“You can never have too much of a good thing.” This old saying rings especially true when it comes to freshwater cultured pearls.
Gorgeous and highly sought after for their one-of-a-kind qualities, these gemstones come in a rainbow of hues. Whether you’re looking to buy your first freshwater cultured pearl gemstone or are simply interested in learning more, this guide is sure to teach you everything you need to know.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
What are Freshwater Cultured Pearls, and Where Do They Come From
Freshwater cultured pearls are usually found in freshwater environments like lakes and rivers and are cultured in captivity. These pearls are generally less expensive than their saltwater counterparts and come in various shapes and sizes.
Cultured pearls from freshwater ecosystems have a lineage with their saltwater cousins that date back millennia. These colorful to grey gemstones were historically a popular gift for royalty because of their association with wealth and power. Today, freshwater pearls are still highly prized for their beauty and versatility.
Cultured freshwater pearls come from all over the world. The United States, Japan, and Korea all produce cultured pearls, but China accounts for the great bulk of the global market.
The History of Freshwater Cultured Pearls
Freshwater cultured pearls are grown in freshwater mollusks, which can be either mussels or clams. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto—now known as the “Father of Cultured Pearls”—grew the first pearl from a freshwater culture. Mikimoto successfully cultivated pearls in Lake Biwa, Japan, using the Akoya pearl oyster.
Prior to Mikimoto’s innovation, natural pearls were the only type of pearls on the market and were extremely rare and expensive. Mikimoto’s cultured pearls quickly gained popularity because they were much more affordable than natural pearls.
Today, freshwater cultured pearls are still grown in Lake Biwa, as well as in many other lakes and rivers around the world. The vast majority of freshwater cultured pearls come from China, which is estimated to produce over 90% of the world’s supply.
How Are Freshwater Pearls Cultured?
Freshwater pearls are cultured by inserting a small piece of mantle tissue from a donor mussel into a host mussel. The host mussel will then secrete nacre, which coats the mantle tissue and forms a pearl. It takes several years for a freshwater pearl to form, and the final product is often relatively small.
There are several methods of culturing freshwater pearls, but the most common is by using a bead nuclei. A small spherical bead made of either glass or plastic is inserted into the mantle tissue of the host mussel. The mussel will then secrete nacre, which coats the bead and forms a pearl.
It takes several years for a freshwater pearl to form, and the final product is often quite small. However, the pearls are usually very high quality and have a beautiful luster. Freshwater pearls are often used in jewelry and can be dyed to create a wide range of colors.
Also See: List of White Gemstone Names
The Different Colors of Freshwater Cultured Pearls and What They Mean
There are three main types of freshwater cultured pearls: white, pink, and blue. Within these categories, there is a wide range of colors, including cream, peach, lavender, and green.
White freshwater cultured pearls are the most classic and versatile. They can be worn with anything and go with any outfit. Pink freshwater cultured pearls are romantic and feminine. They add a touch of elegance to any outfit. At the same time, blue freshwater cultured pearls are unique and Eye-catching. They are perfect for making a statement.
The other color categories of freshwater cultured pearls are less common but no less beautiful. Cream pearls have a warm and inviting appearance, whereas green pearls are mysterious and alluring. Peach pearls are playful and fun, while lavender pearls are romantic and elegant.
No matter what color freshwater cultured pearl gemstone you choose, you are sure to make a stunning fashion statement.
The Properties of Freshwater Cultured Pearl Gemstones
Freshwater cultured pearl gemstones have many unique properties, making them a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative applications. Here are some of the most notable properties of freshwater cultured pearls:
- Freshwater cultured pearls are usually less expensive than saltwater cultured pearls.
- They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, pink, and cream.
- Freshwater cultured pearls have a high luster or shine.
- They are typically rounder in shape than saltwater cultured pearls.
- Freshwater cultured pearls are more delicate than saltwater cultured pearls and require more careful handling.
The Price Range of Freshwater Cultured Pearl Gemstones
The price of freshwater cultured pearl gemstones can vary widely. You may find them for as low as $10 per carat and as much as $100 per carat, with the price fluctuating greatly based on the grade of the stone. The vast majority of freshwater cultured pearl gemstones fall somewhere in between these two extremes.
