Pearl Color Guide

Key Takeaways

- White and cream are the most versatile for daily and formal wear
- True black pearls don't exist, they are more often dark gray, green or purple
- Black Tahitian pearls can range from light gray to dark green with overtones of green, blue, pink, purple or peacock.
- Golden South Sea range from light champagne to dark 24kt gold(most valuable).
- Natural blue tones are rare; typically they are white or gray with subtle blue overtones
- Color doesn't impact price as much as surface, size or luster - choose the color you like best.

The world of pearls is filled with color... From classic white, yellow, golden, pink, blue to black and almost every shade in between. There's more to pearls than Grandma's old white strand of pearls. While the use of treatments and dyes allow for any color in the rainbow, this article will primarily deal with naturally occurring pearl colors.

Use the Table of Contents to read about your favorite pearl colors, or go through the entire rainbow ...

White Pearl Types

White pearls are easily the most famous of all the pearl colors, bar none. White is considered the most classic and versatile, and for centuries has been a favorite of women and brides.

Meaning of White Pearls: White pearls have had many special meanings throughout history. They’ve been used primarily to symbolize innocence, purity, faith, protection and peace.

There are 3 types of naturally colored White pearls. They are:

Scroll below to check out some fast facts about each of these pearl types and their special meanings.

White Akoya Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada fucata martensii, saltwater oyster

Origin: Japan, China and Vietnam

Body Color: Cool white with greenish to blue undertones

Overtones: Rose (hint of pink), Silver (bright white) and Cream (touch of warm yellow)

Sizes: White Akoya pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm at their largest.

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White Freshwater Pearls

Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel

Origin: China

Body Color: Usually a warm white, sometimes a “cool” white.

Overtones: Rose (hint of pink), Silver (bright white) and Cream (touch of warm yellow)

Sizes: White Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 12.0 mm, and even larger.

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White South Sea

Oyster Type: Pinctada maxima, silver-lipped saltwater oyster

Origin: Australia, Indonesia and the Philippine Islands

Body Color: Most often, White South Sea pearls feature a bright, cool white body color

Overtones: Rose (hint of pink, very rare), Silver (bright white, most common) and Cream (touch of warm yellow, typically seen in pearls from Indonesia)

Sizes: White South Sea pearls range in size from 8.0 – 9.0 mm up through 16.0 – 17.0 mm and even up to 20.0 mm giants.

Shop South Sea Pearls

View Our Most Popular White Pearl Jewelry


White Japanese Hanadama Akoya Pearl Necklace, 8.5-9.0mm Sold out $6,420.00 $0.00	White South Sea Round Pearl Stud Earrings, 9.0-10.0mm Sold out $1,700.00 $0.00	White Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace, 7.0-7.5mm - AAA Quality Sold out $1,990.00 $0.00

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Pro-Tip💡

“Choose rose overtones for fair skin and cream overtones for darker skin types. If you're unsure, subtle rose or silve will work well for most. Remember, overtones are subtle - don't overthink it.”
Kevin Canning
Founder, Pearls of Joy

Black Pearls

Black pearls are the second most popular pearl color for pearl lovers. Black pearls conjure up thoughts of swashbuckling pirates, tropical islands and of course, buried treasure. Black is considered to be mysterious, chic, striking and very versatile, making them a modern staple for any jewelry box.

Meaning of Black Pearls: Black pearls have been an important symbol throughout history. They are used to symbolize mystery, allure, protection, independence, wealth, strength and control.

There are 3 types of Black pearls. They are:

Black Akoya
Black Tahitian
Black Freshwater

Scroll below to check out some fast facts about each of these pearl types.

Black Akoya Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada fucata martensii, saltwater oyster

Origin: Japan, China and Vietnam

Body Color: Jet Black, Color-Treated / Dyed

Overtones: Blue-Black to Green-Black

Sizes: Color-treated Black Akoya pearls can be as small as 4.0 mm seed pearls up through 8.0 mm at their largest.

