What is the difference between freshwater pearls and South Sea pearls?

Freshwater pearls are primarily farmed in China. They grow in a mussel, as opposed to the oyster of the South Sea pearl. Freshwater pearls naturally grow in the Margaritifera mussel, which can live for over 200 years, however these are now endangered.

How can you tell the difference between freshwater pearls and South Sea pearls?

Whats better freshwater or saltwater pearls?

Luster is an important distinction between these two varieties of pearls. Saltwater pearls have a superior luster and glossy appearance than their freshwater counterparts. This increased luster is one reason most customers prefer saltwater pearls. Take a look at these two gorgeous strands of pearls.

Which is more expensive South Sea pearl or fresh water pearl?

With the many types of pearls, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea saltwater pearls are going to be MUCH more expensive than Freshwater pearls.

Why are South Sea pearls more expensive?

Because South Sea Pearls form over longer periods of time, they are more costly to cultivate. For this reason, there are a limited number of South Sea pearl farms, making the truly prized South Seas exceptionally rare. Not all cultured pearls are good enough to become Assael pearls.

Freshwater Pearls vs Sea Pearls (Akoya Pearls)

What is the best color of South Sea pearl?

The overall value of these pearls is higher than akoya or Tahitian, and very comparable to white South Sea pearls. The deepest golden color, often referred to as 24 karat, is considered the most valuable color of all South Sea pearls.

Is South Sea pearl a good investment?

Investing in South Sea Pearls

They may be more expensive than other pearls, but their quality and incredible value make them a good investment. If you take care of your pearls, and repair and restring them when needed, these pearls could be passed on for many generations.

Are freshwater pearls worth anything?

Low quality freshwater pearls can be bought for as little as $20, while average quality pearls sell for anywhere between $30 and $50. Fine quality freshwater pearls can fetch between $65 and $5,000, or more in certain cases.

Which pearls are the most valuable?

South Sea pearls are considered the most valuable. They are also the largest pearl variety on the market. A strand of South Sea pearls can range from $1,000 to over $100,000.

What is the highest quality pearl?

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.

Can you wear freshwater pearls in the shower?

Your freshwater pearl jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Do not wear your pearl jewelry when exercising, showering, to the pool or to the beach. Yes, freshwater pearls are not as strong as some gemstones increasing the risk of damage if you wear them every day.

What to consider when buying pearls?

Pearl Quality Factors

The combination of surface brilliance and a deep-seated glow, the luster of a good-quality cultured pearl should be bright, not dull. Your reflection should be seen clearly on the surface of a cultured pearl. Any pearl that looks too chalky or dull indicates low quality.

Are saltwater pearls worth anything?

Natural Saltwater Pearls come from the Pinctada radiata and Pinctada margaritifera varieties and are native to the Arabian Gulf. These natural pearls are incredibly rare and their value can vary significantly from US$500 to over US$2,000 per pearl.

What is the rarest color for a pearl?

Naturally colored blue pearls are the rarest pearl colors in the world (with one or two exceptions, which we will get to below). The color has existed in pearls for decades, but only recently have naturally colored blue pearls gained popularity in the modern pearl jewelry markets.

Where do the best pearls come from?

Japan is the acknowledged leader in Akoya pearl production – known to produce the best, most consistently beautiful Akoya pearls in the world.

What are the 4 general types of pearls?

How can you tell a South Sea pearl?

How To Identify South Sea Pearls. The main identifier for South Sea pearls is their size. They are larger than any other pearls because they are grown in the largest genus of oyster, the Pinctada Maxima. Their size usually ranges from 8-20mm, although they can grow much larger if they are given more time.

What is the price of South Sea pearls?

South Sea Pearls Price

South Sea Pearls cost approximately INR 6,500 per carat.

How do you tell if a pearl is natural or cultured?

For cultured pearls, the mollusk is usually a tiny bead. Natural pearls look more “organic” than cultured pearls. For instance, they may not be as well-shaped or as round as their cultured pearl counterparts. Natural pearls are extremely rare and most of them have already been harvested.

Do South Sea pearls have flaws?

Damaging and Non-Damaging Blemishes

It's important to remember that some blemishes won't detract from the beauty or value of a pearl, and this is particularly true with South Sea pearls. That's because it takes these pearls 2 to 3 years to develop, and flawless or slightly flawed South Sea pearls are extremely rare.

Are South Sea pearls rare?

South Sea pearls can be found in the range of 8 to 20 mm, with the average being 12 mm. Although extremely rare, some pearls have been found larger than 20 mm. Only 10-30% of each harvest will be round or near-round, so those strands carried by Pearl Paradise are truly a rare commodity.

Are Tahitian pearls the same as South Sea pearls?

South Sea pearls are naturally delicate pastel in hue and color. They range from being soft white to creamy champagne and pink. Tahitian pearls, on the different side of the spectrum, are bold and dramatic, since the natural color is black.

What do freshwater pearls symbolize?

Fresh water pearls symbolize purity, harmony and humility. Pearls are organic gems that grow within clams and other mollusks. Fresh water pearls are formed when a foreign object acts as an irritant inside the shell. Pearls are the birthstone for the month of June.