12mm South Sea Pearl Loose
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Frequently asked questions
Are South Sea pearls more valuable than Tahitian at the same size?
Generally yes. South Sea pearls have the thickest nacre of any cultured pearl (2-6mm vs Tahitian 0.8-2.5mm), and Pinctada maxima takes 2-3 years to produce a harvestable pearl versus 18-24 months for Pinctada margaritifera. At 12mm AAA, white South Sea pearls typically command $200-500 per pearl wholesale.
What's the difference between Australian and Indonesian South Sea pearls?
Australian farms (mostly Western Australia) tend toward whiter, more uniformly round pearls. Indonesian farms (Sulawesi, Lombok) produce a wider color spectrum and more baroque shapes. Both are Pinctada maxima; quality is comparable at AAA grade.
How thick is the nacre on a 12mm South Sea pearl?
AAA 12mm South Sea pearls have nacre thickness of 2-4mm minimum. We measure nacre via candling and X-ray for any pearl over $300; certificates note the measured nacre depth.
Can I see additional images of a specific pearl before buying?
Yes. For loose pearls $200+, we provide 360-degree video and macro shots on request. Email us with the SKU and we send within 24 hours.
Are these natural color or treated?
Natural color, untreated. White South Sea pearls require no color treatment — Pinctada maxima's silver-lipped variant produces white nacre directly. Be cautious of "white" pearls priced significantly below market — those are often dyed Akoya or freshwater.
12mm white South Sea pearls represent the upper-mid range of Pinctada maxima harvests — large, but not so large that the price climbs past most jewelers' working budget. These come from the silver-lipped variant of Pinctada maxima, primarily Australian and Indonesian farms. The white here is true white with subtle pink overtones in the AAA pieces; cream-leaning whites are graded AA. Surface tolerance: 95% clean for AAA, 85% clean for AA. Drilled or undrilled. Most jewelers use this size for solitaire pendants or statement single-pearl earrings; strand work at 12mm is heavier and pricier — typically reserved for high-end commissions. Each pearl ships with the harvest certificate and farm origin. Larger sizes (13mm, 14mm, 15mm) and matched pairs available — contact us directly.