Introduction
Pearls have always held a special place in the world of jewelry. They are the only gemstones created by a living organism, which makes them unique among all other natural treasures. Their soft luster, organic origin, and timeless appeal have fascinated people for centuries. Yet despite their popularity, pearls are often misunderstood. Many people still associate them with outdated traditions or imagine them only in the form of perfect round strands worn by past generations. In reality, pearls are far more diverse and intriguing than that.
Among all the types of pearls, freshwater pearls stand out for their variety, accessibility, and quiet elegance. They are shaped by nature but guided by human skill, and no two are ever the same. In this article we’ll walk you through what freshwater pearls really are, how they form, how cultivation changed their story, and which common myths are worth leaving behind. We’ll also cover practical care, a few surprising records, and why freshwater pearls deserve a place in contemporary, minimalist jewelry. Expect plain facts, gentle corrections of common errors, and useful pointers you can trust.
How Many Types of Pearls Are There?
When people talk about pearls, they usually refer to two broad categories: saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls. Both are genuine pearls, but they differ in where they are formed, how they develop, and the qualities they display.
Saltwater pearls are produced in oysters living in oceans and seas. They include famous varieties such as Akoya pearls from Japan, South Sea pearls from Australia and Southeast Asia, and Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia. These pearls are often admired for their high luster and relatively uniform shapes.
Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, are formed in mussels that live in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Today, most of them come from China, where pearl farming has become an art form passed down through generations. Unlike saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls often display a wider variety of shapes, sizes, and natural colors. They may be round, oval, button-shaped, or baroque (irregular), and their colors range from white to pink, lavender, peach, and even subtle metallic tones.
But what exactly are freshwater pearls, and how are they formed?
A pearl begins when a small irritant — often a tiny piece of tissue or a bead nucleus — makes its way inside the mussel. In response, the mussel secretes layers of nacre (the same substance that forms the inner lining of its shell) around the intruder. Over time, these layers build up and harden, creating the soft, luminous surface that makes pearls so distinctive. In freshwater mussels, this process can take between 1 to 6 years, depending on the conditions. Because multiple pearls can form inside a single mussel, freshwater pearls tend to be more abundant than saltwater ones — which also makes them more accessible.
Cultured Freshwater Pearls
For centuries, pearls were among the rarest and most expensive gems in the world, because they could only be found by divers who searched wild oysters and mussels. Natural pearls were so scarce that they became symbols of wealth and power, worn only by royalty and the very wealthy.
That changed in the early 20th century, when pearl cultivation was perfected in Japan. Kokichi Mikimoto, often called the father of the cultured pearl industry, developed a reliable method to encourage pearl formation by inserting a nucleus into the oyster. This discovery transformed pearls from an unattainable luxury into a gem more widely available to the world.
Freshwater pearls
photo credit: The Pearl Expert
In the case of cultured freshwater pearls, the process is slightly different from saltwater pearls. Instead of using a bead nucleus, farmers typically insert small pieces of mantle tissue into the mussel. The mussel then produces nacre around each tissue fragment, resulting in pearls that are often solid nacre through and through. This makes freshwater pearls durable and rich in luster.
The difference between wild freshwater pearls and cultured freshwater pearls comes down to origin and rarity. Wild pearls form naturally, without human intervention, and are extremely rare today. Their scarcity makes them far more valuable, often fetching very high prices at auctions. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, begin only after a human introduces the irritant that triggers their growth. While they are more common, they still hold unique beauty and individuality — no two are ever completely alike.
Misconceptions About Freshwater Pearls
Despite their beauty, freshwater pearls are often misunderstood. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions:
Misconception 1: Baroque pearls are “raw” or unprocessed
Many people believe that round pearls are “processed” or altered, while irregular, baroque pearls are the natural version. In truth, both baroque and round pearls are natural. Their shape depends on how the nacre layers form inside the mussel, not on whether the pearl has been manipulated. Perfectly round pearls are simply rarer, which makes them more expensive.
