All The Different Types Of Pearls You Need To Know

Akoya

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

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

Abalone

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

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

Golden South Sea

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

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

White South Sea

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

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

Black

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

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

Melo

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

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

Conch

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

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls

Baroque

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

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These Are All the Different Types of Pearls