Freshwater

With their vast range in size, color, and shape, freshwater pearls are admired for their versatility and character.

Often used in designer jewelry due to their unique shapes, these are some of the most aesthetically interesting and varied pearls available. With the ease of culturing and large harvest yields along with a duller luster and thinner nacre, freshwater pearls are of a lower price point and quality than Akoya, despite their similar sizing. The attainability of freshwater pearls makes them an excellent entry point for larger gems.

Produced By: TRIANGLE SHELL FRESHWATER MUSSEL

Freshwater pearls are the only variety not grown by oysters, but are instead created by triangle shell freshwater mussels, or Hyriopsis Cumingii. While these mussels are able to survive in many areas, China is currently the leading producer of freshwater pearls, with the United States and Japan trailing behind.

PEARL SIZE

Freshwater pearls are relatively small, similar in size to Akoya; though typically of lesser quality. Pearls can range anywhere between 2mm to 15mm or more, and are mostly off-round to baroque in shape.

PEARL COLOR

Freshwater pearls are known for their large color spectrum. Available mostly in pastels, freshwater pearls are often seen with pink, blue, and green overtones.