What is the difference between freshwater pearls

In other words, there is no real difference when comparing cultured freshwater pearls vs. The real differentiator is the environment in which they are made, either freshwater or saltwater.

Here's how they differ. Saltwater Pearls - Saltwater pearls, including Japanese Akoya pearls , Tahitian pearls and South Sea pearls , are created in saltwater environments. Akoya are the roundest and most lustrous pearls in the world. These saltwater pearls come from oysters inhabiting the oceans of the world. Freshwater Pearls - Freshwater pearls , on the other hand, are the product of mussels that inhabit freshwater lakes and rivers. Technically, if colored freshwater pearls were the largest, roundest and most lustrous pearls in the world, they could be worth as much as saltwater.

Freshwater pearls can be round or irregular in their shapes and exhibit unusual colors. White Freshwater and Akoya Pearls are routinely bleached in order to produce a white pearl.

Only about 20 percent of saltwater pearls end up in high-quality jewelry. Saltwater pearls have a more brilliant shine and luster than freshwater pearls and are more expensive. On The Map. Privacy Policy. Since the nacre layer of freshwater pearls is thicker, they are more durable than saltwater ones, which are more vulnerable to wear and also more prone to chipping.

As you can see, when choosing between these two pearl varieties, you need to weigh appearance against durability and decide what trade-off you are more comfortable with. Finally, if you can find freshwater pearls that have been cultivated using modern methods, you will find that these pearls often match the luster and shape of their saltwater counterparts, but at a more reasonable price. For pearl jewelry, check out the great selection available at Amazon. We also recommend Blue Nile and Ross-Simons.

What Are Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls? Pearl earrings. Text continues below ad. Where to Buy Pearl Jewelry? Disclosure: Some of the links on our site may help us earn affiliate commissions from advertisers.

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