Learn About Freshwater Pearl
A single freshwater pearl mussel can produce up to 50 pearls at a time! Now, isn't that something?
Freshwater Pearl
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
-
Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June Birthstone
Round
Off Round
Overview
There may be visual similarities between freshwater and saltwater pearls (Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian), but they come from diverse sources. Different varieties of freshwater mussels, belonging to the Unionidae family, are responsible for creating freshwater pearls. They can thrive in both hot and cold temperatures, and are generally found in lakes, rivers and ponds.
All freshwater pearls used in the jewelry industry today are produced in pearl farms. While some human intervention is involved in the creation of these cultured pearls, they are still born inside a living mussel and are absolutely genuine.
1. Key Origin
- As they are adaptable to different climatic conditions, pearl-producing mussels can be found in several locations around the world, including Japan and United States.
- Currently, however, the global freshwater pearl market is dominated by Chinese pearl farms.
2. Nucleation
- Hyriopsis cumingi (triangle shell) and Hyriopsis schlegeli (Biwa shell) are the main mussel species responsible for creating freshwater pearls.
- These species are able to produce higher quality pearls than the C. Plicata species, which was used throughout the 1980s.
Know About Other Gems
Freshwater Pearl
"A single freshwater pearl mussel can produce up to 50 pearls at a time! Now, isn't that something?"
- White
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
- Round
Know About Other Gems
South Sea Pearl
Among all the cultured pearls in the world, White South Sea pearls are the rarest and most valuable.
- White, Golden,
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Tahitian Pearl
Tahitian pearls come from Tahiti? False! These pearls are actually grown in French Polynesia.
- Black
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Hope, Healing, Positivity.
- June
Golden South Sea Pearl
The value of a Golden South Sea pearl depends on its color. The deeper the golden hue, the higher the pearl's value.
- Golden
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Akoya Pearl
Akoya pearl oysters only produce around two pearls per harvest. This makes them a lot rarer than Freshwater pearls.
- White
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Quality & Grading
Unlike most of the other gemstones that are found within the crust of the earth, pearl is an organic jewel created by living creatures. For this reason, the grading parameters used to assess its quality will be slightly different. But there are six important aspects that you should always keep in mind when looking for a good quality freshwater pearl.
Luster
Surface
Color
Shape
Nacre Thickness
Size
Currently there is no universally accepted method for evaluation of pearl quality. The below mentioned features, however, will help you distinguish a high-quality freshwater pearl from the rest.
| Gem Quality | Luster | Surface | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Ultra High | Very minor blemishes with almost clean surface | Ultra High | Top 1-2% |
Freshwater Pearl Solitaire V-Bale Pendant$409 |
| Best (AAA) |  Very High | Minor blemishes with most of the surface clean | Very High | Top 10% |
Classic Freshwater Pearl Solitaire Studs$209 |
| Better (AA) |  Medium | Medium blemishes with moderate imperfections on the surface | Medium | Top 33% |
Freshwater Pearl Solitaire Pendant with Diamond$169 |
| Good (A) |  Medium | Moderate blemishes with major imperfections on the surface | Low | Top 75% |
Solitaire Freshwater Pearl Bypass Ring$189 |
Treatment
Good quality freshwater cultured pearls do not require any kind of treatment, and they are available at an affordable price. But you will also find bleached, coated, dyed and fake pearls in the market. It is recommended that you buy freshwater pearl jewelry only from a reputed jewelry brand like Angara, which does not sell artificially treated freshwater pearls. Some effort and care will go a long way in ensuring your freshwater pearl jewelry remains glowing for years to come, and without the need for any additional treatments.
Why Choose
01 How valuable is a Freshwater Pearl today?
Initially, freshwater pearls were deemed low quality and an inexpensive alternative to the seawater pearl options. But things changed in the year 1990, when a new class of freshwater pearls was introduced to the market.
Over the last decade, the humble freshwater pearl has undergone many stages of improvement. An high-quality pearl today can easily rival Akoya pearls in both beauty and value.
02 What makes Freshwater Pearls a must-have?
- Available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes: Freshwater pearls have two major features that work brilliantly in their favor – their availability in a wide range of colors and their unique shapes.
- In comparison to seawater pearls, farmed freshwater pearls are generally more affordable. This is because unlike oysters, that typically develop only one pearl at a time, a single mussel is capable of producing up to 50 freshwater pearls. Also, visually they look almost the same and the only difference is their mineral composition.
Style & Care Tips
01 The right way to flaunt Freshwater Pearls
Care Instructions
Freshwater pearls are delicate treasures and need to be treated with love and care. Keep the following simple tips in mind to ensure they look brand new for years to come.
FAQs
1. Are freshwater pearls natural or cultured?
Freshwater pearls are typically cultured, meaning they are grown with human assistance by inserting a small nucleus into a mollusk. While natural freshwater pearls do exist, they are extremely rare and mostly found in antique jewelry. Cultured freshwater pearls are more common and widely available in the market today.
2. Are freshwater pearls expensive?
Freshwater pearls are generally more affordable than other varieties such as Akoya or South Sea pearls. However, their price can vary based on factors such as size, luster, surface quality and shape. High-quality freshwater pearls with exceptional features can still command higher prices.
3. What do freshwater pearls symbolize?
Prized for their timeless beauty, freshwater pearls are also believed to symbolize purity, clarity and wisdom, making them a popular choice for pearl lovers.
4. How do I take care of freshwater pearls?
To care for freshwater pearls, avoid exposing them to chemicals like perfumes or hairsprays. Clean them gently with a soft cloth after wearing them, and store them in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratches.
5. How do freshwater pearls differ from saltwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls are grown in rivers and lakes, while saltwater pearls are cultured in oceans. Freshwater pearls are more abundant, come in a wider range of shapes and colors and are affordable. On the other hand, saltwater pearls such as Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls, are rounder, more lustrous and more expensive.
6. How are freshwater pearls graded?
Freshwater pearls are graded based on their luster, surface quality, shape, size and color. High-quality pearls have a bright luster, minimal blemishes and are round or symmetrical in shape.
