Why Golden South Sea Pearls are Pure Luxury

There are gorgeous cultured pearls, and then there are Golden South Sea pearls. These pearls are large, lustrous and rare, making them among the most valuable of all pearl types.

Golden South Sea pearls have a unique perfect look to them and it’s amazing to think that these are organic, natural pearls created by oysters and not by humans in a lab.

Let’s take a look at why Golden South Sea pearls are pure luxury and how you can add them to your jewelry collection.

How Do Golden South Sea Pearls Get Their Color?

Golden South Sea pearls are produced from the Gold-lipped oyster, which has beautiful, iridescent golden nacre on the interior of the shell. As the pearl is formed, it absorbs the color from this nacre which gives it the stunning golden hue.

The intensity of the pearl’s color is dependent on the proximity of the pearl to the golden lining on the shell. The best Golden South Sea color is deep gold, also called 24K or yellow gold. Lighter hues such as champagne, cream and yellow are not as valuable as deep gold pearls but are also beautiful in their own way. Some golden pearls have a rosy overtone which gives the pearl a soft blush.

Where Do Golden South Sea Pearls Come From?

The South Sea pearls come from Australia, Philippines and Indonesia. Most golden pearls come from the Philippines or Indonesia, while Australia is famous for the white variety.

Here’s a piece of trivia: The national gemstone of the Philippines is the South Sea pearl, also known as the Philippine Pearl.

Types of Golden South Sea Pearl Jewelry

Because of how large and eye-catching these pearls are, even a single Golden South Sea pearl expertly set in jewelry can be a showstopper. A perfectly crafted pendant, a pair of dangle earrings, golden pearl studs or a golden pearl ring are some excellent options.

A little goes a long way with Golden South Sea pearls.

However, if you have the budget and want to make a statement, a strand of Golden South Sea pearls will do the trick. However, the price of Golden South Sea pearls isn’t within everyone’s budget. Be prepared to shell out some serious cash, as a 16 to 18-inch strand like the one below will set you back around $25,000.

Golden South Sea strand from Blue Nile. See it here.

Golden South Sea pearls are best matched with yellow gold metals and are frequently paired with diamond melees. The brilliant sparkle of the diamonds contrasts with the lustrous golden hue of the pearl to create an unmatchable look of pure luxury.

Golden South Sea Pearls vs. Other Types of Pearls

Golden South Sea pearls are among the most expensive of all pearl types. They’re the Rolls Royce of pearls, known for their stunning color and large sizes.

Here are the main differences between these pearls and other types:

1- Longest Growth Period

Golden South Sea pearls take up to 5 years to grow, which is the longest for any cultured pearl. In contrast, freshwater pearls only take up to 6 months while Akoya and Tahitian take under 2 years to grow. This longer period is why South Sea pearls grow to such large sizes that set them apart from other pearls.

2- Larger Sizes

Golden South Sea pearls typically range in size from 8mm to 12mm, but some can grow up to 20mm, which is massive for a pearl.  Only the South Sea pearls grow to this range. Akoya pearls tend to be under the 8mm size, while Tahitian pearls range from 8mm to about 18mm.

3- Higher Value

Golden South Sea pearls are similar in price to White South Sea but are typically much more expensive than other pearl varieties. There are many reasons for this, one of which is the longer cultivation and extensive labor required to culture these pearls. They’re also much rarer and larger which make them highly desirable. All else being equal, a South Sea pearl will command a higher price than other types of pearls.

4- Very Rare

South Sea pearls are very rare, compared to other pearl types, except the Sea of Cortez pearls which are the rarest of all cultured pearl varieties. To put this into perspective, it took one jewelry company 37 years to find 35 perfectly matching Golden South Sea pearls to create a strand of exceptional quality. The end result is a pearl necklace with pearls of unmatchable luster, color and size.

Should I Buy Golden South Sea Pearls?

Sofia Vergara looking stunning in golden pearls. Source

Golden South Sea pearls are unique, luxurious and sophisticated, ideal for any occasion. They have a royal, red carpet look to them and are quite prestigious. Here’s why they’re perfect for anyone.

1. The colors of golden pearls match any skin tone, which makes it easy to style and wear. They’re especially flattering on complexions with warm undertones and olive to dark skin.
2. Their rarity and value may make them a good investment and one that continues to grow in worth.
3. Golden pearls are heirloom quality and can be kept for decades to be passed down to the next generation.
4. A single golden pearl can still be the focal piece of your ensemble if an entire strand isn’t in your budget.
5. They’re traditional but avant-garde, offering a twist on the way pearls are typically worn.
6. The luster, color and size of golden pearls are unmatchable among cultured pearls.
7. They’re pure luxury, prestige and elegance.