although South Sea pearls have higher material value, it is the owner who decides the value of a pearl, so choose the one you like.

What is the highest grade of pearl?

There are no clear evaluation standards for pearls, including South Sea pearls. Diamonds have the GIA (an international evaluation standard established by the Gemological Institute of America), but there is currently no such standard for pearls.

For this reason, in Japan, the Pearl General Research Institute and the Pearl Science Institute are the ones that set their own standards and evaluate each individual pearl.

At the Pearl Science Institute , particularly high-quality pearls are given the ranks of "Hanadama," "Aurora Hanadama," and "Aurora Tennyo," and are treated as highly valuable pearls.

The conditions for Aurora Hanadama are strict, such as the fact that it must be an Akoya pearl with a thickness of 0.4mm or more and a size of 6mm or more.

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Summary: White South Sea pearls are attractive pearls known as the "Queen of Pearls"!

South Sea pearls are known as the "Queen of Pearls" for their beauty and have fascinated many people. Their soft shine has a brightness similar to that of tropical seas, and you can enjoy a different brilliance from Akoya pearls.

The size of these pearls makes them stand out, allowing you to enjoy fashion that makes pearls the centerpiece.

If you are looking for jewelry that gives off a strong shine, we recommend white South Sea pearl accessories. If you choose the color based on the clothes you already have or your personal color, you can use it in any situation and it will be a great ally in your coordination.

Please come and experience the beauty of high-quality white South Sea pearls.

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What are South Sea pearls? A comprehensive explanation of their basic characteristics, how to choose them for different purposes, and how to care for them.

What are South Sea pearls? Basic information you should know