When shopping for freshwater cultured pearl gemstones, it is crucial to remember that the price is not necessarily an indicator of quality. In many cases, the price is simply a reflection of the stone’s size or rarity. That said, there are some general rules to follow to get the most for your money.
Freshwater cultured pearl gemstones that are less than one carat in size are typically the least expensive. The cost of the gem rises in proportion to its size. Freshwater cultured pearls that are three carats or larger can be pretty expensive, depending on the stone’s quality.
The quality of the freshwater cultured pearl gemstone is also a factor in determining price. The highest quality freshwater cultured pearls are typically those that have been treated with great care and have a high level of luster. Lower-quality freshwater cultured pearls may appear dull or have visible blemishes.
Also See: List of Blue Gemstone Names
Some Benefits of Wearing a Freshwater Cultured Pearl Gemstone
Wearing a freshwater cultured pearl gemstone can bring you many astrological benefits. The most obvious benefit is that it can help you connect with the energy of the moon. The planet Moon dominates the pearl, thus the name “stone of the moon.” Wearing a pearl can help you tap into the feminine energy of the moon, which can be very helpful in achieving your goals.
In addition to the astrological benefits of freshwater cultured pearl, wearing the gemstone can also bring you some health benefits. Pearls are known to be good for the skin and can help to improve the complexion. They are also said to help treat digestive disorders and can even help to reduce stress levels.
How to Care for Your Freshwater Cultured Pearl Gemstone
If you’re lucky enough to own a freshwater cultured pearl gemstone, you’ll want to take care of it so it will last many years. Here are some tips on how to care for your freshwater cultured pearl ring and other pearl jewelry:
- Avoid exposing your pearl to harsh chemicals, such as bleach.
- Don’t wear your pearl ring when doing activities that could damage it, such as gardening or cooking.
- Store your pearl jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box when you’re not wearing it.
- Clean your pearl ring and necklace regularly with a mild soap and water solution.
- Have your freshwater cultured pearl jewels checked by a jeweler every few years to make sure it’s in good condition.
Buying Tips for Freshwater Cultured Pearl Gemstone
When shopping for loose pearls or jewelry such as freshwater cultured pearl rings, it is essential to keep in mind that these gems are not created equal. A few key factors can affect both the quality and the price of freshwater cultured pearls, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. Here are a few tips to help you buy the best freshwater cultured pearl gemstone for your needs.
- Look for pearls cultured in freshwater lakes or rivers. These pearls tend to be of higher quality than those cultured in saltwater.
- Choose a pearl that has a smooth, glossy surface. Avoid pearls that are dull or have blemishes.
- Select a freshwater cultured pearl that is a uniform color. Pearls with uneven coloring are typically of lower quality.
- Determine the size of freshwater cultured pearl you want before shopping. Freshwater cultured pearls are available in various sizes, from very small to large.
- Decide on the shape of freshwater cultured pearl you prefer. A wide range of shapes, including rounds, ovals, and teardrops, are available in freshwater cultured pearls.
- Choose a freshwater cultured pearl strung on a silk thread. This type of stringing is the strongest and will help to prevent the pearl from breaking.
- Inspect the freshwater cultured pearl for nacre thickness. Nacre is the iridescent substance that covers the pearl. A thicker layer of nacre will result in a higher quality pearl.
Also See: List of Pink Gemstone Names
FAQs
Cultured freshwater pearl means a pearl that is grown in freshwater mussels. These pearls are not as valuable as saltwater pearls, but they are more affordable.
It takes about two years to culture a freshwater pearl.
You can usually tell if a freshwater pearl is cultured by its shape. Cultured freshwater pearls are often rounder and more symmetrical than wild pearls.
Button cultured freshwater pearl is a type of freshwater pearl grown in a mussel. It involves cutting open a mussel and inserting a little bit of tissue. The mussel is then closed, and the pearl grows around the tissue. Button cultured freshwater pearls are usually rounder than wild pearls.
Have You Decided on a Freshwater Cultured Pearl?
If you’re still on the fence about freshwater cultured pearls, hopefully, this article has helped sway you. They offer a variety of benefits and are affordable enough for most people.
If you decide to buy a freshwater cultured pearl, we want to hear all about it! Leave us a comment below and let us know which type of pearl you chose and what your experience was like.
Let us know when you get your hands on that stunning new piece of jewelry because we would love to see it.
