Pearls: A Classification by Molluscan Species

# # # * * Encyclopedia of Pearl Origin: Classification by Mollusc Species (Biological Origin of Pearls) * *

The classification of pearls according to jewellery is divided into large groups: Nacreous Pearls, which have a pearl gloss, and Non-nacreous Pearls, which have a glazed tile gloss.

# # # # * 1.South Sea Pearls Group * *

Queen of Pearls, known for the large size and thickness of the pearl layer.

* * * White South Sea Pearl (White South Sea Pearl) * *

* * * Breeder Clam: * * * Pinctada maxima * (Silver-lipped Oyster) or Silver Mouth Plate Mother of Pearl Clam

* * * Featured Characteristics: * * Large (9-20mm) Silver White, Sparkling White Pink or Cream with Soft Satin Luster (Satin Luster)

* * * Main Origin: * * Australia, Indonesia

* * * Golden South Sea Pearl (Golden South Sea Pearl) * *

* * * Breeder Clam: * * * Pinctada maxima * (Gold-lipped Oyster) or Gold Mouth Plate Mother of Pearl Clam

* * * Featured Characteristics: * * Yellow Gold Pearl (Gold) to Deep Gold (Champagne), which is rare and highly valued.

* * * Main Origin: * * Philippines Indonesia Mianma

# # # # * 2.Black and Fancy Color Pearl Group * *

* * * Tahitian Pearl (Tahitian Pearl) * *

* * * Mollusks: * * * Pinctada margaritifera * (Black-lipped Oyster) or Black-lipped Mother of Pearl

* * * Characteristics: * * There is natural black, but the most valuable colors are "Peacock" and "Eggplant" (Aubergine).

* * * Main Origin: * * French Polynesia (Tahiti Island)

♪ # # # * 3.Agoya Pearl Group (Akoya Pearls) * *

The classical pearl with the best roundness and shine.

* * * Agoya Pearl (Akoya Pearl) * *

* * * Breeder mollusks: * * * Pinctada fucata * (Akoya Oyster)

* * * Distinctive Characteristics: * * Small (2-10mm) but with the highest (Luster) gloss. With complete roundness.

* * * Main Origin: * * Japan, China, Vietnam

♪ # # # * 4.Freshwater Pearl Group (Freshwater Pearls) * *

* * * Freshwater Pearl (Freshwater Pearl) * *

* * * Breed clam: * * * Hyriopsis cumingii * (Triangle Sail Mussel) or Triangle clam

* * * Characteristics: * * One clam can produce dozens of pearls at once.

* * * Main Origin: * * China

♪ # # # * 5. Diamond Pearl Group and Extra Shape Pearls * *

* * * Mabe Pearl (Mabe Pearl) * *

* * * Breeder Clam: * * * Pteria penguin * (Penguin Wing Oyster)

* * * Characteristics: * * It is a "Blister Pearl" pearl born next to the inner shell.

* * * Main Origin: * * Japan, Thailand, Indonesia

* * * Abalone Pearl (Abalone Pearl) * *

* * * Breeder mollusks: * * * Haliotis * spp. (Abalone)

* * * Featured Characteristics: * * With Rainbow Glimpse Gloss (Iridescentr)

* * * Main Origin: * * New Zealand, USA (California)

♪ # # # * 6.Tile Texture Pearl Group (Porcellaneous / Non-nacreous Pearls) * *

* * * Conch Pearl (Conch Pearl) * *

* * * Mollusks: * * * Aliger gigas * (Queen Conch)

* * * Featured Characteristics: * * Be 100% Natural Pearl

* * * Main Origin: * * Caribbean Sea

* * * Melo Pearl (Melo Pearl) * *

* * * Mollusks: * * * Melo melo * (Melo Snail / Bailer Shell)

* * * Features: * * With clear flare pattern

* * * Main Origin: * * Mianma, Thailand, Vietnam

* * * Tiger Hand Pearl (Tridacna Pearl) * *

* * * Breed clam: * * * Tridacna gigas * (Giant Clam)

* * * Distinctive Characteristics: * * No Glossy Pearl Layer

* * * Main Origin: * * Philippines

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* * Compendium for collectors: * *

An academically correct classification of pearls must be considered by "mollusc species" as important, because mollusc genetics determine the color, size and structure of the Neckar layer.