Saltwater pearls can be either Natural or Cultured. In modern times the cultured are more prevalent as demand for pearls grow.

Saltwater cultured pearls are formed in the same way as freshwater pearls. An irritant is inserted into a mollusc, normally a small bead (usually mother of pearl). The mollusc then secretes nacre which forms over the bead creating a pearl. The shape of the bead inserted will determine the shape of the pearl that is created.

Pearls grown in saltwater are often more lustrous then freshwater pearls, this increases their value and desirability.

The three most common types of saltwater pearls available are Akoya pearls, South Sea pearls, and Tahitian pearls.

Please check the links and suppliers to discover the various uses and full potential of pearls.