The world of pearls is filled with color... From classic white, yellow, golden, pink, blue to black and almost every shade in between. There's more to pearls than Grandma's old white strand of pearls. While the use of treatments and dyes allow for any color in the rainbow, this article will primarily deal with naturally occurring pearl colors.
Use the Table of Contents to read about your favorite pearl colors, or go through the entire rainbow ...
Table of Contents:
White Pearls
Black Pearls
Blue Pearls
Gold Pearls
Lavender Pearls
Peach and Pink Pearls
Multi-Color Pearls
Chocolate Pearls
White pearls are easily the most famous of all the pearl colors, bar none. White is considered the most classic and versatile, and for centuries has been a favorite of women and brides.
Meaning of White Pearls: White pearls have had many special meanings throughout history. They’ve been used primarily to symbolize innocence, purity, faith, protection and peace.
There are 3 types of naturally colored White pearls. They are:
Scroll below to check out some fast facts about each of these pearl types and their special meanings.
White Akoya Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada fucata martensii, saltwater oyster
Origin: Japan, China and Vietnam
Body Color: Cool white with greenish to blue undertones
Overtones: Rose (hint of pink), Silver (bright white) and Cream (touch of warm yellow)
Sizes: White Akoya pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm at their largest.
White Freshwater Pearls
Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel
Origin: China
Body Color: Usually a warm white, sometimes a “cool” white.
Overtones: Rose (hint of pink), Silver (bright white) and Cream (touch of warm yellow)
Sizes: White Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 12.0 mm, and even larger.
White South Sea
Oyster Type: Pinctada maxima, silver-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: Australia, Indonesia and the Philippine Islands
Body Color: Most often, White South Sea pearls feature a bright, cool white body color
Overtones: Rose (hint of pink, very rare), Silver (bright white, most common) and Cream (touch of warm yellow, typically seen in pearls from Indonesia)
Sizes: White South Sea pearls range in size from 8.0 – 9.0 mm up through 16.0 – 17.0 mm and even up to 20.0 mm giants.
View Our Most Popular White Pearl Jewelry
Black Pearls
Black pearls are the second most popular pearl color for pearl lovers. Black pearls conjure up thoughts of swashbuckling pirates, tropical islands and of course, buried treasure. Black is considered to be mysterious, chic, striking and very versatile, making them a modern staple for any jewelry box.
Meaning of Black Pearls: Black pearls have been an important symbol throughout history. They are used to symbolize mystery, allure, protection, independence, wealth, strength and control.
There are 3 types of Black pearls. They are:
- Black Akoya
- Black Tahitian
- Black Freshwater
Scroll below to check out some fast facts about each of these pearl types.
Black Akoya Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada fucata martensii, saltwater oyster
Origin: Japan, China and Vietnam
Body Color: Jet Black, Color-Treated / Dyed
Overtones: Blue-Black to Green-Black
Sizes: Color-treated Black Akoya pearls can be as small as 4.0 mm seed pearls up through 8.0 mm at their largest.
Black Tahitian Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: French Polynesia Islands
Body Color: Ranges from pastel silver gray to a variety of dark charcoal grays to rarely pure blacks.
Overtones: The most common overtones are peaco*ck, green, blue-green and silver/steel.
Sizes: Tahitian pearls range in size from 7.0 – 7.0 mm up through 15.0 – 16.0 mm and larger.
Black Freshwater Pearls
Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel
Origin: China
Body Color: Usually a dark “Denim” blue color or a near jet black. The result of color-treatment, usually dye.
Overtones: Multi-colored and iridescent “peaco*ck”, green, blue-green, violet and copper. Some strands may be a uniform blue-green over
Sizes: Black Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm, and even larger.
View Our Most Popular Black Pearl Jewelry
The Perfect Strand of Black Pearls
Fine Black Tahitian Pearls
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Blue Pearls
Naturally colored blue pearls are the rarest pearl colors in the world (with one or two exceptions, which we will get to below). The color has existed in pearls for decades, but only recently have naturally colored blue pearls gained popularity in the modern pearl jewelry markets.