Black Tahitian Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster

Origin: French Polynesia Islands

Body Color: Ranges from pastel silver gray to a variety of dark charcoal grays to rarely pure blacks.

Overtones: The most common overtones are peacock, green, blue-green and silver/steel.

Sizes: Tahitian pearls range in size from 7.0 – 7.0 mm up through 15.0 – 16.0 mm and larger.

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Black Freshwater Pearls

Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel

Origin: China

Body Color: Usually a dark “Denim” blue color or a near jet black. The result of color-treatment, usually dye.

Overtones: Multi-colored and iridescent “peacock”, green, blue-green, violet and copper. Some strands may be a uniform blue-green over

Sizes: Black Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm, and even larger.

View Our Most Popular Black Pearl Jewelry

The Perfect Strand of Black Pearls

Fine Black Tahitian Pearls

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Blue Pearls

Naturally colored blue pearls are the rarest pearl colors in the world (with one or two exceptions, which we will get to below). The color has existed in pearls for decades, but only recently have naturally colored blue pearls gained popularity in the modern pearl jewelry markets.

Meaning of Blue Pearls: The color Blue has always stood for calm, serenity, peace, integrity, loyalty, confidence and intuition.

There are 3 types of Blue pearls. They are:

Blue Akoya
Silver-Blue White South Sea
Blue-Overtone Tahitians

Keep going to check out some must know facts about each of these stunning and unique pearls.

Blue Akoya Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada fucata martensii, saltwater oyster

Origin: Japan and Vietnam

Body Color: Ranges from light Gray-Blue to deeper Sky Blue hues

Overtones: Bright Green, Aquamarine, Rose, Gold and Violet

Sizes: Blue Akoya pearls can be tiny 4.0 mm seed pearls up through 10.0 mm at their largest.

Silver-Blue White South Sea

Oyster Type: Pinctada maxima, silver-lipped saltwater oyster

Origin: Australia

Body Color: Light Silver-Gray to deeper Sky Blue colors

Overtones: Silver, Blue, Aquamarine and rarely, Rose

Sizes: Silver-Blue White South Sea pearls can range from 8.0 – 9.0 mm up through 16.0 – 17.0 mm and larger.

Blue Overtone Tahitian Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster

Origin: French Polynesia Islands

Body Color: Can be anything from light silver to charcoal gray, and rarely pure black.

Overtones: Teal, Blue-Green, Midnight Blue, Violet

Sizes: Tahitian pearls run from 8.0 mm up through 15.0 – 16.0 mm and even larger.

Gold Pearls

One of the largest and rarest pearls found around the world is Gold in color. They are Golden South Sea pearls, cultured in the Philippine Islands. Golden South Sea pearls have only been available to pearl lovers since the late 1970s, and are known as the “Rolls Royce” of cultured pearls. Lesser known, but still beautiful in their own right are naturally-colored Golden Akoya pearls, primarily from Vietnam.

Meaning of Gold Pearls: Golden pearls symbolize wealth, prosperity, good health, success, wisdom and longevity.

There are 2 types of Gold pearls. They are:

Golden South Sea
Golden Akoya

Keep going to check out some must know facts about each of these rare pearl types.

Golden South Sea Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada maxima, gold-lipped saltwater oyster

Origin: Philippine Islands, Indonesia and Australia

Body Color:10K, 14K, 18K, 22K and 24K Golden colors

Overtones: Neutral Gold, Silver, Rose and Bronze/Green

Sizes: Golden South Sea pearls can range from 8.0 – 9.0 mm up through 16.0 – 17.0 mm and larger.

Did you know:A Golden pearl is often depicted in Chinese folklore in the dragon's mouth or claws. The Chinese believe the dragon is bringing luck, great wealth and prosperity to the pearl's owners.

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Golden Akoya Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada fucata martensii, saltwater oyster

Origin: Vietnam and Japan

Body Color: Ranges from pale Lemon Yellow to deeper Gold

Overtones: Silver, Green, Aquamarine, Rose, Neutral Gold and Violet

Sizes: Golden Akoya pearls can be smaller 4.0 mm baby pearls up through 10.0 mm at their largest.

