Rosie Greaves specializes in all things weddings and lifestyle. Having previously written for Cake and Lace and worked as a wedding planner, there’s nothing she enjoys blogging about more!
Why I am giving advice on Love You Tomorrow?: I'm giving advice on Love You Tomorrow because I have experience planning events and weddings professionally. All things weddings are my passion, and I'm so excited to be able to share that passion with others on this platform.
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Pearls are classic. Whether you’re looking for stunning bridal jewelry or a center stone for an engagement ring, they’re universally adored- and have been for centuries!
It's surprisingly difficult to find a reliable online retailer for pearl-specific jewelry and pieces. That said, I've been VERY impressed with the freshwater pearls and service at HugeTomato.com.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
However, with so many kinds of pearls out there, it can make buying them difficult.
So, we’ve put together a quick guide to highlight the main differences between freshwater and saltwater pearls. Hopefully, this info helps make your decision a bit easier. Let’s dive in!
Main Differences Between Freshwater vs Saltwater Pearls
The main difference between Freshwater Pearls and Saltwater Pearls is:
Freshwater pearls are nearly 100% nacre, whereas Saltwater pearls are of a thinner nacre coating from 0.5mm to 6mm
Freshwater pearls are cheaper, whereas Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive due to their scarcity.
Freshwater pearls are dyed so they can achieve their shiny look, whereas Saltwater pearls are 100% natural without dye.
The Basics: Types of Pearls
Most pearls, whether they’re natural saltwater pearl or fresh water pearl, are referred to as a “cultured pearl” or “cultured freshwater pearls”, not natural. This means someone manually inserts a small piece of freshwater mollusk tissue, which triggers the nacre to cover the stimulant and produce a pearl. This process is far more predictable for pearl farmers in comparison to waiting for a pearl to form organically.
For those of you who don’t know, every pearl is made by a mollusk which produces layers of nacre inside their shells which bond together to form a beautiful pearl. Whether the gem’s natural or saltwater cultured pearl is irrelevant to the overall finesse of the pearl. Instead, the quality of the nacre dictates this.
Fun Fact:Another term for the cultivated pearl is “cultured saltwater pearl.” So, don’t let that confuse you; they mean exactly the same thing!
Interestingly, most saltwater and freshwater pearls aren’t ‘natural.’ This is because these gems are exceedingly rare- so not many people can afford them unless you’re boasting a pretty big budget!
Luckily for most of us, it doesn’t matter whether the pearl’s cultivated or occurs naturally, the longer the growing period, the better the formation of the nacre, and therefore, the better quality of the pearl produced. So, usually, the older the pearl, the more expensive the gem.
What Should You Look for In a Pearl?
As you start browsing through your options, review all the following:
The luster of the pearl: one of the most beautiful things about pearls is the intensityof their reflections — the clearer the image reflected in the bead, the better the quality of the luster.
The pearl’s size: this mainly comes down to the wearers taste in jewelry. Typically, larger pearls are ideal for a pearl necklace, whereas tiny beads are perfect for embellishing a cute set of earrings. Unsurprisingly, the more significant the size of the gem, the higher the price tag- so, if you’re shopping on a budget, be sure to consider this.
The uniformity of the pearls: if there’s more than onepearl in a piece of jewelry (say a necklace, bracelet, or a set of earrings, etc.) then carefully analyze whether the stones match one another. The more even the pearls, the better. However, this rule might not apply if precision isn’t vital to your look. For example, if you’re going for the Boho or shabby chic aesthetic, then a mixture of different pearl formations might enhance your look perfectly!
Pearl Grading
As you start researching the kind of pearls out there, you’ll need to understand how pearl grading works. This is probably the hardest aspect of selecting a pearl.
Unfortunately, there isn’t an official or standard system for grading these gems. Therefore, each jeweler and pearl supplier tend to use their classification process to rank the luster, surface, shape, and color of the stone.
All these factors are things you’ll need to weigh up against each other to make an educated decision about your purchase. However, the Tahitian pearl boasts an exception to the rule.
The French Polynesian government controls their grading and exportation and therefore, the lines are way less blurred when it comes to classification.
What’s the Difference Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls?
