This ring was custom designed for a customer in Miami, using a South Sea pearl. The simple, clean lines and pavé diamonds are meant to give a modern twist to a classic style.
What is a South Sea Pearl?
The South Seas lie between the northern coast of Australia and the southern coast of China. These waters are the native habitat of a large oyster known as Pinctada maxima which can grow up to 12 inches in diameter!
Pinctada maxima oysters produces what is known as South Sea pearls - the largest cultured pearls in the world. The average size of a South Sea pearl is 13 mm, with most harvests producing a range of sizes from 9 mm to 20 mm.
Reasons South Sea pearls can grow to such large sizes are:
SIZE: The large size of the Pinctada maxima - Due to the size of the oyster, it is able to accept a large nucleus.
TIME: The length of time the pearl is left to grow in the oyster - The growth period for South Sea pearls is also substantially longer than that of the akoya. Akoya pearls are harvested after only 9-16 months, where as South Sea pearls are harvested after a minimum of two years allowing for a larger size.
ENVIRONMENT: The South Seas are extremely clean and filled with plankton – the Pinctada maxima’s favorite food source. The clean waters and abundant food supply speed nacre production.
Pinctada maxima oysters produces what is known as South Sea pearls - the largest cultured pearls in the world. The average size of a South Sea pearl is 13 mm, with most harvests producing a range of sizes from 9 mm to 20 mm.
Reasons South Sea pearls can grow to such large sizes are:
SIZE: The large size of the Pinctada maxima - Due to the size of the oyster, it is able to accept a large nucleus.
TIME: The length of time the pearl is left to grow in the oyster - The growth period for South Sea pearls is also substantially longer than that of the akoya. Akoya pearls are harvested after only 9-16 months, where as South Sea pearls are harvested after a minimum of two years allowing for a larger size.
ENVIRONMENT: The South Seas are extremely clean and filled with plankton – the Pinctada maxima’s favorite food source. The clean waters and abundant food supply speed nacre production.
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