The Advantages of Freshwater Pearls

Pearls are the traditional gemstones worn at weddings. This is mainly because of their associations with purity and romance. However, technology has advanced to the point that faux pearls can look rather similar to authentic pearls even though it is possible to tell the two apart. Here are some of the advantages of freshwater pearls – the most common type of authentic pearl - have over fake pearls.

Freshwater pearls are the most affordable type of pearl and are great for those who have budget that they must stick to. This is primarily due to the achievements of Japanese oyster and mussel farmers in the early 1900s figuring out how to implant the irritant that causes an oyster to create pearls and start mass production.

Freshwater pearls also come in a wide range of sizes, which are great for those who would like a complete pearl jewelry collection including earrings, necklaces and bracelets. It is possible to find pearls that are small enough to go on a pair of earrings, such as those in the 4 millimeter range, as well as larger pearls as large as 10 to 12 millimeters that are perfect for bracelets and necklaces. The smaller pearls are great if you would like a pair of earrings or a pendant that also features a diamond or two.

Freshwater pearls come in a wide range of shapes and colors in addition to the standard round shape commonly found in jewelry stores. It is possible to find freshwater pearls that are oval or teardrop-shaped, both of which great for those who would like a necklace that features non-traditional pearls. In addition to this, these pearls come in the same colors that saltwater pearls do, from the popular white to black and nearly every other color in between including pink, gold and green.


Meet our guest blogger: Jessica Carter

Jessica Carter is a writer with years of experience in the diamond industry as a gemological apprentice and consultant.