Cultured saltwater pearls

White - ca. 3-10 mm

Occurrence: mostly in Japan

Cultivation: In the Akoya seashell

Cultured freshwater pearls

White, lilac, orange - ca. 3-14 mm

Occurrence: mostly in China

Cultivation: In the Cumingi seashell

Cultured Tahitian pearls

Gray to deep black - ca. 8-20 mm

Occurrence: mostly in French Polynesia

Cultivation: In the South Sea seashell Pinctata Margaritifera

Cultured South Sea pearls

White to gold - ca. 8-20 mm

Occurrence: Northwest of Australia, around Polynesia and Indonesia

Cultivation: In the South Sea seashell Pinctata Maxima