Freshwater Pearls vs Akoya vs South Sea: How to choose between

For jewellery brands and manufacturers, choosing the right type of pearl is essential for creating collections that match your target market, price point, and design vision. The three most commonly compared categories are Freshwater, Akoya, and South Sea pearls — each with its own beauty, strengths, and ideal applications. This guide breaks down the differences clearly so you can make informed sourcing decisions, while understanding where Angeperle’s freshwater pearls-Gablily fit in the global market.

Freshwater Pearls: Versatile, Affordable, and Increasingly High-End

Freshwater pearls are the most widely used pearls in the jewellery industry today — not only for fashion jewellery, but increasingly for fine jewellery as quality continues to improve.

Key Features

• Origin: Mainly China (over 90% of global supply)

• Shapes: Round, near-round, baroque, coin, rice, drop

• Colours: White, pink, lavender, peach; wide range of natural and enhanced hues

• Nacre Thickness: Very thick (solid nacre), offering high durability

• Price Range: Most affordable among all pearl types

• Lustre: Soft to high, depending on grade

Best For

• Brands looking for diverse designs and shapes

• Trend-driven collections

• Affordable luxury lines

• Earrings, bracelets, layered necklaces, baroque statement pieces

Why Buyers Choose Them

Freshwater pearls are:

• available in the widest range of shapes and sizes,

• highly durable,

• cost-effective,

• and suitable for both entry-level and premium jewellery.

With modern cultivation techniques (like Edison pearls), freshwater pearls can now achieve near-Akoya roundness and high lustre — at a more accessible price.

Akoya Pearls: Classic, High Lustre, and Timeless

Akoya pearls are often associated with the traditional “perfect round white pearl necklace.”

Key Features

• Origin: Japan & China

• Shapes: Mostly round

• Colours: White or cream with pink, silver, or green overtones

• Nacre Thickness: Thinner than freshwater and South Sea

• Price Range: Higher than freshwater; mid-to-high

• Lustre: Very sharp, mirror-like

Best For

• Fine jewellery

• Classic pearl strands

• Bridal collections

• Minimalist luxury

Why Buyers Choose Them

Akoya pearls are prized for:

• their elegant roundness,

• bright mirror lustre,

• and timeless appeal.

However, their price range and fragility (due to thinner nacre) mean they are more suited for luxury or classic-focused brands.

South Sea Pearls: Large, Luxurious, and Ultra-Rare

South Sea pearls represent the top of the pearl hierarchy — bold, expensive, and exceptionally lustrous.

Key Features

• Origin: Australia, Indonesia, Philippines

• Shapes: Round, drop, baroque

• Colours: White, silver, gold

• Nacre Thickness: Very thick

• Price Range: Highest among all pearls

• Lustre: Deep, soft glow

Best For

• High jewellery houses

• Statement pieces

• Luxury collections

• One-of-a-kind designs

Why Buyers Choose Them

South Sea pearls are valued for:

• their large size (often 12–18mm),

• rarity,

• rich golden or silvery tones,

• and prestige in high jewellery.

The main limitation is price — these pearls are not suitable for mass production or everyday collections.

Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Freshwater	Akoya	South Sea
Origin	China	Japan/China	Australia/SEA
Price	$–$$	$$–$$$	$$$$
Lustre	Soft–High	Very High	Soft, deep glow
Durability	High	Medium	High
Shapes	Most diverse	Mostly round	Diverse

Which Pearl Type Should Your Brand Choose?

Choose Freshwater if you want…

• flexible pricing

• trend-driven designs

• baroque shapes

• wide colour and size options

• stable supply

Choose Akoya if you want…

• classic, high-lustre round strands

• luxury bridal or minimalistic fine jewellery

Choose South Sea if you want…

• large statement pieces

• the most prestigious pearl option

• luxury client targeting

Why Many Brands Choose Freshwater Pearls Today

Freshwater pearls have evolved dramatically — especially in the last decade. Modern techniques now produce:

• almost-round high-lustre pearls

• large Edison pearls

• stable colour quality

• improved surface smoothness

This makes them ideal for brands balancing design freedom, affordability, and quality.

Freshwater, Akoya, and South Sea pearls each have their own unique beauty and purpose in the jewellery world.For most brands seeking versatility, pricing flexibility, and design freedom, freshwater pearls remain the most practical and popular choice.

With Angeperle’s extensive experience and strong industry presence, sourcing freshwater pearls becomes a seamless, reliable, and high-quality process — supported by our professional Hong Kong office.

📧 mkg2@angeperle.com 📍 Angeperle (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd.