Cultured Pearls – Freshwater Pearls, Saltwater Pearls, and Mabe Pearls

The allure and mystique of pearls likely stem from the mystery of their creation. In ancient Greece, it was believed that pearls were formed from the tears of the gods, while in Christian tradition, their birth was seen as a kind of immaculate conception symbolizing purity and closely associated with the Virgin Mary.

However, if we strip away all beliefs and myths, we are left with this simple fact: a mollusk detects an irritant inside its shell. To protect itself from the irritation, it coats the foreign object with layers of nacre, smoothing its surface – and thus, a pearl is born.

Although this rather pragmatic and natural explanation may dispel the supernatural beliefs of the past, it does nothing to diminish the pearl’s allure. Pearls remain a symbol of luxury, on par with gold, caviar, and gemstones. At Aktiv Guld, we offer a wide selection of cultured pearls, including freshwater, saltwater, and Mabe pearls.

Cultured Pearls

Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms, where pearl farmers introduce a small irritant—such as a grain of sand—into the mollusk. The mollusk then forms a pearl around the foreign body. Not all mollusks will produce a pearl, and the quality of the pearls varies. As a result, creating high-quality cultured pearls is a time-consuming and delicate process.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are typically cultivated in rivers, ponds, and lakes—especially in China. Many freshwater pearls are white and closely resemble the classic Akoya saltwater pearl in both size and shape. However, they are also available in various shapes and a wide range of pastel colors.

Most freshwater pearls have no nucleus, only a piece of tissue, which results in a thicker nacre layer compared to Akoya pearls.

Saltwater Pearls

Saltwater pearls are primarily cultivated in oceans and coastal waters in countries such as Japan, Australia, and Tahiti. They are known for their intense luster and deep colors, ranging from classic white and champagne to exotic shades of gold, silver-gray, and black.

Unlike freshwater pearls, saltwater pearls form around a nucleus, giving them a more uniform and round shape. The most well-known saltwater pearls are Akoya pearls, which are primarily cultivated in Japan and are renowned for their classic white color with a beautiful, mirror-like luster. Akoya pearls are typically smaller than other saltwater pearls, usually ranging in size from 5 to 10 mm. Their perfectly round shape and elegant appearance make them particularly popular in timeless jewelry such as pearl necklaces and earrings.

Mabe Pearls

Mabe pearls—also known as half-pearls—form on the inside of the mollusk's shell rather than in the soft tissue, where traditional cultured pearls grow. This results in a hemispherical pearl ranging in size from 12 to 20 mm in diameter.

While Mabe pearls can form naturally in any shelled mollusk, they are primarily cultivated in pearl oysters for commercial production. A Mabe pearl will never be completely round, as one side remains flat from where it was attached to the shell.

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls are cultivated in French Polynesia and are renowned for their naturally dark colors, ranging from black and gray to shades of green, blue, and aubergine. They often exhibit a beautiful metallic luster, giving them an exclusive and sophisticated look. Tahitian pearls are larger than Akoya pearls, typically ranging from 8 to 16 mm in size.

South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls are cultivated in the waters surrounding Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. They are among the largest saltwater pearls, found in shades of white, silver, and gold. Their impressive size—often between 10 and 20 mm—and their soft, silky luster make them some of the most exclusive and sought-after pearls in the world.

At Aktiv Guld, you will find a wide selection of cultured pearls suited for both classic and modern jewelry designs. Whether you are looking for elegant saltwater pearls, exotic Tahitian pearls, or stunning South Sea pearls, we carefully select high-quality pearls in various grades.

If you have any questions about our collection or are searching for a specific type of pearl that you cannot find in our webshop, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect pearls to bring your creative ideas to life.