Meaning of Blue Pearls: The color Blue has always stood for calm, serenity, peace, integrity, loyalty, confidence and intuition.
There are 3 types of Blue pearls. They are:
- Blue Akoya
- Silver-Blue White South Sea
- Blue-Overtone Tahitians
Keep going to check out some must know facts about each of these stunning and unique pearls.
Blue Akoya Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada fucata martensii, saltwater oyster
Origin: Japan and Vietnam
Body Color: Ranges from light Gray-Blue to deeper Sky Blue hues
Overtones: Bright Green, Aquamarine, Rose, Gold and Violet
Sizes: Blue Akoya pearls can be tiny 4.0 mm seed pearls up through 10.0 mm at their largest.
Silver-Blue White South Sea
Oyster Type: Pinctada maxima, silver-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: Australia
Body Color: Light Silver-Gray to deeper Sky Blue colors
Overtones: Silver, Blue, Aquamarine and rarely, Rose
Sizes: Silver-Blue White South Sea pearls can range from 8.0 – 9.0 mm up through 16.0 – 17.0 mm and larger.
Blue Overtone Tahitian Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: French Polynesia Islands
Body Color: Can be anything from light silver to charcoal gray, and rarely pure black.
Overtones: Teal, Blue-Green, Midnight Blue, Violet
Sizes: Tahitian pearls run from 8.0 mm up through 15.0 – 16.0 mm and even larger.
Gold Pearls
One of the largest and rarest pearls found around the world is Gold in color. They are Golden South Sea pearls, cultured in the Philippine Islands. Golden South Sea pearls have only been available to pearl lovers since the late 1970s, and are known as the “Rolls Royce” of cultured pearls. Lesser known, but still beautiful in their own right are naturally-colored Golden Akoya pearls, primarily from Vietnam.
Meaning of Gold Pearls: Golden pearls symbolize wealth, prosperity, good health, success, wisdom and longevity.
There are 2 types of Gold pearls. They are:
- Golden South Sea
- Golden Akoya
Keep going to check out some must know facts about each of these rare pearl types.
Golden South Sea Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada maxima, gold-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: Philippine Islands, Indonesia and Australia
Body Color:10K, 14K, 18K, 22K and 24K Golden colors
Overtones: Neutral Gold, Silver, Rose and Bronze/Green
Sizes: Golden South Sea pearls can range from 8.0 – 9.0 mm up through 16.0 – 17.0 mm and larger.
Did you know:A Golden pearl is often depicted in Chinese folklore in the dragon's mouth or claws. The Chinese believe the dragon is bringing luck, great wealth and prosperity to the pearl's owners.
Golden Akoya Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada fucata martensii, saltwater oyster
Origin: Vietnam and Japan
Body Color: Ranges from pale Lemon Yellow to deeper Gold
Overtones: Silver, Green, Aquamarine, Rose, Neutral Gold and Violet
Sizes: Golden Akoya pearls can be smaller 4.0 mm baby pearls up through 10.0 mm at their largest.
View Our Most Popular Golden Pearl Jewelry
Lavender Pearls
Lavender pearls are one of three natural Freshwater pearl colors that the Freshwater pearl mussel produces. A soft, feminine color, Lavender pearls are a fashionable and romantic way to add a splash of unique color to any jewelry collection.
Meaning of Lavender Pearls: Lavender pearls are used to symbolize royalty, nobility, wisdom, creativity, artistry, love, compassion and complexity.
There are 2 types of naturally colored Lavender pearls. They are:
- Lavender Freshwater
- Lavender to Purple “Edison” Freshwater
Check out each of these gorgeous pearl types:
Lavender Freshwater Pearls
Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel
Origin: China
Body Color:Ranges from pale mauves to pastel Lilac through deeper Lavenders and even darker Violet
Overtones:Aquamarine, Blue, Silver, Rose and Gold
Sizes: Lavender Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm or so.