Pearl Colors: Natural Golden Akoya Pearls

View Our Most Popular Golden Pearl Jewelry

Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond Suzanna Pendant

Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond Flame Pendant

$1,370.00

Golden South Sea Pearl Classic Dangle Earrings

$1,230.00

8-10mm Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace - AAA Quality

Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace, 8.0-10.0mm - AAA Quality

Sold out

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Lavender Pearls

Lavender pearls are one of three natural Freshwater pearl colors that the Freshwater pearl mussel produces. A soft, feminine color, Lavender pearls are a fashionable and romantic way to add a splash of unique color to any jewelry collection.

Meaning of Lavender Pearls: Lavender pearls are used to symbolize royalty, nobility, wisdom, creativity, artistry, love, compassion and complexity.

There are 2 types of naturally colored Lavender pearls. They are:

Lavender Freshwater
Lavender to Purple “Edison” Freshwater

Check out each of these gorgeous pearl types:

Lavender Freshwater Pearls

Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel

Origin: China

Body Color:Ranges from pale mauves to pastel Lilac through deeper Lavenders and even darker Violet

Overtones:Aquamarine, Blue, Silver, Rose and Gold

Sizes: Lavender Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm or so.

Purple Edison Freshwater Pearls

Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel

Origin: China

Body Color:Ranges from dark Violet to Royal Purple

Overtones:Aquamarine, Blue and Rose

Sizes: “Edison” Freshwater pearls are quite large, and range from 13.0 – 14.0 mm up to 16.0 – 17.0 mm

Did You Know: Edison pearls are one of the newest Freshwater pearls on the markets and pretty rare. Colors like Royal Purple are very expensive. The reason why these pearls are so large is that they are bead-nucleated with large mother of pearl nuclei.

Pearl Colors: Dark Purple Edison Freshwater Pearls

Multi-Color Pearls

Multi-color pearl necklaces are composed of two, three or more different pearl colors, usually all of the same pearl type – but not always! Freshwater Multi-Color pearl necklaces usually combine white, pink/peach and lavender pearls in various combinations. Multi-Color Tahitian pearls feature beautifully arranged necklaces with a rainbow of black pearl colors designed to excite the imagination. White and Golden South Sea Multi-Color pearl necklaces traditionally feature a mix of gorgeous White and Gold pearls to marvelous effect.

Meaning of Multi-Color Pearls: Creativity, artistry, complexity, prosperity, wealth, mystery, adventurous in spirit, uniqueness and individuality.

There are 3 types of Multi-Color pearl necklaces:

Multi-Color Freshwater
Multi-Color Tahitian
Multi-Color South Sea

Check out each of these gorgeous Multi-Color pearl choices:

Multi-Color Freshwater Pearls

Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel

Origin: China

Body Color:White, Lavender and Pink or Peach

Overtones:Rose, Silver, Cream, Aquamarine, Blue and Gold

Sizes: Multi-color Freshwater pearls can range from 5.0 mm sizes up to 10.0 mm or so.

Multi-Color Tahitian Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster

Origin: French Polynesia Islands

Body Color: Ranges from pastel silver gray to a variety of dark charcoal grays to rarely pure blacks.

Overtones: The most common overtones are peacock, green, blue-green and silver/steel.

Sizes: Tahitian pearls range in size from 9.0 mm up through 15.0 – 16.0 mm and rarely, larger.

Browse Multi-color Tahitians

Pearl Colors: Multi-Color Tahitian Pearls

Multi-Color South Sea Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada maxima, silver-lipped saltwater oyster

Origin: Australia, Indonesia and the Philippine Islands

Body Color: White and Gold

Overtones: Rose, Silver and Cream for White South Sea. Neutral Gold, Silver, Rose and Bronze for Golden South Sea pearls.

Sizes: South Sea pearls range in size from 8.0 – 9.0 mm up through 16.0 – 17.0 mm and even up to 20.0 mm giants.

