What is the difference between South Sea and Tahitian pearls?

  South sea pearls are cultured in warm seas of Australian, Indonesia and Philippines. Pinctada maxima pearl oysters, specifically gold-lipped and silver-lipped oysters, are the creator of these pearls. 


-Colors-
The most common South Sea pearls color include white, silver, pink and gold. 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. 

-Sizes-
South Sea pearls are generally the largest cultured pearl type, they can grow anywhere from 1-3 years, before they are ready to harvest. Ranging in size from 8.0-9.0mm up through 20.0mm, with the average sizes ranging from 9.0-10.0mm through 14.0-15.0mm. 
 
-Shape-
Perfectly round Tahitian pearls are the most valued and rare. Free-form baroque, circled and drop shapes that are symmetrical comprise the vast majority of shapes in each yearly pearl harvest. 

  Tahitian Pearls are saltwater pearls they are black in color because of the Pinctada margaritifera (also known as the “Black Lip” oyster). It got its name as Tahitian pearl because they are found around French Polynesia islands (https://cmwpearls.com/blogs/tahitian-pearl-news/where-can-i-find-tahitian-pearls)

-Colors-
Tahitian pearls are often referred to as black but have a remarkable color range that covers the spectrum from light. They comes in every sorts of rainbow colors even dark and grey, but their famous color is Peacock this colors shimmer with gorgeous, iridescent overtones.

-Sizes-
The irritant can take 2-3 years before the pearl is ready to harvest. Their range in size from 8.0-9.0mm up through 15.0-16.0mm, with the average sizes ranging from 9.0-10.0mm through 12.0-13.0mm. 

-Shape-
Perfectly round Tahitian pearls are the most valued. Free-form baroque, circled and drop shapes that are symmetrical comprise the vast majority of shapes in each yearly pearl harvest.