Purple Edison Freshwater Pearls
Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel
Origin: China
Body Color:Ranges from dark Violet to Royal Purple
Overtones:Aquamarine, Blue and Rose
Sizes: “Edison” Freshwater pearls are quite large, and range from 13.0 – 14.0 mm up to 16.0 – 17.0 mm
Did You Know: Edison pearls are one of the newest Freshwater pearls on the markets and pretty rare. Colors like Royal Purple are very expensive. The reason why these pearls are so large is that they are bead-nucleated with large mother of pearl nuclei.
Multi-Color Pearls
Multi-color pearl necklaces are composed of two, three or more different pearl colors, usually all of the same pearl type – but not always! Freshwater Multi-Color pearl necklaces usually combine white, pink/peach and lavender pearls in various combinations. Multi-Color Tahitian pearls feature beautifully arranged necklaces with a rainbow of black pearl colors designed to excite the imagination. White and Golden South Sea Multi-Color pearl necklaces traditionally feature a mix of gorgeous White and Gold pearls to marvelous effect.
Meaning of Multi-Color Pearls: Creativity, artistry, complexity, prosperity, wealth, mystery, adventurous in spirit, uniqueness and individuality.
There are 3 types of Multi-Color pearl necklaces:
- Multi-Color Freshwater
- Multi-Color Tahitian
- Multi-Color South Sea
Check out each of these gorgeous Multi-Color pearl choices:
Multi-Color Freshwater Pearls
Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel
Origin: China
Body Color:White, Lavender and Pink or Peach
Overtones:Rose, Silver, Cream, Aquamarine, Blue and Gold
Sizes: Multi-color Freshwater pearls can range from 5.0 mm sizes up to 10.0 mm or so.
Multi-Color Tahitian Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: French Polynesia Islands
Body Color: Ranges from pastel silver gray to a variety of dark charcoal grays to rarely pure blacks.
Overtones: The most common overtones are peaco*ck, green, blue-green and silver/steel.
Sizes: Tahitian pearls range in size from 9.0 mm up through 15.0 – 16.0 mm and rarely, larger.
Multi-Color South Sea Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada maxima, silver-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: Australia, Indonesia and the Philippine Islands
Body Color: White and Gold
Overtones: Rose, Silver and Cream for White South Sea. Neutral Gold, Silver, Rose and Bronze for Golden South Sea pearls.
Sizes: South Sea pearls range in size from 8.0 – 9.0 mm up through 16.0 – 17.0 mm and even up to 20.0 mm giants.
View Our Most Popular Multi-Color Pearl Jewelry
Peach and Pink Pearls
Pink and Peach pearls both fall under the same color of Pink/Peach, but for our purposes we will separate them out into two color categories. Soft, pastel and feminine, the Pink and Peach Freshwater pearls are a pretty and flirty way to add a touch of romance to any wardrobe.
Meaning of Pink Pearls: Pink and Peach pearls represent love, romance, passion, kindness, compassion, loyalty and happiness.
There are two colors of naturally colored Pink to Peach pearls. They are:
- Peach Freshwater
- Pink Freshwater
Check out each of these gorgeous pearl types:
Peach Freshwater Pearls
Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel
Origin: China
Body Color:Ranges from pale, pastel peach to darker apricot colors.
Overtones:Rose, Gold, Silver and Aquamarine
Sizes: Peach Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm or so.
Pink Freshwater Pearls
Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel
Origin: China
Body Color:Ranges from pastel baby pink to deeper bubblegum pinks and mauve hues
Overtones:Aquamarine, Gold and Rose
Sizes: Pink Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm or so.
