South Sea pearls are the finest in the world. They come from many countries and have a wide range of colors while being of the highest grade. Australian, Myanmar (Burmese pearls) and Thai South Sea pearls tend to be mostly silver, white and cream color. Indonesian and Philippine South Sea pearls are primarily off white creamy colors, and they also produce the famous golden pearls. The ones from Japan may also be golden, but are mostly famed for being white.
Why South Sea Pearls are Special
These singular pearls come from the celebrated Pinctada Maxima mollusks or from the Silver Lip Oysters from Tahiti. These crustaceans are famous because they are capable of producing the largest and most prized round pearls which are investment grade. Although South Sea pearls are cultivated in farms, they are still more rare than other varieties, so when it comes to necklaces, the pearls are usually smaller in order to maintain a perfectly uniform size and grade of pearl, however in rings, since they may require only one or two, or a small cluster, the pearls may be larger.
South Sea pearls range in size, starting at 10 mm, and go all the way up to 20 mm, which is massive, considering that the largest akoya pearl will likely never be more than 10 mm. There are baby south sea pearl necklaces, which is a funny term, since they’re not really so ‘baby’ with each pearl measuring 8 mm or 9 mm.
Are Black Tahitian Varieties Categorized as South Sea Pearls?
Yes. Tahitian varieties are also considered South Sea pearls, since Tahiti is in French Polynesia, and the notable black Tahitian pearl is one of the most valuable of all the South Sea varieties.
There are also button and blister pearls and even baroque South Sea varieties, in fact all the same shapes as other kinds, just larger and more valuable.
South Sea pearl jewelry is expensive, bought by collectors and those who value quality above price when selecting engagement and wedding rings or even fashionable cocktail designs.
Mikimoto South Sea Pearl Collection
One of the most outstanding creations available is from the South Sea pearl jewelry Mikimoto collection – it’s a single pearl with diamonds on top in a slender white gold band. Yes it’s exquisite, although it may be beyond most budgets at $48,000.
And to match, there are several delectable pairs of frosted Mikimoto pearl earrings starting at about $5,000, like the modern asymmetrical design, aptly named “Frost”, which incorporates a 9mm white South Sea pearl in each earring, as well as 0.77 carats of white diamonds, all masterfully set into 18k white gold. For exclusive pearl bridal jewelry, it doesn’t get better than Mikimoto. Lucky the lady who walks down the isle with even a single piece of such collectible jewelry.
However, it’s not within everyone’s budget to have frosty white South Sea Mikimoto masterpieces, and that’s why we’ve put together a selection of more affordable South Sea pearl rings, also investment quality, in white, silver, cream and golden south sea pearl jewelry from two companies we recommend: Shecy and Perluna.
South Sea Shecy Pearl Jewelry
We start by recommending the least expensive South Sea pearl ring we could find in the Shecy line with an 11mm AAA grade golden pearl and small accenting diamonds, set in gold for just $392. Next we found a similar design, but without diamonds and a slightly larger pearl for about $470.
However we decided to feature one specific design in a white South Sea Pearl Ring design that is a timeless classic, with a single 12 mm pearl in a simple split shank with very small diamonds. This piece, which sells for about $900 is an excellent pearl engagement ring and could easily be paired with a white gold wedding band or an eternity ring. We believe it offers good value considering the size of the pearl, the grade being the very best, and its luster being the highest with a surface almost 100% free of any blemishes. This ring is investment quality while still being affordable enough to wear.
The second piece we suggest is also a chic classic design, with clean lines and no clutter that could very nicely be a solitaire pearl engagement ring also. It’s about $1500 and although it has no diamonds, the design itself is unique with two bands hanging open in mid air, and the pearl floating delicately above. It’s also a top grade 12 mm South Sea pearl, set in white gold. However, Shecy will customize this ring with whatever precious metal color you prefer. With this ring it’s easy to select accessories, simply by choosing other Australian, round white South Sea pearls to match. Shecy has a variety of delicate pearl pendants and pearl stud earrings that would combine with the ring to make a gorgeous bridal set.
You may also wish to buy the complete set already together to ensure all pieces match perfectly. One option is a pearl jewelry set, which includes a white south sea pearl ring, a set of matching earrings, pendant and chain, all in white (or yellow) gold, accented with genuine diamonds, for just a little over $4,600. The pearls are between 12mm and 14mm. so they’re very large, and all are South Sea AA+ grade, with very high luster and thick nacre, from Australia.
Perluna South Sea Pearls Jewelry
The other online shop that has affordable pearl designs is Perluna.
Their selection is limited, since they specialize in freshwater and akoya pearls, but they have one piece that is worthy of note because it’s so inexpensive. For just $135 you can be wearing a real pearl ring with a genuine South Sea 10mm top grade white pearl, set in 14k white gold.
It’s a classic design, perfect as an engagement ring or affordable enough to be a promise ring.
Pair it with a single-strand pearl bracelet for $60, and a set of pearl drop earrings for $32, and you have a complete wedding set for under $230.
Related posts:
- Cultured Pearl Ring (Part VIII)
- Gold Pearl Ring (Part X)
- White Gold Pearl Ring (Part XI)
- Gray Pearl Ring (Part XVIII)
- Pearl Ring Jewellery (Part XXI)
