Akoya pearls

• This Japanese top classic, with a diameter of between 2 and 9 mm, usually features on necklaces and jewels.
  
  
• Although the Akoya oyster is cultivated in China as well, the Chinese variety does not match the brilliance of the Japanese equivalent.

White South Sea pearls

• These pearls, usually in the range of 9 to 16 mm, can exceptionally reach 20 mm.
  
  
• They are cultivated in Australia, Indonesia and Myanmar. South Sea pearls have shades of colours from gold to light yellow and from white to silver.
  

Black South Sea Pearls – Tahiti pearls

• Mainly originating from French Polynesia.
  
  
• These pearls cover a colour range from light grey through blue, green, aubergine and bronze to deep black.
  
  

Keshi pearls

• This is a by-product of the cultivation of Akoya and South Sea pearls.
  
  
• Coreless, these pearls usually exhibit irregular shapes.

Mabe pearls

• Also called half-pearls, the Mabes grow outside the oyster flesh, on the inside of the oyster.
  
  
• They are cultivated in Japan, Indonesia and Australia. Because of their flat back they usually feature on rings and earrings.
  

Freshwater pearls

• From Japan, China and the U.S.A.
  
  
• Generally this variety has less brilliance than saltwater pearls, but their lower price, their unique shapes and colours are much beloved by trendy jewellery designers.
  
  
• Freshwater pearls cultivated in the Japanese Biwa lake have a higher quality, because of their smoother surface and higher brilliance.