south sea pearl

Graduated South Sea pearl necklace, 13.54 to 18.00mm pearls
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals
Species:  Cultured Pearl
Pearl Type:  South Sea (Bead Nucleated)
Mollusk:  Pinctada Maxima
​​Mohs Hardness:  2.5 to 4.5 out of 10
Color:  Near neutral white, cream or silver to yellow, yellowish orange or blue with green, blue or rosé overtones
RI:  1.530 to 1.685
Birefringence:  0.155 (Birefringence blink technique)
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Variable
SG:  2.72 to 2.78
Routine Treatments:  Bleaching
Additional Enhancements:  Dyeing

south sea pearl facts

Circled South Sea pearl & diamond halo ring with Euro shank
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

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South Sea pearls are larger than other most other pearl types, ranging in size from 9mm to 20mm.

They are produced by the Pinctada maxima mollusk.

South Sea pearls are cultured in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, off the coasts of Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar.

South Sea pearls can be spherical, oval, button-shaped, drop or baroque (sometimes circled).​

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South Sea Pearl Gallery