If you’re a woman who loves splurging on precious gemstones, then you need to know about the South Sea cultured pearl.
One of the most stunning and sought-after gemstones in the world, this natural marvel is ideal for any budget because of its wide range of hues and prices. Additionally, wearing South Sea cultured pearls has a lot of advantages!
To find out more about this magnificent stone, continue reading.
What are South Sea Cultured Pearls, and Where Do They Come From
South Sea cultured pearls belong to the color family of brown gemstones and are indigenous to the South Sea region. The pearls come from oceans around Australia, which is why this region is so close to that continent. The South Sea pearls are some of the largest and most valuable pearls in the world, and they have a beautiful golden hue. These pearls are very uncommon, which is why you’ll often find them in high-end jewelry designs.
There has been a long tradition of pearl farming in the South Sea area, with the earliest South Sea pearl discovery dating back to 1622. The pearls were initially found in the wild but later cultured in the waters off of Australia. The European market for South Sea pearls quickly expanded to include a wide variety of jewelry and other luxury items.
Later, the emergence of cultivated Akoya cultured pearls eclipsed the appeal of South Sea pearls, but by the early 2000s, they had made a comeback.
How Are South Sea Pearls Cultured?
South Sea pearls are cultured in a similar way to Akoya pearls. After the oyster has had a little bead implanted, it will begin to exude nacre around the bead, eventually becoming a pearl. The main difference is the size of the oyster used and the environment in which it is cultured.
South Sea pearls are harvested from Pinctada maxima oysters, a species endemic to the seas near Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These oysters can grow over a foot in length and produce thicker nacre than Akoya oysters.
The Different Colors, Shapes, and Sizes of South Sea Cultured Pearls
There are many different types of South Sea cultured pearls. They come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. The most popular South Sea cultured pearls are the white ones. They are also the most expensive.
South Sea cultured pearls come in a variety of other hues, including silvery white, champagne brown, blue tone, rose pink, and light cream. These pearls can be round, baroque, semi-baroque, or button-shaped. The sizes of South Sea cultured pearls range from 8 mm to 20 mm.
Different oysters cause the different colors of South Sea cultured pearls. The silver-lipped pearl oyster causes the white-silver pearls, while the gold-lipped pearl oyster generates the brown (champagne) pearls. The same goes for the others.
Also See: White Gemstone Names
The Price Range of South Sea Cultured Pearl Gemstones
South Sea cultured pearls are the most expensive type of cultured pearl. They range in price from $500 to $5,000 per carat. They are usually sold by the carat rather than by the piece.
When shopping for loose South Sea cultured pearls or jewelry such as South Sea cultured pearl rings, be sure to compare prices. You can find South Sea cultured pearls at many jewelers, online retailers, and auction sites. Be sure to compare the quality of the pearls before you buy.
The South Sea cultured pearls of the highest quality are the most expensive. But, they are also the most beautiful and rare. So, they are definitely worth the price if you can afford them.
Some Benefits of Wearing a South Sea Cultured Pearl Gemstone
People believe that pearls grown in the South Sea bring good luck and divine blessings. To begin, it is a widely held belief that possessing one will increase your chances of achieving success and happiness. They are also said to promote mental calmness and assist the user in developing a connection with their higher selves.
South Sea cultured pearls are also said to improve imagination and creativity. One last benefit attributed to them is that they act as a shield against potentially toxic forms of energy.
All of these astrological benefits of South Sea cultured pearls make them a great gemstone to wear, regardless of your astrological sign.
How to Maintain Your South Sea Cultured Pearl Jewelry
It’s crucial to maintain your South Sea cultured pearl jewelry, whether it’s taking care of a South Sea cultured pearl ring, necklace, or earrings. Here are some tips on how to keep your pearls looking lustrous and beautiful.
1. Avoid Chemicals
Chemicals can damage the delicate surface of pearls, so it’s best to avoid them. Take off your pearl jewelry before swimming in chlorinated water or applying perfume, lotion, or hairspray.
2. Clean Your Pearls Regularly
After each use, remove any excess dirt or debris by wiping the pearl off with a gentle, moist towel. You can also use a mild pearl cleaning solution, available at most jewelry stores.
3. Store Your Pearls Properly
Keep your pearls out of the sun and in a cool, dry area. A soft cloth or jewelry box is ideal.
4. Have Your Pearls Restrung Periodically
Restringing helps prevent the pearls from rubbing against each other and becoming scratched.
Also See: Freshwater Cultured Pearl Gemstone
Quick Buying Tips for South Sea Cultured Pearl Gemstone
When shopping for a South Sea cultured pearl gemstone, it is essential to keep in mind the “4 Cs.” The “Four Cs” of pearl buying are Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat weight.
- Color: The most critical factor in determining the value of a pearl is its color. The ideal South Sea cultured pearl is white with a slight rose or cream overtone. Pearls with these hues are the rarest and most valuable.
- Clarity: The grading system for pearls ranges from A (perfect) to D (imperfect). Most pearls on the market today are graded B or C, with very few A-quality pearls available.
- Cut: The cut of a South Sea cultured pearl refers to its shape and surface quality. The most famous pearl shapes are round, drop, button, and baroque. Pearls with a smoother surface are more valuable than those with a rough or pitted surface.
- Carat weight: Carats are the standard unit of measurement for a pearl’s weight. Larger South Sea pearls are rare and, therefore, more valuable.
FAQs
No. Organic South Sea pearls also exist. However, the fraction of uncultivated, or natural, South Sea pearls is relatively low. These pearls are scarce and valuable.
The average South Sea pearl is around 10mm in diameter, with the largest pearls reaching up to 20mm.
The most common colors of South Sea pearls are white and gold. However, they also come in a variety of pastel pink, peach, and lavender tones.
Do You Plan to Purchase a Cultured South Sea Pearl?
Whether you’re looking to purchase your first cultured South Sea pearl or add a new chunk to your collection, we hope this guide has been insightful.
We always love hearing about our readers’ experiences with pearls, so let us know in the comments below if you decide to buy one (or more!) of these exquisite gems.
And as always, stay tuned for more jewelry-related content here on the blog.
