Wild (Natural) Pearls:
* Extremely Rare: Natural pearls are formed without human intervention. A natural pearl forms when an irritant enters a mollusk and the mollusk coats it with layers of nacre (the same material that makes up the shell). These are now very uncommon due to over-harvesting in the past. Natural pearls are extremely valuable, especially if they are large and well-shaped.
Cultured Pearls:
* Common: Cultured pearls are created by inserting an irritant (usually a bead) into a mollusk, which then coats it with nacre. This process is done in a pearl farm. Cultured pearls are much more readily available than natural pearls and are the main type of pearl you'll find in jewelry today.
* Akoya Pearls: These are the classic round, white pearls most people think of. They're still relatively common, especially in sizes up to 8mm. Larger sizes become more expensive.
* Freshwater Pearls: These are the most common and often the most affordable. They are grown in freshwater mussels, primarily in China. Production is very high, leading to lower prices. They come in a wider variety of shapes and colors than Akoya pearls.
* Tahitian Pearls: These dark, exotic pearls are less common than Akoya or freshwater pearls, but they are still cultured. They're more expensive than Akoya pearls.
* South Sea Pearls: These are the largest and often most expensive cultured pearls. They come in white, gold, and silver shades. They're less common than other types due to the specific oyster and cultivation methods required.
In summary:
* Natural pearls are very rare.
* Cultured pearls are common, but their price and availability vary greatly depending on the type. Freshwater pearls are the most common and affordable, while South Sea pearls are among the rarest and most expensive.