Saltwater vs Freshwater Pearls: What’s The Difference?
What Are Freshwater Pearls?
These are harvested from freshwater mussels, which can each produce up to 30 pearls. This high productivity opposed to saltwater mussels (only one pearl at a time) makes the freshwater pearls more affordable, as they are not so rare and are easier to cultivate. Freshwater pearls are grown in Japan and the U.S. but tend to be mostly exclusive to China. One of the unique aspects of these types of pearls is that as the freshwater mussel ages, it starts to produce pearls with much higher luster.
What Are Saltwater Pearls?
These types of pearls are harvested from a saltwater oyster (mollusk) in a saline environment and each only produces one pearl at a time. This makes the saltwater pearls rarer and hence more expensive. However, their mysterious appeal is certainly worth it. They also tend to have a naturally more round shape than their freshwater cousins. Saltwater pearls come in 3 distinct types depending on the region:
Looking to add pearls to your jewelry ensemble? Explore our collections or speak to an expert team member for more advice.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
Celebrate Mother’s Day with us! GET 40% DISCOUNT FOR ALL COLLECTIONS!
Ювелирная продукция: украшения из жемчуга, жемчуг россыпью, таитянский черный жемчуг, белый южно-морской жемчуг, золотой жемчуг. Изделия производятся из немецкого серебра 925 пробы, позолоченного серебра и хирургической стали. Также в продаже сувенирная продукция, инкрустированная перламутром.
Joanne Brent
Author