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Freshwater Pearls

Ready to ship or made to order

A collection of jewelry made with freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearl natural colors range from a creamy white to a peach or mauve color. Other colors in freshwater pearls are usually the result of being dyed that color.

Buying guide

About freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls are grown by mussels in lakes and rivers, today mostly in China. They are made almost entirely of nacre, which makes them durable, and they come in the widest range of soft colors and shapes of any pearl.

Mollusk
Freshwater mussel
Grown in
China
Size
3–10mm, larger in some shapes
Color
White, pink, peach and lavender
Nacre
Solid nacre, with no bead inside
Best for
Everyday wear, first pearls and colorful styles

Why freshwater pearls are so durable

Most freshwater pearls are grown with a small piece of tissue instead of a bead, so the pearl is nacre all the way through. They resist chipping and wear well every day, which is why we often suggest them for a first strand or for someone who wears pearls daily.

Color and shape

Freshwater pearls come in soft whites and natural pastels from pink to peach and lavender, and in round, oval, button, coin and baroque shapes. Some colors on the market are dyed; ask us about any piece and we will tell you whether its color is natural.

How we judge a freshwater pearl

Fine freshwater pearls now come close to Akoya in luster. We look for a bright reflection, a clean surface and good roundness for a round strand, and grade each piece AA+ to AAAA by our own standard.

Choosing a size

7.5–8.0mm is the classic size for a freshwater strand. For studs, 6–8mm suits everyday wear.

Before you buy

Are freshwater pearls real pearls?

Yes. Freshwater pearls are cultured pearls grown by living mussels. They are real pearls made of nacre, not imitation pearls.

Are freshwater pearls good quality?

They can be very fine. High-grade freshwater pearls have bright luster and clean surfaces, and their solid nacre makes them among the most durable pearls. Quality depends on the grade, so compare luster and surface, not just the type.

What is the difference between freshwater and Akoya pearls?

Freshwater pearls grow in mussels and are solid nacre, with softer luster and a wider range of colors. Akoya pearls grow in saltwater oysters, are rounder and brighter, and cost more. Both make lovely first pearls.

Can I wear freshwater pearls every day?

Yes, they are the pearl we suggest most for daily wear. Keep them away from perfume and lotion, wipe them after wearing, and restring a strand you wear often about once a year.

Are colored freshwater pearls dyed?

Many are naturally pink, peach or lavender. Some on the market are dyed, especially very dark or bright colors. Ask us about any piece and we will tell you whether its color is natural.

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