If you’re wondering what the best pearls in the world are, it depends on what you consider ‘best’. Do you mean best in terms of value, rarity or prestige? What about the best in uniqueness or the best in traditional pearl looks?
Depending on your view of what constitutes as best, we’ll try to answer this question that can mean different things to different people.
Here are the best pearls in the world for five different categories.
Here’s a quick summary of this article:
- To get the best bang for your buck – Freshwater Pearls
- For the royal look – South Sea Pearls
- To own a rare pearl – Natural/Wild or Sea of Cortez Pearls
- The best classic look – Akoya Pearls
- To look stylishly different – Baroque Pearls
Best Pearls for Value
If best to you means affordable yet of good quality, then without doubt, the higher grades of freshwater pearls should take the lead.
In the past, freshwater pearls played second fiddle to Akoya pearls, but today, there are gem-grade, high-quality freshwater pearls that are stunning in luster, color and overtone. These pearls are similar to Akoya pearls but cost much less.
For a few hundred dollars (or less) you could have yourself a stunning strand of gorgeous freshwater pearls.
Buying Tip: Different retailers have different ways of grading their pearls, as there is no industry standard for pearl grading. Learn about pearl grading before you buy to make the most of your money.
Best Pearls for Luxury
If you’re the sort of person who doesn’t care how much something costs because you want to have the best, then South Sea pearls might be the best for you. These are the most expensive of the cultured pearl varieties and are also the largest.
South Sea pearls come in two main varieties, Gold and White. Of these two, the Golden pearls have a more unique and luxurious look to them, while the White variety stun with their perfection. Typically round and with thicker nacre than other types of pearls, South Sea pearls take longer to grow.
South Sea pearls make for eye-catching statement jewelry. Whichever color you choose, this is your best option if luxury is what you’re after.
Best Pearls for Rarity
Sea of Cortez Mabe Pearl. See it here.
If you’re looking for rare pearls, then wild or natural pearls are your best bet. Pearls grown in the wild without the aid of human intervention are extremely rare today, although at one time they were the only pearls available.
Because all pearls on the market are cultured now, wild/natural pearls are exceedingly hard to come across. They’re a favorite for collectors and someone who wants something truly unique.
But what about rare cultured pearls?
These would be the Sea of Cortez pearls, which are so rare only about 4000 of them are harvested each year. These pearls come from a single source in Mexico and are very hard to find on the market.
Along with the Tahitian pearl, the Sea of Cortez pearl is the only other naturally dark pearl variety. However, they exhibit iridescent colors and overtones that Tahitian pearls don’t. Because of how rare Sea of Cortez pearls are, they’re not made into strands. You can only find Sea of Cortez pearls in pendants, rings and earrings.
Best Classic Pearls
If you’re looking for the most classic pearls, then Akoya pearls should be on your radar. These are the small, white, highly lustrous pearls that have captured the imagination since cultured pearls became a thing. They’re the pearls used in the classic pearl necklace strand and have an elegant, sophisticated, traditional look to them.
For Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and countless other celebrities and high-profile figures, Akoya pearls were staple jewelry pieces.
Little wonder then that this pearl variety still remains the most popular type of pearl. In terms of value, it sits between freshwater pearls and Tahitian pearls. It also has the distinction of being the first pearl variety to ever be cultured.
Best Pearls to Be Unique
And finally, you might be looking for the best pearls to make you stand out from the crowd and showcase your personal style.
Don’t worry – there are pearls for this too.
Baroque pearls refer to imperfect or irregular pearls that occur in a variety of shapes. From thin and long to flat and round, there’s a baroque pearl for everyone.
In the past, baroque pearls were relegated to an inferior status, because of their undesirable shapes. However, today, baroque pearls are a favorite among jewelry lovers and designers. They make for one-off jewelry designs, with each being truly unique. You’ll be hard-pressed to find two baroque pearls that are identical. They’re also extremely lustrous (in general) and have beautiful overtones.
All the four major pearl varieties (freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls) can occur in baroque shapes.
For the fashion-conscious dresser who likes to go off the beaten track of jewelry, baroque pearls will be an excellent choice.
So there you have it. The best pearls to suit a range of demands. Which of the above best pearls do you think works for you?
