Based on their growth method, pearls can be divided into natural pearls and cultured pearls. Currently, almost all pearls on the market are cultured pearls. According to national standards, cultured pearls can be directly referred to as pearls. Therefore, when people mention "natural pearls" in the market, they are usually referring to cultured pearls, while pure natural pearls are extremely rare and expensive.
Pearls can be classified based on color, water source, presence of a nucleus, and origin.
1. Classification by Color ✨
A pearl’s color is a combination of body color, overtone, and orient.
Body color: The fundamental color of the pearl, also known as the background color, depends on the type and concentration of trace metal elements and organic pigments (porphyrins) in the pearl. Pearls can be classified into five main color series: white, yellow, red, black, and others (including purple, blue, green, brown, and gray).
Overtone: A secondary hue that appears on the surface of the pearl, often in white, pink, rose, silver-white, or green.
Orient: A shifting, iridescent rainbow-like effect seen on or beneath the pearl’s surface, created by light reflection and interference within the pearl layers.
2. Classification by Water Source ✨
Based on the water they originate from, pearls are divided into freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls.
Saltwater pearls: These pearls are formed inside marine mollusks. Common saltwater pearl-producing mollusks include Akoya oysters, South Sea pearl oysters, Tahitian black-lipped oysters, gold-lipped oysters, silver-lipped oysters, and Pinctada penguin oysters. Additionally, some oysters, sea snails, and conchs can also produce pearls.
Freshwater pearls: These pearls come from freshwater environments such as rivers and lakes, produced by mollusks such as triangle sail mussels, cockscomb pearl mussels, pearl mussels, Cristaria plicata, and Hyriopsis schlegelii.
3. Classification by Presence of a Nucleus ✨
Based on whether a nucleus is present inside the pearl, pearls can be divided into nucleated pearls and non-nucleated pearls.
Nucleated Pearls: These are formed by inserting a round nucleus (usually made from mother-of-pearl) into the mantle tissue of a mollusk. Over time, layers of nacre accumulate around the nucleus, forming the pearl.
Non-Nucleated Pearls: Instead of a solid nucleus, tiny pieces of mantle tissue are implanted into the mollusk, leading to pearl formation. These pearls vary in shape, have a higher yield, and are particularly dominant in freshwater pearl farming.
4. Classification by Origin ✨
Pearls come from various regions, and their names often reflect their place of origin:
Persian Gulf Pearls: Once famous for natural pearls, the Persian Gulf no longer produces pearls.
South Sea Pearls: Found in Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Tahiti.
Nanzhu (Hepu Pearls): Cultivated in Hepu, Guangxi, China.
Akoya Pearls: Primarily from Japan.
Australian Pearls: Originating from Australia.
Bombay Pearls: Sourced from India.
Western Pearls: Found in Europe.
Chinese Freshwater Pearls: Mainly produced in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hunan, and other provinces in China.
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