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A Brief History of Pearls: Color of South Sea Pearls

The short answer

The most common South Sea pearl colors are white, silver, pink and gold. Where they are grown sets the color: Australian South Sea pearls are usually white or silver, while Philippine and Indonesian pearls are creamier and more golden. Color affects price mainly through preference and demand.

Reviewed by American Pearl’s pearl specialists · Updated October 2026
  A brief history of pearls

COLOR OF SOUTH SEA PEARLS


Like other types of pearls, South Sea pearls are available in a beautiful range of colors. Further, they come with different levels of iridescence; that contributes to their value, as well.



South Sea Pearl Colors

The most common South Sea pearl colors include white, silver, pink and gold. Typically, the region where these pearls are cultivated helps determine their colors. South Sea pearls developed in Australia are usually white, while those produced in the Philippines and Indonesia usually appear creamier, and they're more golden in color .

Does Color Determine Value in South Sea Pearls?

As with all pearls, color does affect South Sea pearls' value. However, this is largely due to personal preference and popularity on the market. Many other factors combine to determine the value of a South Sea pearl, including its surface quality, luster and size.

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South Sea pearl colors: common questions

What colors are South Sea pearls?

White, silver, pink and gold, in many shades and degrees of iridescence.

Where do golden South Sea pearls come from?

Mostly the Philippines and Indonesia, where the oysters tend to produce creamier and golden pearls.

Where do white South Sea pearls come from?

Mostly Australia.

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