Are freshwater or cultured pearls better?

The fact of the matter is this: almost all pearls sold today are cultured pearls, including freshwater pearls. In other words, there is no real difference when comparing cultured freshwater pearls vs. freshwater pearls. The real differentiator is the environment in which they are made, either freshwater or saltwater.

Are natural or cultured pearls better?

Cultured pearls are considered real pearls – but they aren't formed without human intervention. Most pearls available on the market today are cultured. Natural pearls are much rarer and, therefore, much more valuable.

What's the difference between a cultured pearl and a freshwater pearl?

Freshwater pearls grow in lakes, ponds, and rivers, and are one type of cultured pearl. Cultured pearls refer to all pearls that involve human intervention, including freshwater and saltwater pearls. The majority of freshwater pearls are grown in China, and may even be called Chinese freshwater pearls.

Why are freshwater pearls so cheap?

Price. Freshwater pearls are cheaper for several reasons. First, freshwater mussels are larger and can thus produce more pearls at a time than can saltwater oysters. As a result, freshwater pearls are more abundant.

Are freshwater pearls worth buying?

Freshwater pearls are the most affordable pearl variety on the market today and offer excellent value to anyone who wants to venture into the world of pearls. Often called the 'fashion-forward' pearl, freshwater pearls come in a range of colors and shapes and are used in modern designs and jewelry styles.

Pearl Terminology: Cultured vs Natural, Freshwater vs Saltwater

Which pearl is best quality?

White South Sea and Golden South Sea pearls are the most sought-after cultured versions of the gems in the world. That's because they are the rarest, and offer the most luster and greatest pearls sizes. Both Golden South Sea and White South Sea pearls are cultivated in saltwater.

Are cultured pearls a good investment?

High-Quality Pearls are a Wearable investment

While you might think that gold and silver is an obvious choice when buying investment jewelry, pearls are an excellent alternative. In recent years auction houses such as Christie's have sold pearl jewelry far exceeding the value of other gemstones.

How long do freshwater pearls last?

On average, pearls should be restrung every 24 months depending on the frequency of wear. Real freshwater pearls are a true investment. With the recent pearl trend here to stay, it is important to follow these simple care tips to preserve the quality and colour of this jewellery box essential.

Is freshwater pearl a genuine pearl?

Are freshwater pearls real? Freshwater pearls are real, cultured pearls, grown in lakes, rivers, as well as ponds. Most Freshwater pearls are white and resemble Akoya pearls, but they also produce a variety of pastel shades, including pink, lilac and peach.

How can you tell real pearls from cultured pearls?

Rub the pearls to check surface feel

Both natural and cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. So when you rub the pearls lightly against each other or on your front teeth, they feel a little gritty. Fake or imitation pearls, however, usually feel smooth or glassy.

Can freshwater pearls get wet?

If possible, store them wrapped in a soft cloth or in a soft-lined container, pouch, or jewelry box, but not in an airtight container because the pearls need to "breathe". It is strongly recommended not to get your pearls wet by either showering or swimming (ocean, swimming pool or Jacuzzi hot tubs).

Is Akoya pearl better than freshwater pearl?

When compared to other varieties, such as Tahitian and South Sea, Akoya pearls definitely offer good value for money without compromising on beauty. Freshwater pearls lack the deep, beautiful gleam of an Akoya. However, the palette of colors and attractive pricing makes them a great option for many people.

Do freshwater pearls peel?

Freshwater pearl care

Like all pearls, freshwater pearls are soft and delicate. They are not as susceptible to peeling as other cultured pearls because they're about 90 percent nacre, but they may still be at risk for cracking or scratches.

Can you tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls?

It's pretty much impossible to tell the difference between a natural and cultured pearl by just looking at its outer appearance. The only way to make absolute certain whether a pearl is natural or not is to perform an x-ray of the internal structure of the pearl.

What is the most durable pearl?

Freshwater pearls are the closest in pearl composition that you can get to a natural pearl formed on its own in the wild. Freshwater pearls are EXTREMELY durable, and if cared for properly, will retain the original color, luster and orient for decades to come.

What is the difference between Akoya freshwater and cultured pearls?

And the big difference between freshwater pearl and Akoya pearl is that the former one is cultivated in freshwater mussels and the other one is cultivated in saltwater oysters. Akoya pearl is a bead-nucleated cultured pearl cultivated from Akoya oysters that growing in the saltwater.

Do freshwater pearls scratch?

Pearls Are Soft: Handle with Care

Pearls are one of the softest materials used in jewelry. Almost all gems are harder than them. For this reason, you should keep in mind that whatever other jewelry material your pearls come in close contact with, they are likely to get scratched.

What color pearl is the most valuable?

The larger size makes South Sea pearls and black pearls the most valuable type of pearl. On Mikimoto's website, this strand of South Sea cultured pearls is selling for $32,000. The other notable difference between pearl types is the color.

What are fake pearls called?

Fake pearls are also called “faux”, “costume” or “imitation”. They can be made of glass, plastic, or fish-scale imitations. For example, "majorica pearls" are a form of fake pearls. There is nothing in them that rightly allow them to be called pearls.

Can you wear freshwater pearls everyday?

Casual or formal, night or day, pearls can be worn whenever and however you like So, if yours spend most of their time tucked away at the back of a drawer, we'd suggest you dig them out and start wearing them.

Can you wear cultured pearls in the shower?

This being so, a pearl's lustrous surface can easily be affected by any chemicals, oils, soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, and alkaline environments. As a strict guideline, you should never shower with your pearls on and always wipe them gently after wearing with a soft cloth.

Do pearls get better with age?

Did you know that pearls can change colors? It's something that can happen over time. White pearls slowly turn yellow as they age.

How long do cultured pearls last?

Worn often and properly cared for, pearls can look as good in 50 years as they did the day they left the store. Pearls are not the most durable of gems. Most everyday items at home and in the office are tougher than pearls, so careless contact can cause damage them over time.

Are yellowed pearls worth anything?

Yellow vs Yellowed Pearls

Pearls come in a range of colors, including yellow and golden. They have been cultivated to acquire this color and are sold as yellow pearls. These pearls are beautiful in their own right and are highly valuable and sought after.

Are Mikimoto pearls a good investment?

Even a simple strand of Mikimoto pearls can set you back thousands of dollars. And the princes only get higher the more intricate the pearls. Therefore, we're inclined to say that Mikimoto really isn't worth the money — save your money and stick to the fake stuff.