Akoya vs Freshwater vs Tahitian vs South Sea Pearls: Which to Buy
Short answer: choose Akoya for the classic white, mirror-bright strand; Freshwater for the best value and the widest choice of colours and shapes; Tahitian for naturally dark pearls with green, peacock or grey overtones; and South Sea for the largest pearls, in white or natural gold.
The four pearl types at a glance
| Akoya | Freshwater | Tahitian | South Sea | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grown in | Saltwater, Japan | Freshwater lakes and rivers, China | Saltwater, French Polynesia | Saltwater, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines |
| Sizes we carry | 5–11mm | 3–17mm | 8–15mm | 7–19mm |
| Natural colours | White with rose or silver overtone; also black | White, pink, lavender, multicolour | Black, grey, green, peacock, aubergine | White, silver, cream, gold |
| Luster | Sharpest, mirror-like | Soft to very high | Metallic, high | Deep, satiny glow |
| Typical shape | Perfectly round | Round to baroque | Round, drop, baroque | Round, drop, baroque |
| Our necklaces from | $140 | $70 | $150 | Pendants from $70 |
| Best for | Brides, classic first strand, 30th anniversary | Everyday wear, gifts on a budget, colour | A modern, distinctive look | A once-in-a-lifetime statement piece |
Akoya pearls
Akoya pearls are the classic white pearls most people picture. They are grown in Japan, are almost always perfectly round, and have the sharpest, most reflective luster of any pearl. Our Akoya pearls range from 5mm to 11mm, with 7–7.5mm being the most popular size for a first strand.
Pros
- Brightest, most mirror-like luster
- Very round and closely matched, so a strand looks uniform
- The traditional choice for weddings and formal wear
Cons
- Smaller than Tahitian and South Sea pearls; rarely above 10mm
- Costs more than Freshwater at the same size
Shop Akoya pearls · Hanadama-certified Akoya
Freshwater pearls
Freshwater pearls are grown in mussels in lakes and rivers. Each mussel can grow many pearls at once, so Freshwater pearls offer the best value. They also come in the widest range of sizes (3mm to 17mm in our collection), shapes and natural colours, including pink and lavender. Today's top-grade Freshwater pearls can look very close to Akoya.
Pros
- Best value: our Freshwater necklaces start at $70
- Natural pastel colours without dye
- Thick nacre, so they wear well every day
Cons
- Softer luster than Akoya at lower grades
- Perfectly round Freshwater pearls are rarer
Tahitian pearls
Tahitian pearls are grown in the black-lip oyster in French Polynesia. They are the only pearls that are naturally dark, in shades from silver-grey to deep black, often with green, peacock or aubergine overtones. Our Tahitian pearls range from 8mm to 15mm.
Pros
- Natural dark colour that suits a modern look and many skin tones
- Larger sizes than Akoya
- A good choice for men's and unisex pieces
Cons
- Colour varies from pearl to pearl, so strands take longer to match
- Less traditional for bridal wear
South Sea pearls
South Sea pearls are the largest and rarest cultured pearls. They grow in the white-lip and gold-lip oyster, which produce white and natural golden pearls. Our South Sea pearls range from 7mm up to 19mm and have a deep, satiny glow rather than a sharp mirror shine.
Pros
- Largest sizes available
- Thick nacre and a soft, luxurious glow
- Natural gold colour found in no other pearl
Cons
- Highest price, especially for full strands
- Large sizes can feel heavy for everyday wear
Which pearl type should I choose?
- For a bride: Akoya, 7–8mm, 16–18 inches.
- For a first strand on a budget: AAA Freshwater, 7–8mm.
- For a 30th (pearl) anniversary: Akoya or South Sea.
- For someone who wears mostly black or silver: Tahitian.
- For a statement piece that becomes an heirloom: South Sea.
Frequently asked questions
Which pearl type is the most valuable?
South Sea pearls are usually the most valuable because of their size and rarity, followed by Tahitian and Akoya. Within any type, a higher grade, larger size and better matching raise the price.
Are Freshwater pearls real pearls?
Yes. Freshwater pearls are real cultured pearls, grown by a living mollusk just like Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls. Every Premium Pearl order includes a certificate of authenticity.
Which pearls are best for everyday wear?
Freshwater pearls, because they are almost solid nacre and very durable. Akoya pearls are also fine for daily wear with normal care.
What do pearl grades like AA+ and AAA mean?
Grades describe luster, surface and shape. AAA is our highest standard grade, with very high luster and a clean surface. See our FAQ for the full grading guide.
Not sure which is right for you? Call our pearl specialists at 1-800-801-3280 (Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm PST) or email info@premiumpearl.com. The people who grade the pearls answer the phone.