Natural Saltwater Pearl in Pakistan

Coming soon

Saltwater pearls are not listed yet. We are sourcing them and will add each one with its own photographs once it passes our checks. If you want a saltwater pearl, message us on WhatsApp with the type, colour or size you are after, or email hello@authenticgems.pk, and we will let you know when suitable pearls arrive. Our contact page has the other options.

The main types

Akoya

Usually white to cream with a pink or silver overtone, round, and known for a crisp, mirror-like lustre.

Tahitian

Naturally dark pearls in grey, green, aubergine and peacock tones, grown in black-lipped oysters.

South Sea

Large white or golden pearls with a soft, deep glow, among the most valued cultured pearls of all.

Natural saltwater pearls

Pearls formed entirely by chance are very rare now. The Gulf pearl beds once supplied the "Basra" pearls prized in South Asia for generations. Most saltwater pearls sold today are cultured, which are still real pearls grown by an oyster. Our listings will say whether a pearl is natural or cultured.

What sets the value

Lustre comes first, then surface quality, shape, colour and overtone, and finally size. Cultured saltwater pearls often have a bead nucleus wrapped in nacre, so nacre thickness matters as well: thin nacre can look dull and wear through over time. Our article on what decides a pearl's price goes further.

Saltwater or freshwater?

Saltwater pearls usually have a sharper lustre and rounder shape, at a higher price. Freshwater pearls have a softer lustre, come in more shapes and cost less.

Imitations

Shell pearls, glass beads with a pearly coating and plastic are all common. Real pearls feel slightly gritty against a tooth, vary a little in size and colour, and feel cool at first touch. Coatings on imitations often chip around the drill hole. Independent lab testing can confirm a pearl, and can also separate natural from cultured.

Pearl in tradition

Pearl is a June birthstone, and in Vedic astrology it is traditionally linked with the Moon (Chandra). These are beliefs, not promised effects.

Related stones

Browse moonstone and white topaz for other white stones you can order now. Delivery is a flat Rs. 500 by insured, tracked courier, usually 1 to 2 working days in Karachi, with Cash on Delivery.