What's the difference between freshwater and cultured pearls?

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 cultured pearls considered fake pearls?

Are cultured pearls considered real pearls? 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.

Are freshwater pearls the same as cultured?

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.

Are freshwater pearls less valuable?

Freshwater pearls come in a huge range of shapes and sizes and colors. Round freshwater pearls look almost identical to Akoya pearls but are less expensive, with a strand ranging from $50 to $2,000. They are versatile gemstones that are cultivated in freshwater, as opposed to sea or saltwater.

Are cultured pearls less valuable?

Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are much less in price, ranging from just US$50 to over US$165,000. Despite their huge price difference, both cultured and natural pearls are real pearls. They are grown from pearl-bearing oysters in either saltwater or freshwater.

Freshwater Pearls vs Sea Pearls (Akoya Pearls)

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.

How can you tell if freshwater pearls are real?

The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. If the pearl is natural or cultured, you will feel the surface as gritty. If the pearl is a faux gem, then the surface will feel smooth. FACT: While observing pearls under a magnifier, specialists can easily tell whether they are a fake or a real gem.

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.

What is the cost of 1 pearl?

The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as its type, size, color, surface quality, and more. A wild pearl will be worth more than a cultured pearl. However, on average, a pearl's value ranges from $300 to $1500.

What pearls are best?

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.

What is the most expensive pearl?

The most expensive natural pearl ever sold was Marie Antoinette's pendant. It went for $32 million in a 2018 Sotheby's auction.

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.

Do real pearls turn yellow?

Yellow pearls typically indicate that pearls are real since artificial pearls don't normally change color. While natural white pearls can yellow with age, there are such things as naturally yellow pearls. These naturally yellow stones are yellow not because of their age but because of the way they have been cultivated.

How do I know if my pearls are worth anything?

The qualities that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and—for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.

Do real pearls scratch easily?

The Tooth Test entails gently rubbing or scraping the surface of the pearls against your teeth. Do this Very Gently, pearls are soft. - rating no more than a 3 on the Moh's Hardness Scale - which is equivalent to Talc, so you really want to avoid scratching the pearls' surfaces.

Is it OK to wear 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.

Do pearls last forever?

As mentioned, pearls are ranked 2.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale which means that a pearl is considered a soft gem and can easily be scratched. But with adequate care, pearl jewelry can last for a lifetime and be passed down through generations. The good news is that special care is not hard to do.

Do pearls deteriorate over time?

Because they are an organic gem comprised of calcium carbonate, pearls require more specialized care than most other gems materials. They are particularly subject to deterioration from contact with chemicals, including components in household cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics and hair care products of all kinds.

What are the two types of pearls?

There are two primary shape categories that all pearls fall into: traditional and baroque. Traditional pearls are round while baroque pearls are virtually anything else. Some prefer baroque pearls for their unique shapes, although traditional pearls are generally more valuable.

Do real pearls flake?

Unfortunately, because pearls are delicately formed layers of calcium, they can flake if they're damaged. To prevent your precious pearls from peeling, keep them away from harsh chemicals or cosmetics and don't allow the pearls to rub against each other.

How do you clean freshwater pearls?

Never clean your freshwater pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Gently clean each pearl using a soft, damp cloth, microfiber jewelry cloth or chamois to remove surface debri that can accumulate when you wear it. You should do this as soon as you take off your pearl jewelry and before storing it.

Which is better saltwater or freshwater pearls?

Typically, saltwater pearls have higher quality and are more valuable while freshwater are the most affordable option. In the past, freshwater pearls were considered an inferior variety but today technology has improved to the point where freshwater pearls are becoming as good as an Akoya pearl.

Are freshwater pearls good?

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.

How much is a real pearl necklace worth?

A real pearl necklace can cost anywhere from $150 to $10,000+ or even more for exceptional examples. Affordable Freshwater necklaces can go as low as $150, while a classic Akoya necklace will cost anywhere from $250 to $5000+.