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Varieties - Types of cultures pearls

Freshwater pearls - Originating in lakes, rivers and streams, these pearls are generally "baroque" of freeform in shape and come in a multitude of colors, sizes and shapes. China is the largest producer of these pearls. The united States also produces many freshwater pearls. An important high quality producer in the past was Lake Biwa in Japan.

Three-Quarter pearls - These are cultured pearls that are flat on one side and are ideally suited for earrings, pendants and rings. Since they are not round, they are much more affordable and are set such that the client has the full benefit of a much larger appearing pearl.

Mabe pearls - The fashionable and affordable larger-sized assembled pearl product is constructed from a blister pearl (resembling an egg-shell) harvested from the magnificent mabe, or butterfly-shaped shell. This blister pearl is attached to a flat base of mother-of-pearl and filled with a solid mother-of-pearl bead and a special bonding agent. The final result is flat back perfect for earrings and pendants. Mabe pearls offer a fashion-forward look in a larger size of a very economical price.

Japanese pearls - Much of the world's round cultured pearls under 10mm are harvested in Japan. These pearls are typically white, light cream, silver-gray and rarely pink in color. Japanese pearls are known for their smooth texture and high luster.

South Seas pearls - A marvelous array of larger cultured pearls, usually over 10mm, from rounds to drop shapes, barrels, rosebuds and symmetrical shapes in a variety of colors are produced. Black pearls are cultured in Tahitian oysters. Other species of shell typically produce cram colors and more rarely white and silver-grey shades. Considering the extreme rarity of South Seas oysters and the older ages of the oysters at nucleation, the largest, finest strands of these pearls may take years to assemble, the pearls matched from among thousands of beads. These strands can command from tens of thousands up to over million dollars value.