South Sea pearls: the largest and most precious cultured pearls

Large golden South Sea pearl — the queen of cultured pearls

The "queen of pearls" — unmatched size, exceptionally thick nacre, uniquely soft lustre.

Golden and white South Sea pearls 14mm with satiny lustre

Geographic origin

Northern Australia to Philippines, through Indonesia and Myanmar. Australia (Broome, Kimberley) is the most prestigious producer.

Pinctada maxima

Up to 30 cm, several kilograms. Silver-lipped: white/cream/silver pearls. Gold-lipped: champagne to deep gold — the rarest. 2-5 years cultivation.

Distinctive characteristics

Size: 9-20 mm, average 12-14 mm. Nacre: 2-6 mm thick (vs 0.3-0.5 mm for Akoya). Lustre: satiny, silky. Colours: pure white, cream, silver, champagne, gold.

South Sea pearls: white, champagne and gold showing size range and satiny lustre

Why golden pearls are the most expensive

True "deep gold" pearls are a tiny fraction of production. A pair of 13 mm deep gold round pearls is one of the rarest gems available.

In jewellery

A single 14 mm pearl on a fine 18k white gold chain — rare elegance, more striking than an ornate jewel.

South Sea pearls: white, champagne and deep gold colour spectrum

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