F.A.Q - Freshwater Pearls

What are freshwater pearls?

Freshwater pearls are pearls that are formed in freshwater mussels and lakes, rather than in saltwater oysters. They are generally smaller than saltwater pearls and come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Freshwater pearls are usually less expensive than saltwater pearls.

 

Are cultured pearls natural pearls?

Many friends and customers have asked me this question. Cultivated pearls are natural pearls, just as eggs produced by farm chickens are also natural.
 

Is freshwater pearl better or seawater pearl?

This comparison is meaningless and not absolute. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Besides, everyone has different opinions and preferences, so there is no conclusion. On the whole, seawater pearls are better than freshwater pearls; Compared with freshwater pearls of similar quality, seawater pearls are much more expensive than freshwater pearls, but don't forget that seawater pearls are nuclear-cultured pearls, while freshwater pearls are nuclear-free; The quality of top freshwater pearls is no worse than that of seawater pearls, but by contrast, top freshwater pearls are more scarce.
 

Are freshwater pearls real?

Yes, freshwater pearls are real. They are formed in freshwater mussels and are composed of the same material as saltwater pearls: calcium carbonate.
 

How much are freshwater pearls worth?

The value of a freshwater pearl can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars depending on the size, shape, and quality of the pearl.
 

How to tell the difference between freshwater and akoya pearls?

The main difference between freshwater and akoya pearls is size, shape, and color. Akoya pearls are typically larger, rounder, and have a more vivid color than freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, are smaller, more irregularly shaped, and often have a lighter color.
 

Where do freshwater pearls come from?

Freshwater pearls are found in rivers, lakes, and ponds. They are cultured in mussel farms in the United States, China, Japan, and other countries.
 

How are freshwater pearls made?

Freshwater pearls are formed when a small irritant, such as a piece of sand or a small parasite, becomes trapped inside the shell of a freshwater mollusk. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, forming a pearl. These pearls are then harvested from the mollusk and can be used to create jewelry or other decorative items.
 

Are freshwater pearls good quality?

Freshwater pearls can range in quality depending on factors such as size, shape, color, luster, and surface quality. Generally, high quality freshwater pearls are those with a good luster, a round shape, and few blemishes.
 

How to clean freshwater pearls?

1. Start by soaking the pearls in a small bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of mild detergent. Let the pearls soak for 10-20 minutes.

2. Gently scrub the pearls with a soft bristled brush or a soft cloth.

3. Rinse the pearls with warm water.

4. Dry the pearls with a soft cloth.

5. Place the pearls in a soft cloth pouch or box to store them away from other jewelry.

 

How to tell if freshwater pearls are real?

1. Rub the pearls against your teeth. Real pearls will feel slightly gritty, while fake pearls are smooth.

2. Look for any sign of a bezel or drill hole. Real pearls have these small indentations where the pearl was once attached to an item.

3. Check the weight of the pearl. Real pearls are usually heavier than fake pearls, due to their dense composition.

4. Check the surface of the pearl. Real pearls are usually more irregular and have more ridges, while fake pearls are usually smoother and more uniform in shape.

5. Examine the luster of the pearl. Real pearls usually have a soft, pearly glow, while fake pearls will often have a glossy sheen.

 

Are black freshwater pearls dyed?

Yes, some black freshwater pearls are dyed. The color is usually achieved by dying the pearl's outer coating with a black dye, although some pearls are also treated with irradiation to turn them black.

 

Are freshwater pearls sustainable?

Freshwater pearls are considered to be a sustainable product because they are made from mussels that can be farmed in a sustainable way. The mussels are not harmed during the harvesting process, and the pearls can be cultured in a way that does not damage the environment or the mussels.

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