View Our Most Popular Multi-Color Pearl Jewelry

10-12mm Tahitian South Sea Pearl Multicolor Necklace - Gem Quality

10-12mm Tahitian South Sea Pearl Multicolor Necklace - AAAA Quality

$8,490.00

8-10mm South Sea & Freshwater Multicolor Pastel Pearl Necklace - AAA Quality

Multicolor South Sea & Pastel Freshwater Pearl Necklace, 8.0-10.0mm - AAA Quality

$3,170.00

7.0-7.5mm Freshwater Multicolor Pearl Necklace - AAAA Quality

$530.00

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Peach and Pink Pearls

Pink and Peach pearls both fall under the same color of Pink/Peach, but for our purposes we will separate them out into two color categories. Soft, pastel and feminine, the Pink and Peach Freshwater pearls are a pretty and flirty way to add a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Meaning of Pink Pearls: Pink and Peach pearls represent love, romance, passion, kindness, compassion, loyalty and happiness.

There are two colors of naturally colored Pink to Peach pearls. They are:

Peach Freshwater
Pink Freshwater

Check out each of these gorgeous pearl types:

Peach Freshwater Pearls

Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel

Origin: China

Body Color:Ranges from pale, pastel peach to darker apricot colors.

Overtones:Rose, Gold, Silver and Aquamarine

Sizes: Peach Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm or so.

Pink Freshwater Pearls

Mussel Type: Hyriopsis cumingii, freshwater pearl mussel

Origin: China

Body Color:Ranges from pastel baby pink to deeper bubblegum pinks and mauve hues

Overtones:Aquamarine, Gold and Rose

Sizes: Pink Freshwater pearls can be as tiny as 1.0 mm seed pearls up to 10.0 mm or so.

View Our Most Popular Pink & Peach Pearl Jewelry

7.0-7.5mm Pink Freshwater Pearl Necklace & Earrings

$530.00

8mm Pink Freshwater Round Pearl Stud Earrings

$330.00

7.0-7.5mm Pink Freshwater Pearl Necklace - AAAA Quality

$530.00

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Chocolate Pearls

Chocolate pearls are the sweetest, most delicious of all pearl colors. Whether color-treated or natural in origin, we think you’ll agree Chocolate colored pearls are a decadent treat. Chocolate pearls made their debut in the late 1990s, and were made famous by Los Angeles jewelry designer Erica Courtney who featured them prominently in her collections. The love affair with Chocolate Tahitians is still going strong to this day. The rich, warm tones are a perfect complement to Autumn’s seasonal hues.

Meaning of Chocolate Pearls: Chocolate pearls represent comfort, elegance, warmth, stability, earthiness, harmony and protection.

There are 2 types of Chocolate pearls. They are:

Dyed Chocolate Tahitian
Natural Color Chocolate Tahitian

Learn more about each of these pearls:

Pearl Colors: Dyed Chocolate Tahitian Pearls

Color-Treated Chocolate Tahitian Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster

Origin: French Polynesia Islands

Body Color: Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate colors are color-treated. This is the result of a bleaching and dyeing process.

Overtones: Rose, Gold or Bronze

Sizes: Dyed Chocolate Tahitian pearls range in size from 9.0 mm up through 13.0 mm and rarely, larger.

Natural Color Chocolate Tahitian Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada margaritifera, black-lipped saltwater oyster

Origin: French Polynesia Islands

Body Color: Milk and Dark Chocolate, Bronze, Charcoal-Brown, Greenish-Brown, Mink

Overtones: Gold, Rose, Green or Bronze, Copper or Silver

Sizes: Natural Chocolate Tahitian pearls range in size from 9.0 mm up through 15.0 mm and rarely, larger.

Pearl Colors: Natural Chocolate Tahitian Pearls

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pearl color is most valuable?

Deep golden South Sea and fine peacock Tahitian strands command the highest prices. Size, luster, and clean surfaces raise value faster than color alone.

