Jewels & Watches

All The Different Types Of Pearls You Need To Know

Found in rivers and seas from Scotland to French Polynesia, pearls come in more flavours than you’ll find in a spice rack

August 25, 2016

Among the world’s 8,000 species of mollusk, only about 20 produce pearls. Found in rivers and seas from Scotland to French Polynesia, these shell fish yield gems in more flavours than you’ll find in a spice rack.

From: Town and Country

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https://www.harpersbazaar.com.sg/gallery/pearl-types/

All The Different Types Of Pearls You Need To Know

Akoya

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

The classic white cultured pearl can be found in many a family jewelry box. Photo: Getty

Abalone

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

An iridescent, baroque-shaped natural pearl, from the abalone sea snail. Photo: Getty

Golden South Sea

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

A golden-lipped oyster produces a pearl whose color ranges from champagne to deep yellow; these are rarer than gold. Photo: Getty

White South Sea

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

These satiny pearls come from the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Photo: Getty

Black

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

Closely associated with Tahiti, these treasures were once coveted by Queen Elizabeth I. Photo: Getty

Melo

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

The melo melo sea snail produces this papaya-hued pearl, prized for its flamelike appearance. Photo: Getty

Conch

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

Exceptionally rare pink pearls made of a porcelaneous (non-nacreous) material. Photo: Getty

Baroque

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

Its irregular, non-spherical shape is much sought after by connoisseurs. Photo: Getty

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