South Sea Pearl

One of the first thing to learn about pearls is that there are two major categories - saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls. Besides the obvious differences, what are the underlying characteristics of each of these types of pearls? Let’s explore these two types of pearls in depth to get a better understanding of what makes each of them unique.

When it comes to classifying saltwater pearls, it is most obviously any pearl created in a saltwater environment. Saltwater pearls come from oysters that are usually kept in lagoons or bays. There are three types of pearls most commonly created in saltwater – akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls. Most of the saltwater pearls found on the market today are cultured. True natural saltwater pearls are rare.

Now, what are some of the characteristics of saltwater pearls that differentiate them from freshwater? First, saltwater pearls tend to be more round than freshwater pearls. Saltwater pearls are bead nucleated which creates a more symmetrical, round pearl. Even though this nucleation process results in a nice round pearl, it gives them a hard bead center. This means that they do not have nacre as thick as freshwater pearls.

Saltwater oysters only create one pearl each, making those pearls more expensive than freshwater pearls. The benefit of this however is that saltwater pearls tend to be of a higher quality. Saltwater pearls also are known for their incredible luster, or shine. In a high quality saltwater pearl, you should be able to see your reflection. Their symmetry and shine makes them the perfect choice for a pearl necklace or bracelet, when many pearls are strung in a row.

Freshwater pearls have a reputation of being of a lower quality than saltwater pearls, mostly because they tend to be much more inexpensive. Creation and cultivation of freshwater pearls has come a long way however to let them compete more heavily with saltwater pearls. Freshwater pearls come from freshwater mollusks that live in lakes or ponds. Most of the world’s freshwater pearls are created and harvested in China and they have improved their methods over the years.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks of freshwater pearls is their sometimes odd shape. Freshwater pearls can be found in many shapes such as drop, rice, round and semi-round which makes for some unique pieces of jewelry. Another attraction of freshwater pearls is that they come in a variety of colors. They can be found in white, cream, rose, blue and pretty much every color in-between. Not many saltwater pearls can be found naturally in these colors. Now, while freshwater pearls come in many colors, they do not have the high shine that saltwater pearls have.

Freshwater pearls occur in nature differently than saltwater pearls. Instead of using a bead, a piece of tissue is used to nucleate the mussel. This is why freshwater pearls tend to be less symmetrical than saltwater pearls. The benefit however, of using tissue instead of a bead is that the pearl is 100% nacre. This results in freshwater pearls being more resistant to scratches and chipping. Another result of tissue nucleation is that one mollusk is capable of producing up to thirty pearls at one time.

It’s clear that there are major differences between saltwater and freshwater pearls. Both types of pearls have characteristics that offer unique appeal to consumers. The market for freshwater pearls is definitely on the rise as their quality and image improves. You have to decide whether the qualities of saltwater, or the qualities of freshwater pearls are most important to you. Keep in mind that more expensive doesn’t always mean better. While saltwater pearls tend to be of a higher quality, freshwater pearls are on the move. You can easily find a beautiful and affordable necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings with high quality freshwater pearls. So, before heading out to the stores, decide what is important to you in a pearl and you will be sure to find the perfect piece!