Freshwater Pearl : What is it?
| Freshwater pearls are obtained from freshwater mollusks. They are formed from small grit or particles that enter the mollusk's shell, causing it to produce a protective substance called nacre or mother-of-pearl. Several layers of nacre gradually harden over the grit, forming a freshwater pearl. Freshwater pearls measure between three to seven millimeters.
Freshwater pearls are easier to produce than their saltwater counterparts. A single mussel can form over 50 pearls, which makes them less expensive than other types of pearls. They also come in a wide range of colors, such as white, red, copper, green, and blue. Rose and similar pastel shades are usually the most valuable. |
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Kinds of Freshwater Pearls include the following: |
Biwa pearls
- Biwa pearls are obtained from freshwater clams commonly found in Lake Biwa, Japan.
- They are formed around a small piece of mother-of-pearl instead of grit. Culturing takes about three years.
- They are irregularly shaped, but come in vibrant colors and have good luster.
Seed pearls
- Seed pearls are extremely small pearls measuring less than two millimeters.
- They are made from nacre residues left from larger cultured pearls.
- They are very valuable when used in jewelry because of the difficult drilling and threading process.
Baroque pearls
- Baroque pearls are nucleated from the mantle tissue instead of a bead, giving them a highly irregular shape.
- They come in different colors, but may also be dyed to produce more vibrant shades.
- They are less valuable than round pearls and are commonly used in vintage jewelry.
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Luster: Choose a freshwater pearl with a shiny, slightly iridescent surface. Look for one that reflects different colors at different angles. Freshwater pearls are usually treated to preserve color and luster, so make sure the protective coats will not rub off over time.
Shape: Look for freshwater pearls as round and symmetrical as possible, especially if you will be using them for strands, necklaces, and bracelets. These are easier to string together and will not crack as easily. Highly irregular shapes make good pendants and earrings, although they are harder to polish and have less visible luster.
Surface quality: Choose a freshwater pearl with as little surface blemish as possible. Wrinkles and spots are common and will not affect the pearl's quality, but surface damage such as holes and cracks can spread to the entire pearl over time. Look for a relatively smooth surface with a silky or slightly grainy feel.
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