South Sea Necklaces
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Learn how South Sea pearls are graded and priced in our complete South Sea pearls guide. For golden tones, see our golden South Sea pearls buyer’s guide.
South Sea pearl necklace quality factors
Every strand here is graded on six factors — the same criteria that set the value of a South Sea pearl necklace:
- Luster — the single most important factor; top strands show a sharp, mirror-like reflection, and we reserve the AAA grade for mirror luster.
- Nacre thickness — South Sea pearls carry the thickest nacre of any cultured pearl (2–6mm), giving lasting depth and glow.
- Surface — fewer and smaller marks rank higher; AAA strands are clean across 95%+ of the surface.
- Shape — perfectly round is rarest and most valued; near-round, drop and baroque offer the same nacre at lower cost.
- Colour — natural white (silver-lipped Pinctada maxima) and natural golden (gold-lipped Pinctada maxima); the colour is natural, never dyed.
- Size & matching — pearls run 9–20mm, and every pearl on a strand is hand-matched for size, colour and luster so the necklace reads as one.
These are finished, hand-knotted strands and pendant necklaces — not loose pearls; each is matched into a complete necklace.
South Sea pearl necklace lengths
| Length | Inches | How it sits |
|---|---|---|
| Collar | 12–13" | High on the throat — dramatic and formal |
| Choker | 14–16" | At the base of the neck — classic with most necklines |
| Princess | 17–19" | At the collarbone — the most universally flattering |
| Matinee | 20–24" | Just above the bust — refined for daywear |
| Opera | 28–34" | At the sternum — wear long or doubled |
| Rope | 34"+ | Below the bust — most versatile, knot or layer it |
Frequently asked questions
How thick is the nacre on South Sea pearls?
AAA South Sea pearls have nacre thickness of 2-6mm — by far the thickest of any cultured pearl (Tahitian 0.8-2.5mm, Akoya 0.4-0.8mm). This is why South Sea pearls have such depth of luster and why they last generations.
What necklace length should I order?
Princess length (17-19 inches) sits at the collarbone and is the most universally flattering. Choker (14-16in) hugs the neck. Matinee (20-24in) drops just above the bust line. Opera (28-34in) reaches the sternum. Each length has a different impact — see our length guide for visuals.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship worldwide with insured tracked delivery. Free shipping on orders over $150 USD. Each piece arrives with certificate of authenticity.
South Sea pearls come from Pinctada maxima, the silver-lipped or gold-lipped oyster (depending on color variant) native to Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The pieces in this collection are hand-graded against the AAA-AA-A scale: surface clean to 95%+ for AAA, 85%+ for AA, with mirror luster the defining marker of AAA. Strands and pendant necklaces in classic lengths (collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera, rope). Hand-knotted between pearls with silk thread — the traditional method that prevents wear and keeps pearls separate if a strand breaks. South Sea pearls are the largest commercially-cultured saltwater pearls (9-20mm). Golden South Sea command 30-50% premium over white at the same size. Sourcing: direct from oyster farms in Australia, Indonesia & Philippines. Each necklace ships with our certificate of authenticity and origin notation.