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Akoya vs South Sea: Which Pearl Should You Choose?

By:  Dimple S

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Akoya-Pearl-vs-South-sea-Pearl

Love pearls? If yes, then don’t miss this quick comparative analysis.

Natural vs Cultured Pearls

We’ve pitched two of the world’s most sought-after pearl varieties against each other to help you make an informed choice.

Akoya-vs-Southsea-Pearls

Good to Know

Unlike other gemstones that are found within the crust of the earth, a pearl is born inside a living creature. However, natural pearls are almost extinct, but the demand for this gem continues to rise. For this reason, pearl farms were created.

Almost all of the pearls available today have been painstakingly cultured in different locations across the world.

Verdict

When it comes to Akoya, you can expect a perfect round shape. This feature makes the gem highly sought-after for pearl strands as all of the beads look like a near-perfect match, with little to no variation. In addition to this USP, the surface of a high-quality Akoya pearl is almost 95% clean, which enhances its lustre, luster. As mentioned earlier, the size of this gem typically ranges between 3.0mm to 9.5mm. If this fits your requirement then an Akoya pearl will give you excellent value for money.

Angara

Better | Platinum | 10mm

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Freshwater Pearl Solitaire V-Bale Pendant
Angara

Better | Rose Gold | 10mm

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Freshwater Pearl Spiral Pendant with Diamonds
Angara

Better | Rose Gold | 10mm

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Classic Freshwater Pearl Solitaire Studs
Angara

Better | Rose Gold | 8mm

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Classic Freshwater Pearl Fish Hook Earrings

South Sea pearls, on the other hand, are treasured for having the thickest nacre of all. For the uninitiated, nacre is what gives a pearl its metallic sheen. The average nacre of an Akoya pearl is between 0.35mm to 0.7mm, whereas the nacre of a South Sea pearl measures 2mm to 6mm. This unusual thickness is what gives the South Sea pearl a unique sheen that is often perceived to be soft and captivating. The gold-lipped Pinctada maxima also produces golden South Sea pearls, which have a massive fan-following thanks to their luxurious colour.

All these factors, along with a long cultivation time (2 to 4 years), make South Sea pearls one of the most expensive varieties of cultured pearls available today.

At Angara, you will find the beautiful and lustrous Akoya and South Sea pearls set on rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets in both, classic styles and trendy designs. Our timeless pearl jewellery exudes elegance and luxury that’s fit for every occasion and mood. Feel free to choose your preferred pearl size and quality according to your requirement and budget. Add all your favourite pieces from our Akoya pearl jewellery and South Sea pearl jewellery collections to cart now!

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