Misconception 2: Freshwater pearls are “fake pearls”
Because freshwater pearls are more affordable than saltwater pearls, some assume they aren’t real. This is false. Freshwater pearls are 100% genuine, organic gems created inside mussels. They are just more abundant, which explains their lower price point.
Misconception 3: Pearls are only for formal occasions or older women
This stereotype has lingered for decades, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Freshwater pearls, especially in modern, minimalist designs, are versatile and contemporary. Depending on how they are styled, they can feel youthful, bold, edgy, or understated.
By breaking away from these myths, freshwater pearls can be appreciated for what they truly are: natural, beautiful, and endlessly versatile.
All valuable pearls must be white and perfectly round
Value depends on many factors—luster, surface quality, size, rarity and provenance. Color, subtle overtones and unexpected shapes can be highly desirable, especially in contemporary design.
How to Care for Freshwater Pearls
Pearls are delicate compared to other gemstones, which means they require gentle care. With the right habits, your freshwater pearls can remain luminous for decades.
Do wear them often. Pearls benefit from contact with natural skin oils, which help maintain their shine.
Do wipe them after wearing. Use a soft, damp cloth to remove sweat, cosmetics, or perfume residue.
Don’t expose them to harsh chemicals. Hairspray, perfume, and household cleaners can damage the nacre.
Don’t store them with other jewelry. Pearls can scratch easily, so keep them laying flat in a soft pouch or lined box.
Don’t immerse them in water for long periods. Although they grow in water, soaking them can loosen their settings or damage the silk thread if strung.
Caring for your pearls is simple once you know what to do — and what to avoid. If you’re curious about spotting genuine pearls versus imitations, we’ve written a detailed guide that also covers additional care tips specifically for real pearls. You can read that article here.
Fascinating Facts About Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls have a rich history and some remarkable stories attached to them. Here are a few you might not know:
The most expensive freshwater pearl jewel
n recent years the record auction price for an important natural-pearl jewel was set by an 18th-century natural pearl and diamond pendant—once owned by Queen Marie Antoinette—which sold at Sotheby’s Geneva for CHF 36,427,000 (around US$36 million) in 2018. This sale is an example of how provenance and history can drive prices well beyond the intrinsic value of the gem itself.
Huge “clam pearls” and legends
There are very large non-nacreous concretions—often called “clam” or Tridacna pearls—many times heavier than typical gemstone pearls. The so-called Pearl of Lao Tzu (or Pearl of Allah) is one famous example: a massive Tridacna specimen with a long, partly legendary provenance. Such objects are interesting historically, but their classification and valuation are different from nacreous freshwater or saltwater pearls. Some media outlets report a US$100 million freshwater pearl found by a fisherman as a legendary “good luck charm.” While the story has captured imaginations, there is no independent evidence that the pearl was authenticated or sold for that amount in a verifiable auction.
The rarest freshwater pearls
Wild, natural freshwater pearls from European rivers are among the rarest today, as overfishing and pollution have made them nearly impossible to find. Collectors prize them for their scarcity and historical significance.
Where freshwater pearls are found
While China is the largest producer of cultured freshwater pearls today, wild pearls have historically been found in rivers across Europe, North America, and Asia. Each region produced pearls with slightly different qualities and colors, adding to their allure.
Conclusion
Freshwater pearls are more than just affordable alternatives to saltwater pearls. They carry their own unique beauty, variety, and history. From their natural formation in mussels to the artistry of cultivation, they represent a perfect harmony between nature and human skill.
We’ve explored the basics of what freshwater pearls are, how they differ from wild pearls, and the myths that often surround them. We’ve seen that they come in endless shapes and colors, that they need gentle but simple care, and that they hold fascinating stories of rarity and grandeur.
Most importantly, freshwater pearls prove that elegance does not have to be exclusive or unattainable. They can be modern, personal, and endlessly versatile — a reminder that something timeless can also feel completely fresh.
The next time you see a pearl, you may look at it differently. Not as something old-fashioned, but as a living gem that carries nature’s artistry in every layer. And perhaps, as a small piece of beauty meant to be worn, cherished, and passed on.