The Different Types of Pearls Found in Australia and Why Women Still Wear Them
Pearls have been one of the most popular jewelry pieces that women wear since time immemorial. These are found in Australia and have become one of the country’s best-selling souvenirs because they are more affordable than other types of pearls produced in other parts of the world. Here are some more facts about the Pearls of Australia and why many women still wear them even now.
Akoya
In Japan, Akoya pearls are the most popular. Akoya pearls are believed to be so valuable because they are the largest cultivated type of pearl available today. They grow in a variety of colors, but the most popular is white. In addition to their size, they are also considered to be the best quality pearl because they have a high luster with a round shape.
They have been around since 1890 when Kokichi Mikimoto invented them. He used a technique called nucleation which is when he inserts a nucleus into an oyster’s shell and waits for it to grow into a full-sized pearl over two years.
Tahitian
Pearls were originally discovered by the first Polynesians on the island of Tahiti, which is why they are known as Tahitian pearls. The most distinctive thing about these pearls is that they are black or green, but still have a natural luster.
The term Tahitian refers to the islands that produce these types of pearls, not the color. Pearls from this region are often found inside oysters and can be harvested from wild or cultured oysters. You may notice that there are different colors present in Tahitian pearls due to their unique environment.
The pearl’s unique colors come from microscopic algae called diatoms which grow on the surface of the pearl while it is still inside its shell.
South Sea
Cultured pearls are the most common type of pearl found in Australia. They are created by implanting a small piece of the oyster’s tissue into another shell, then covering it with layers of nacre (mother-of-pearl). In its natural state, mother-of-pearl is white.
However, through a process called culturing, man has been able to create many different colors for cultured pearls. One company that does this is Akoya Pearl Company, which is based out of Japan.
They create colorful cultured pearls by inserting a dye that matches the desired color into the tissues before they implant them into the oyster shell. The oyster’s body will respond to these new colors by creating nacre to match them too.
White Lipped Oyster
Pearl oysters are found all around the world, but the most popular pearl oyster is the White Lipped Oyster. These mollusks are found on the coastlines of Queensland, Northern New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, and South Africa.
The pearls from these oysters are usually round or teardrop shaped with a white lip (hence their name). These pearls have a more pure color than other types of pearls.
Golden Lipped Oyster
Australia is the largest producer of pearls in the world, with over 50% coming from our shores. So it should come as no surprise that we have a large variety to choose from. One such type is Golden Lipped Oyster, which is found off the South Australian coast.
These oysters produce small, white pearls that are usually coated with a layer of nacre (mother-of-pearl). For this reason, they’re also known as Tahitian pearls or white pearls. The Golden Lipped Oyster produces one pearl at a time, so they are rarer than other types.
This may be why women still wear them because they look so beautiful on the neckline and the earlobe.
Why Women Still Wear Pearls
Pearls are a timeless accessory that has been worn by women for centuries. They come in all shapes, colors, and sizes with many different meanings. The most popular types are Akoya pearls from Japan, South Sea pearls from Australia, or Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia. Whether it’s the color or shape you’re looking for, there is a pearl out there just for you!
Conclusion
Australia is one of the world’s major pearl producers, with a variety of pearls that are sought after by women all over the world. Knowing about the Pearls of Australia can help you find the perfect pearl for your needs.
