South Sea Pearls Meaning
South Sea pearls are predominantly about 13.0 mm in diameter and are procured from the Pinctada Maxima oysters. The golden-lipped oyster produces golden pearls (yellow to yellowish-orange) whereas the silver-lipped oyster produces white pearls (white to creamy). South Sea pearls tend to glow from within instead of reflecting from the surface, the reason being that the denser coats of nacre in South Sea pearls produce more of a silky radiance.
South Sea pearls are farmed mostly in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Burma (Myanmar), and Thailand, with the Australian South Sea Pearls being the majority of the harvest (60%).
Also Read: Black Pearl , White Pearl , Golden Pearl and Cultured Pearl
South Sea Pearls Quality
South Sea Pearls’ quality is judged on the basis of their Shape, Clarity, and Luster. Based on these factors they are given specific grading. These gradings are AAA, AA, and A, with AAA being of the highest quality.
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Shape
: AAA grade authentic South sea Pearl usually appears round or has a spherical contour when looked at with the naked eye. AA grade south sea pearls generally exhibit surface blemishes that distort the roundness of the shape slightly. A grade south sea pearls are very visibly off-round, possessing unique baroque shapes. -
Clarity
: AAA grade natural south sea pearl exhibits superior clarity due to zero to minimum visible surface blemishes or cracks. AA grade south sea pearls possess slight surface defects that affect the clarity whereas A grade south sea pearls exhibit high amounts of surface defects in the form of cracks or blemishes. -
Luster
: AAA grade genuine south sea pearls showcase brilliant luster and shine while AA grade pearls possess medium luster and A grade pearls have very little to no luster at all.
South Sea Pearls Colors
The overtone of the South Sea pearl is ordinarily less visible than the body tone. White and golden South Sea pearls are the two main color variants. However, there exist other varieties such as the black South Sea pearl, pink South Sea pearl, yellow South Sea pearl, blue South Sea pearl, and grey South Sea pearl. South Sea Pearl's most prominent features are their unique color and they serve as the most valuable pearls in the business.
South Sea Pearl Jewelry
South Sea pearls are popularly used for jewelry due to their superior color, clarity, and luster. Some famous jewelry ornaments include South Sea pearl earrings, South Sea pearl necklaces, South Sea pearl rings, South Sea pearl pendants, and South Sea pearl bracelets. Some jewelers also prefer using irregularly shaped pearls (baroque) for jewelry. South Sea baroque pearl necklace, rings, pendants, and bracelets are also in demand these days.
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South Sea Pearl Ring
: One is sure to fall in love with the large and lustrous South Sea pearl ring. The magnificent satin shine of the pearl is sure to grab everyone’s attention and when worn with precious metals such as gold and silver, its beauty is unmatched! -
South Sea Pearl Pendant
: South Sea pearl pendants are nothing less than a fashion statement. The unique color of the pearl is truly visible when worn as a pendant. In addition to this, these pearl pendants go well with almost all sorts of clothing styles. -
South Sea Pearl Bracelet
: South Sea pearl bracelets come in various fashions and can be rocked at every occasion! Moreover, both white and golden South Sea pearls can be used in combination when worn as a bracelet. Making sure that it grabs everyone’s sight.
South Sea Pearls Price
South sea pearls price per carat ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 5,000 per carat Plus. A bunch of deciding factors is responsible for the South Sea pearls value. These include Color, Shape, Luster, Carat Weight, and Treatment. The Australian South Sea Pearls price in India is higher than the South China Sea Pearls price due to the higher quality of Australian South Sea Pearls.
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Color
: South Sea pearls exhibiting superior color (golden or white) are sold at higher prices. Generally, the golden South Sea pearls price, as well as the white sea pearls price remains higher than the black South Sea pearls price. -
Shape
: It is very hard to find a perfectly round South Sea pearl. Therefore, the rounder the pearl, the more valuable it becomes. The distorted, pear or baroque-shaped Pearls are more easily available and relatively cheaper. -
Luster
: Generally, the fewer and smaller are the number of imperfections, the more valuable is the South Sea pearl. Due to its organic formation, minor flaws don’t create a significant price difference. South Sea pearls with brilliant luster earn a higher value whereas dull and milky ones earn a lesser South Sea moti price. -
Carat Weight
: Size bears a huge impact on the South Sea pearl price per carat. Large-size pearls are more expensive than similar smaller pearl because they take a longer time in its formation. Hence, the larger the pearl, the higher the South Sea pearl cost. -
Treatment
: The chemically treated, bleached, or coated South Sea pearls are inexpensive and bear no value. These are usually recommended for making imitation jewelry and fashion accessories.