Pearl Guides & Education
Written by: AKWAYA Pearl Jewelry Team
Reviewed by: AKWAYA for consistency with current pearl terminology and published product information
Updated:
Use this hub to navigate AKWAYA's pearl education pages. For a specific item, the current product page and selected variant remain the item-specific reference. Learn about our editorial approach.
AKWAYA Pearl Guides bring together practical information about cultured pearl types, quality, size, grading, authenticity and jewelry fit. Start with the buying guide for a broad overview, then use the focused guides below when comparing specific pearl characteristics or jewelry styles.
Start here
- Pearl Buying Guide — compare pearl types, luster, surface, shape, size, color and matching.
- Akoya vs Freshwater vs Tahitian vs South Sea Pearls — side-by-side comparison of the four major cultured pearl families.
- Pearl Grading Guide — understand luster, surface, shape, nacre, color and matching.
- Pearl Size Guide — compare common pearl sizes in millimeters, including 6mm through 10mm+.
Grades, authenticity and terminology
- AAA vs AAAA Pearl Grades Explained — why seller letter grades are not one universal cross-seller scale.
- Are Cultured Pearls Real? — natural vs cultured vs imitation pearl terminology.
- How to Tell if Pearls Are Real — practical observations, limitations of home tests and when professional identification is needed.
Choosing and comparing pearl jewelry
- Pearl Necklace Length Guide — compare 16, 18, 20, 24 and 36+ inch lengths.
- Pearl Luster — understand brightness and reflection quality.
- Pearl Surface Blemishes — understand natural surface characteristics.
- Pearl Shape — round, near-round, oval, drop, button, baroque and other shapes.
- Pearl Matching and Uniformity — compare consistency across strands and pairs.
- Pearl Size Comparison — additional millimeter reference.
Shop and learn by pearl type
- Akoya Pearl Jewelry — classic saltwater cultured pearls associated with bright luster and round profiles.
- Freshwater Pearl Jewelry — broad variety in shapes, colors and jewelry styles.
- Tahitian Pearl Jewelry — naturally dark body colors with varied overtones.
- South Sea Pearl Jewelry — larger-scale white, silver and golden cultured pearls.
Common pearl questions
For shorter answers across buying, sizing, grading, care and terminology, visit the Pearl Jewelry FAQ.