What’s The Difference Between Cultured And Freshwater Pearls?

 

What’s The Difference Between Cultured And Freshwater Pearls?

Pearls have been used and cherished throughout multiple civilizations in our history. These beautiful gemstones have been used over centuries for things such as trade and currency and women’s jewellery, which is most common nowadays.

Before you buy any jewellery these days, it is common practice to look at the stones and the making of the jewellery. The type of pearl used globally is cultured and not freshwater, as natural freshwater pearls are nearly impossible to find.

So what is it that makes a genuine freshwater pearl so unique and sets it apart from a cultured pearl? Let’s find out.

Natural Pearls
A natural pearl has a more unique and unrefined shape. It is, after all, natural. These pearls form in oysters in the water without any interference from humans. The natural pearl is harvested on its own, and therefore, it usually has a more irregular shape. These pearls are hard to find and the most expensive type of pearls.

Cultured Pearls
Honestly speaking, every pearl found these days are cultured. Even the highly cherished saltwater pearls are cultured. Cultured pearls are formed in either freshwater or saltwater after a tiny bead is inserted in an oyster by a pearl farmer. The only differentiating factor between cultured pearls is where they are formed.

Saltwater pearls are considered the most exquisite type of cultured pearls. These pearls are rarer than freshwater pearls and usually more expensive too. The saltwater pearl has a refined and luxurious look which makes them stand out. These pearls come from oysters from the oceans that have been harvested by pearl farmers.

Freshwater pearls are also a form of cultured pearls. These pearls are formed in the mussels inhabiting the freshwater lakes and rivers all over the world. Freshwater pearls are the most common type of pearl used in women’s jewellery, and it is the most affordable option.

Freshwater pearls can be irregular in shape and size and not as refined as saltwater pearls. These pearls are also found in unusual colors and have to be bleached or dyed to be used. However, freshwater pearls that are commonly found are still cultured and not harvested naturally in the water.