The world of pearls is filled with color... From classic white, silver gray, golden, pink, blue to black and almost every shade in between. The pearls Preala use are all naturally formed pearls. Many colors cannot be classified into a single color card, and they can even glow in various colors under the light.But we will also classify pearls according to existing common color classification standards.

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:

• White Akoya
• White Freshwater
• White South Sea Pearls

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.

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.

White South Sea Pearls

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Golden South Sea Pearls

Oyster Type: Pinctada maxima, gold-lipped saltwater oyster
Origin: Philippine Islands, Indonesia and Australia
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.

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.

Pink Pearls

Soft, pastel and feminine, the Pink Freshwater pearls are a pretty and flirty way to add a touch of romance to any wardrobe.
Meaning of Pink Pearls: Pink pearls represent love, romance, passion, kindness, compassion, loyalty and happiness.

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 20.0 mm or so.