Freshwater mussels are what create freshwater pearls. Most freshwater pearls are from China's rivers and lakes, though Japan and the USA have a smaller market share. Freshwater mussels can produce 50 pearls per hour (in comparison to the 2-3 pearls that saltwater oysters can have).
The large freshwater pearls you see on the market have been cultured. This means they were grown in pearl farms with science and technology, not in nature by chance. Scientists are currently using a scientific cultivation method that involves trained technicians injecting stimulants into mussels to stimulate pearl production. Unlike the ones used in Akoya or other saltwater pearl culture techniques, the nuclei of freshwater pearls are made from tissue from donated mussels.
Freshwater pearls cultured using the above cultivation techniques don't contain any nacreous nuclei but are made entirely of nacreous layers. A thick layer of nacre makes pearls more beautiful and durable.
Colors and overtones of freshwater pearls
White, cream, gray, and pastel colors are the primary colors for freshwater pearls. Low-quality gemstone pearls lack desirable accents, while high-quality freshwater pearls are adorned with pink, green, or blue accents. The most popular colors for freshwater pearls are white, cream, mauve, and black. Black freshwater pearls can be artificially dyed. Only Tahitian pearls can be naturally charcoal-gray to black.
Freshwater Pearl Shapes
While pearls are generally spherical, only 5% of them are perfectly round. The rest of the pearls are semi-baroque, baroque, and button-shaped. In the past, only round pearls could be included in jewelry. With the advent of The Times' art, people are now more aware of the beauty and uniqueness of irregularly shaped pearls.
Freshwater Pearl Sizes
The growing season determines the size of freshwater pearls. The size of freshwater pearls is generally between 2.0 mm and 15.0 mm. It is rare to find more than 10.0mm.
Freshwater Pearl Luster
When buying pearls, luster is a crucial consideration. A pearl's luster is directly proportional to its price. Akoya pearls and South Sea pearls (saltwater) luster is generally higher than freshwater pearls. There are exceptions, and it all depends on the pearl.
Freshwater pearls are a great value.
The most common and affordable pearl type on the market is the freshwater pearl. Although they are similar to Akoya pearls, freshwater pearls can cost up to 80% less than Akoya pearls.
Also, where do they come from?
Each freshwater pearl culture mussel is carefully implanted with 24 to 32 tiny encapsulated tissue, a process known as nucleation. The tissue forms a sac and begins to secrete pearl nacre. The mussel builds up layers of nacre around the gem over two to seven years. Each shell contains more than two dozen pearls.
Millions of pearls are carefully sorted after harvest and matched for quality, size, shape, color, or color. After sorting, loose pearls can be sold individually or on temporary strings called "hanks."
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