Freshwater Pearl Guide

Almost all pearls on today’s market, including freshwater pearls, are cultured pearls, which are equally as beautiful as natural pearls, much more plentiful and more affordable. To cultivate freshwater pearls, skilled technicians implant a small piece of tissue, called the nucleus, in the mussel to begin the cultivation process. The mussel coats each nucleus with layers of glossy nacre, producing alluring freshwater pearls. What sets freshwater pearls apart from others is their range of shimmering colors. The naturally diverse environments where they’re created give freshwater pearls a range of colors you don’t usually think of when you consider pearls, including silvery white, striking pink, lavender and orange. 

Freshwater pearls are exquisite in any type of jewelry. Pearl fans choose their gems based on the attributes they personally find most appealing.

Freshwater pearls range from small to moderately sized, usually falling between 3 mm and 12 mm. Larger pearls are typically more expensive and are measured by size rather than weight to ensure a fair price. While larger pearls command a higher price, any size looks captivating when set in the right piece of jewelry. 

Coveted for their stunning range of soft colors, you’ll find freshwater pearls in an array of colors. Cultivated mollusks create these colors naturally, delivering shimmering pearls with intense body color. Pearls with rich colors typically command a higher price, as they are somewhat rarer than white and cream.

While perfectly round pearls are the most valuable, freshwater pearls are popular for their range of off-round and oval shapes. These unique designs make freshwater pearls a popular choice for accent pieces like pendants and earrings, while more expensive round freshwater pearls make beautiful pearl strands.

Known for their satiny lustre, freshwater pearls give a softer glow than their saltwater counterparts. Look for a clean surface with no scrapes or markings to find the best value.

We offer a wide selection of freshwater pearls to suit every price point. While certain styles like large, round pearls may be the most valuable, deciding which styles, shapes and colors you’ll wear in your favorite jewelry is purely a matter of taste.