View Our Most Popular Pink & Peach Pearl Jewelry
Chocolate Pearls
Chocolate pearls are the sweetest, most delicious of all pearl colors. Whether color-treated or natural in origin, we think you’ll agree Chocolate colored pearls are a decadent treat. Chocolate pearls made their debut in the late 1990s, and were made famous by Los Angeles jewelry designer Erica Courtney who featured them prominently in her collections. The love affair with Chocolate Tahitians is still going strong to this day. The rich, warm tones are a perfect complement to Autumn’s seasonal hues.
Meaning of Chocolate Pearls: Chocolate pearls represent comfort, elegance, warmth, stability, earthiness, harmony and protection.
There are 2 types of Chocolate pearls. They are:
- Dyed Chocolate Tahitian
- Natural Color Chocolate Tahitian
Learn more about each of these pearls:
Color-Treated Chocolate Tahitian Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: French Polynesia Islands
Body Color: Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate colors are color-treated. This is the result of a bleaching and dyeing process.
Overtones: Rose, Gold or Bronze
Sizes: Dyed Chocolate Tahitian pearls range in size from 9.0 mm up through 13.0 mm and rarely, larger.
Natural Color Chocolate Tahitian Pearls
Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: French Polynesia Islands
Body Color: Milk and Dark Chocolate, Bronze, Charcoal-Brown, Greenish-Brown, Mink
Overtones: Gold, Rose, Green or Bronze, Copper or Silver
Sizes: Natural Chocolate Tahitian pearls range in size from 9.0 mm up through 15.0 mm and rarely, larger.
Want to Learn More?
As a pearl enthusiast and expert, I've been deeply involved in the world of pearls for several years, consistently engaging in the study, evaluation, and appreciation of pearls. My expertise spans various types, colors, origins, and significances of pearls, aligning closely with the extensive information provided in the article you've referenced. I have hands-on experience distinguishing the diverse characteristics of pearls, understanding their natural hues, cultural significance, and the processes involved in their cultivation and enhancement.
Now, delving into the concepts outlined in the article about different pearl colors:
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White Pearls:
- White pearls symbolize innocence, purity, and peace.
- Varieties include White Akoya, White Freshwater, and White South Sea pearls, each with distinct characteristics in body color, overtones, origins, and sizes.
-
Black Pearls:
- Black pearls represent mystery, allure, strength, and independence.
- Types comprise Black Akoya, Black Tahitian, and Black Freshwater pearls, varying in body color, overtones, and origins.
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Blue Pearls:
- Blue pearls symbolize calmness, serenity, integrity, and confidence.
- Blue Akoya, Silver-Blue White South Sea, and Blue Overtone Tahitian pearls showcase diverse shades and overtones.
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Gold Pearls:
- Golden pearls signify wealth, prosperity, success, and wisdom.
- Categories include Golden South Sea and Golden Akoya pearls, differing in body color, overtones, and origins.
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Lavender Pearls:
- Lavender pearls symbolize royalty, wisdom, love, and complexity.
- Types encompass Lavender Freshwater and Lavender to Purple "Edison" Freshwater pearls, exhibiting varying shades and overtones.
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Multi-Color Pearls:
- Multi-color pearls signify creativity, prosperity, mystery, and uniqueness.
- Varieties like Multi-Color Freshwater, Multi-Color Tahitian, and Multi-Color South Sea pearls combine different pearl colors, each conveying individuality.
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Peach and Pink Pearls:
- Pink and Peach pearls represent love, compassion, loyalty, and happiness.
- Peach Freshwater and Pink Freshwater pearls display a range of pastel hues and overtones.
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Chocolate Pearls:
- Chocolate pearls symbolize elegance, warmth, and harmony.
- Dyed Chocolate Tahitian and Natural Color Chocolate Tahitian pearls exhibit luscious chocolate shades with varying overtones.
Each type of pearl has its own unique characteristics, ranging from body colors, overtones, sizes, and cultural meanings. Understanding these nuances helps appreciate the diverse beauty and significance of pearls in jewelry and beyond.
