White South Sea Pearls
Availability
Price
What South Sea Pearls Round 10-12 mm 18 Gold Clasp
$1,889.00
Sold out. Ask us to source a similar pearl .
Frequently asked questions
Are South Sea pearls more valuable than Tahitian at the same size?
Generally yes, by 30-60%. South Sea pearls have the thickest nacre of any cultured pearl (2-6mm vs Tahitian 0.8-2.5mm), and Pinctada maxima takes 2-3 years to produce a harvestable pearl versus 18-24 months for Pinctada margaritifera.
Are white South Sea pearls dyed?
No. Pinctada maxima silver-lipped variant produces white nacre directly, with no treatment needed. Be cautious of "white" pearls priced significantly below market — those are typically dyed Akoya or freshwater pearls.
What is the difference between Australian and Indonesian South Sea pearls?
Australian farms (mostly Western Australia) tend toward whiter, more uniformly round pearls. Indonesian farms (Sulawesi, Lombok) produce wider color spectrum (including subtle silver and pink overtones) and more baroque shapes. Both are Pinctada maxima; quality is comparable at AAA grade.
What size South Sea pearl should I buy?
11-13mm is the most-requested commercial range — large enough for impact, accessible at AAA grade. 14-16mm is statement size for evening wear. Sizes 17mm+ are rare and command premium pricing.
White South Sea pearls come from the silver-lipped variant of Pinctada maxima, primarily farmed in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are the largest commercially-cultured saltwater pearls, with sizes commonly ranging 9mm to 16mm and exceptional pieces reaching 18-20mm. The white here is true white with subtle pink overtones in AAA pieces; cream-leaning whites are graded AA. Nacre is exceptionally thick — 2-6mm minimum for AAA — which is why South Sea pearls have such depth of luster and last generations. The pieces in this collection include necklaces, earrings, pendants, rings, bracelets, and loose pearls for custom work. Australian farms tend toward whiter, more uniformly round pearls; Indonesian farms produce wider color spectrum and more baroque shapes. Each piece ships with our certificate of authenticity noting origin and grading.