Pearl Types and Colors — A Beginner's Guide
Pearl Education · July 29, 2026 · 5 min read
Pearls come in types (defined by the mollusk and water they come from) and colors (defined by the nacre and environment). White freshwater pearls are the everyday classic, but pearls also come in pink, cream, silver, and even black. Understanding the range helps you choose pearls that suit your skin and style.
The main pearl types
- Freshwater — lakes and rivers; white, pink, cream, lavender; the value champion.
- Akoya — classic round Japanese pearls; white and cream; the classic strand.
- South Sea — large gold and white pearls from Australia and the Philippines.
- Tahitian — dark grey, green and black pearls from French Polynesia.
Pearl colors and what they say
- White and cream — timeless; suit everything from office to bridal.
- Pink and rose — soft and romantic; flatter warm skin tones.
- Lavender and silver — cool and modern; flatter cool skin tones.
- Gold and black — dramatic and statement-making; for special occasions.
Which type should you buy in Nepal?
For most buyers, genuine freshwater pearls are the right choice — they're real, lustrous, and priced from Nrs 999 at D Royals. If you want the classic round white strand look, choose well-matched round freshwater pearls over paying Akoya prices.
Match pearls to your skin tone
A simple rule: warm skin glows with cream, pink and gold pearls; cool skin shines with white, silver and lavender. When in doubt, white and cream pearls flatter everyone.
Keep reading
Shop by category
Featured pieces