Not all pearls look the same.
Some have a soft, creamy glow. Others are beautifully round and bright, while some reveal deep grey, green or peacock colours that seem to change as the light moves.
If you've ever wondered why one pearl necklace looks so different from another, the answer often begins with the type of pearl.
Freshwater, Akoya and Tahitian pearls are all genuine cultured pearls, but they differ in how they are produced, their typical appearance and the character they bring to jewellery.
What are freshwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater mussels.
They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colours, making them particularly interesting for jewellery design.
You can find round and near-round pearls, soft ovals, and irregular baroque forms. Their colours range from white and cream to pinkish and lavender tones, depending on the pearl and how it's produced.
Freshwater pearls are wonderfully versatile. They can look classic and understated in a simple necklace or more individual when paired with natural stones and unusual pearl shapes.
Because they offer so much variety, they are a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary jewellery. Browse our freshwater pearl jewellery to see them in handmade designs.
What are Akoya pearls?
Akoya pearls are cultured saltwater pearls, traditionally associated with Japan.
They are especially well known for their round shapes and bright, reflective lustre. White and cream body colours are common, sometimes with subtle pink, silver, or other overtones.
People often choose Akoya pearls for classic pearl necklaces and elegant earrings. Their relatively uniform shapes can create a beautifully balanced appearance.
If you picture a traditional strand of luminous white pearls, you may be thinking of Akoya pearls.
However, individual pearls still vary in lustre, surface quality, size and colour. Not every Akoya pearl looks identical.
What are Tahitian pearls?
Tahitian pearls are cultured in the black-lipped oyster in French Polynesia.
They are famous for their naturally dark body colours, including charcoal, grey, green, brown, and peacock-like shades.
Although often called black pearls, they aren't all simply black. Some display a remarkable mixture of colours that becomes more noticeable as the pearl moves in the light.
Their darker appearance can create a striking contrast with sterling silver, gold tones and lighter pearls.
For those who love distinctive jewellery, Tahitian pearls offer a beautiful alternative to a traditional white strand.
Which pearls are the most beautiful?
There isn't one correct answer.
Freshwater pearls offer versatility and a broad range of shapes. Akoya pearls are admired for their classic appearance and bright lustre. Tahitian pearls are loved for their darker colours and distinctive overtones.
The best choice depends on what appeals to you and how you want to wear your jewellery.
Do you love timeless elegance? Prefer something a little unusual? Or are you drawn to deep, natural colours?
Your personal style is a much better guide than choosing a pearl simply because it is considered fashionable.
Why do genuine pearls look different from one another?
Pearls form in layers of nacre, and how those layers interact with light shapes their lustre and appearance.
Their shape, surface, colour and overtone all influence how they look.
Even pearls of the same type can differ considerably. These natural variations are part of their character, although pearl quality also depends on factors such as lustre, surface condition and matching.
A pearl doesn't have to be perfectly round to be beautiful. To explore what gives each pearl its individual character in more depth, read our guide to what makes a pearl unique. And if you’re curious about irregular pearl forms, read about what keshi pearls are and why their unusual shapes make them so appealing in jewellery.
Choosing pearls for handmade jewellery
When choosing pearls for a handmade design, I find their individual character particularly interesting.
Some pearls work beautifully together because they share a similar colour and shape. Others are more striking when their differences are allowed to stand out.
At Pearl Art Nature, I work with genuine pearls and natural stones to create individual jewellery pieces that celebrate the materials rather than making every design look the same. You might also enjoy reading how to care for your pearls once you've found your perfect piece.
If you're choosing pearl jewellery, look beyond the name alone. Consider the lustre, shape, colour and overall design, and choose the piece that feels right for you.
Because the most beautiful pearl is often the one you can't resist.