South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are the largest type of cultured pearls. This strand of golden South Sea pearls belonging to GIA's collection range from 13.1 to 14.5 mm, but these pearls can grow up to 20 mm in size.
Cultured in warmer waters, South Sea pearls grow inside the Pinctada Maxima mollusk. Their most common colors are white, silver, and yellow, influenced by the mollusk species and the color of the shell’s interior, as well as water environment and the nutrients available during formation.
Unlike the smaller akoya pearls which have mirror-like sheens, South Sea pearls have a satin-like luster. Colder temperatures cause pearls to grow at a slower pace but have higher luster, while warmer temperatures speed up pearl growth but result in a more satin-like luster.
Cultured in warmer waters, South Sea pearls grow inside the Pinctada Maxima mollusk. Their most common colors are white, silver, and yellow, influenced by the mollusk species and the color of the shell’s interior, as well as water environment and the nutrients available during formation.
Unlike the smaller akoya pearls which have mirror-like sheens, South Sea pearls have a satin-like luster. Colder temperatures cause pearls to grow at a slower pace but have higher luster, while warmer temperatures speed up pearl growth but result in a more satin-like luster.