The majority of pearls on the market nowadays are cultured freshwater pearls, and this makes it difficult to distinguish between freshwater and cultured pearls as separate groups. These terms refer to different aspects of a pearl, with freshwater referencing where the pearl comes from and cultured meaning how it is formed. Pearls are usually distinguished between being natural or cultured, and freshwater vs saltwater. This guide will examine they key features of both groups of pearls, from their appearance and origin to their value for money.

What are cultured pearls?

The term cultured pearls refers to how the pearls are created. For natural pearls, this process begins when a small irritant enters the mollusc shell, and so it secretes a layer of nacre to cover the irritant as a defense mechanism. These layers then build up to form pearls. With cultured pearls, this process is started artificially with human intervention by the pearl farmer, who inserts an irritant and a piece of mantle tissue to trigger the response. Once this has started, it can take between 2-7 years for the cultivation process to be completed. Still, both cultured and natural pearls are considered "real" pearls as they are made of the same substance. In fact, most of the pearls sold today are cultured.

Freshwater pearls are the most common group of cultured pearls, but there are plenty of other types. Akoya pearls from Japan are incredibly popular, and are known for their perfectly round shapes and mirror like luster. Tahitian pearls are cultivated in French Polynesia and Tahiti, and come in a range of darker colours such as black, silver and peacock blue. South sea pearls are some of the most expensive cultured pearls available, and are produced in a number of places, including Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia. These pearls also come in different colours, from the classic white to gold.

What are freshwater pearls?

Freshwater pearls are the most commonly available pearls, and come from freshwater lakes and ponds rather than saltwater. Freshwater pearls are grown in a number of countries, including Japan and the USA, but China is overwhelmingly the main producer.

Nowadays almost all freshwater pearls are cultured pearls as natural pearls are so rare. Compared to saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls tend to be more affordable, and this is due to the fact that they are not as lustrous, and their shape and size tends to be less perfectly round.

What is the main difference between cultured and freshwater pearls?

99% of pearls being sold today are cultured pearls, the majority of which are freshwater pearls which are abundant. This is because freshwater mollusc shells are large in size and can be implanted with around 30 pieces of mantle tissue per mollusc. Each mussel shell can therefore produce multiple pearls at a time.

Freshwater pearls come in irregular shapes and sizes, and have more surface texture and irregularities, which makes every pearl unique.

Are there myths or misunderstandings about freshwater pearls?

There is an assumption among some that freshwater cultured pearls are "fake" or lower quality, but this is not the case at all. All pearls, whether freshwater or saltwater, cultured or natural, are made up of nacre. Fake pearls are made from a completely different material, be it plastic or shell, and then given a pearlescent coating. Freshwater pearls may be more affordable, as they are more abundant, but this does not mean that they are lesser quality.

Pearl farmers have implemented several advancements over the years to improve the look and quality of the pearls. For one, farmers have implemented selective breeding among healthier mussels to produce higher quality, thick nacre with a better lustre. They also now use continuous water monitoring, to maintain optimal water quality conditions which will facilitate pearl growth.

There are a few things to look out for to make sure you are investing in well-made, authentic freshwater cultured pearls. One of the main things to look out for is any certifications, for example the Pearl Company is a member of The National Association of Jewellers to ensure all our products are authentic and as described. Reputable brands will also send out a Certificate of Authenticity with their items, which we also do. There are a couple of things you can do for yourself as well to check that your pearls are real, such as by rubbing the pearls together. Fake pearls will feel smooth whereas genuine pearls will have some resistance. You can also check the pearl surface, as genuine pearls will have some irregularities whereas imitation pearls will have a smooth, perfect surface.

Conclusion

Cultured pearls and freshwater pearls are not necessarily different. Freshwater simply means the pearls come from freshwater mussels that live in lakes, rivers, and ponds rather than the ocean. Cultured means the pearls are produced using human assistance, rather than occurring naturally. In fact, most freshwater pearls are cultured, but not all cultured pearls are freshwater. The main difference is between saltwater vs freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls have a higher supply so are more affordable, but not as uniform and lustrous.

When buying pearls, it is important to look at where the pearls come from an whether you are buying from a reputable brand. You should also look at the shape and lustre of the pearls, as this is another indicator of quality. Understanding the differences between these different types of pearls helps you make an informed choice when it comes to buying pearls as they each have distinctive qualities that contribute to their value.