Large, round, high-luster pearls sit at the top tier
Strong, even overtones beat flat, dull color

What is the rarest pearl color?

Intense natural gold, true peacock, and natural blues are the hardest to find. Supply swings by harvest and farm.

Scarcity rises with larger sizes and cleaner surfaces
Premiums increase when color and luster appear together

Are blue pearls real?

Yes. Natural blue Akoya and silver-blue South Sea occur, and some Tahitians show blue-leaning overtones. Many vivid or uniform blues on budget pieces are dyed.

Verify type and any color treatments in the listing
Check drill holes and overtones for natural variation

Which colour pearl is best for everyday wear?

Freshwater in white or soft pastels offers durability and value. Akoya in 7.5–8.0 mm gives a classic daily look with sharper luster.

Pick a length and size that fits your wardrobe
Prioritize luster and surface; they stay visible from a distance

What color are pearls naturally?

Natural colors include white, cream, pink, peach, lavender, gray, black, and silver-blue. Color depends on the mollusk species and farming environment.

Overtones can shift in different lighting
Sellers should disclose any treatments or dyes

Want to Learn More?

About The Author

Kevin Canning

Founder of Pearls of Joy, is recognized as one of the world’s foremost pearl experts. For over 20 years, he’s sourced rare and exotic pearls for discerning collectors worldwide. A GIA-certified Pearl Specialist, co-founder of Pearl-Guide.com, and co-creator of the CPAA’s Pearls As One course, Kevin’s expertise has earned features in Forbes and appearances on major TV shows like The Today Show. Globally trusted for his exceptional quality and commitment to fair pricing, Kevin remains a leading authority in the world of fine pearls. View Our Best Selling Collection

Pearl Color Guide

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents:

White Pearl Types

White Akoya Pearls

White Freshwater Pearls

White South Sea

View Our Most Popular White Pearl Jewelry

White Japanese Hanadama Akoya Pearl Necklace, 8.5-9.0mm

White South Sea Round Pearl Stud Earrings, 9.0-10.0mm

White Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace, 7.0-7.5mm - AAA Quality

Pro-Tip💡

Black Pearls

Black Akoya Pearls

Black Tahitian Pearls

Black Freshwater Pearls

View Our Most Popular Black Pearl Jewelry

Fine Black Tahitian Pearls

Blue Pearls

Blue Akoya Pearls

Silver-Blue White South Sea

Blue Overtone Tahitian Pearls

Gold Pearls

Golden South Sea Pearls

Golden Akoya Pearls

View Our Most Popular Golden Pearl Jewelry

Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond Flame Pendant

Golden South Sea Pearl Classic Dangle Earrings

Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace, 8.0-10.0mm - AAA Quality

Lavender Pearls

Lavender Freshwater Pearls

Purple Edison Freshwater Pearls

Multi-Color Pearls

Multi-Color Freshwater Pearls

Multi-Color Tahitian Pearls

Multi-Color South Sea Pearls

View Our Most Popular Multi-Color Pearl Jewelry

10-12mm Tahitian South Sea Pearl Multicolor Necklace - AAAA Quality

Multicolor South Sea & Pastel Freshwater Pearl Necklace, 8.0-10.0mm - AAA Quality

7.0-7.5mm Freshwater Multicolor Pearl Necklace - AAAA Quality

Peach and Pink Pearls

Peach Freshwater Pearls

Pink Freshwater Pearls

View Our Most Popular Pink & Peach Pearl Jewelry

7.0-7.5mm Pink Freshwater Pearl Necklace & Earrings

8mm Pink Freshwater Round Pearl Stud Earrings

7.0-7.5mm Pink Freshwater Pearl Necklace - AAAA Quality

Chocolate Pearls

Color-Treated Chocolate Tahitian Pearls

Natural Color Chocolate Tahitian Pearls

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pearl color is most valuable?

What is the rarest pearl color?

Are blue pearls real?

Which colour pearl is best for everyday wear?

What color are pearls naturally?

Want to Learn More?

Kevin Canning

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