South Sea pearls are among the largest commercially harvested 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. 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. South Sea pearls have a unique, satiny luster and also have a subtle array of colors; typically white, silver or platinum and golden, which are rare in other pearl types.