On the whole, freshwater pearls boast a softer luster, which means they’re not as glossy looking. Whereas, saltwater pearls have a more superficial, shine to them.
However, it’s worth noting that over the last few years, we’ve seen drastic improvements in the farming techniques used to harvest pearls. In light of that, the luster of freshwater pearls is now comparable to those of saltwater ones.
‘Why does this difference in luster occasionally occur?’ We hear you cry! Well, different pearl types of mollusks produce freshwater and saltwater pearls, which means the thickness of their nacre varies and therefore the quality of their luster.
Freshwater Pearls: A Brief Summary
Unsurprisingly as their name suggests, freshwater pearls grow in bodies of fresh water; rivers, lakes, ponds, etc., but more interesting than this, mollusks living in this kind of environment can produce anywhere up to 50 freshwater pearls in one go!
Generally, China manufactures most of the freshwater pearls on the market.
However, if you want a freshwater pearl to occur naturally, you need to wait for some form of anirritant to find its way into the mollusk to kickstart the pearl making process. This delay can prolong the pearl making process, taking it to a total of roughly four to six years!
Freshwater pearls are famous for their elegant shapes, white and pastel colors and soft luster. It doesn’t matter whether you want a perfectly round gem or free-form baroque, freshwater pearls offer a diverse range for you to choose from.
Traditionally, freshwater pearls are usually more durable than saltwater pearls. This is because the nacre used to create these pearls is way thicker than the nacre found in saltwater pearls. So, if you’re planning on wearing your pearls regularly, freshwater is probably the better option.
Historically, cultivated freshwater pearls boast a shorter turn around time than saltwater pearls (less than two years). Therefore, they tend to be smaller in size.
However, more and more producers are beginning to grow their freshwater pearls over an extended period (typically between three to six years). This has resulted in the pearl beads growing in size (usually averaging between 5-15mm). However, some suppliers have managed to produce both round and baroque pearls as big as 20mm!
So, as we’ve already said, the quality of freshwater pearls is now competitive to that of high-quality saltwater pearls. So, be sure to focus on finding a reputable, good-quality supplier if you want decent freshwater pearls.
It's surprisingly difficult to find a reliable online retailer for pearl-specific jewelry and pieces. That said, I've been VERY impressed with the freshwater pearls and service at HugeTomato.com.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Saltwater Pearls: A Brief Summary
Saltwater pearls are also known as Akoya pearls. This is fitting because the Akoya mollusk creates this kind of jewel. These are produced mainly in bays, inlets, and atolls across Japan (Keshi Pearls), China, Thailand, Australia, Indonesia, and Tahiti. Saltwater pearls, also include Tahitian, and South Sea pearls.
Fun Fact: Japanese Akoya pearl varieties have grown off the coast of Japan for almost a century! Traditionally, these were famously known as the ‘classic pearl of choice’- so this is what we usually picture when we imagine an image of a stereotypical ‘pearl.’
Fun Fact No.2: Traditionally, saltwater pearls were considered the best quality pearl for necklaces, both in terms of their luster and beautifully rounded shapes.
Typically, saltwater pearls in comparison to freshwater pearls are far quicker to grow organically. Usually, they only take between six and 18 months.Unlike freshwater pearls, saltwater pearls are more likely to boast a perfectly round shape andrange between four to ten millimeters in size- so there’s plenty of variety for you to choose from!
Perfectly spherical pearls are typically the most popular shape, and therefore they’re in high demand. This is one of the reasons saltwater pearls tend to come with a heftier price tag. They’re also more expensive because the freshwater mussel is more abundant than saltwater ones, so their rarity also boosts their value.
Interestingly, with all that being said, Akoya pearl type options do come in unusual baroque shapes and colors, for example, silver-blue, and gold. However, these are few and far between, so this kind of pearl hasn’t isn’t well-renown for producing obscure styles and formats of gems.
What About Other Kinds of Pearls?
In addition to freshwater and saltwater pearls, there are other fabulous kinds of jewels, like the Tahitian pearls. Like we’ve already said, these are grown in French Polynesia and are the only dark pearls to occur naturally (natural pearl occurences).
Interestingly, although these pearls are often described as a ‘black pearl’ (Tahitian pearls) come in a variety of unusual colors.
If you’re after a round pearl, Tahitian pearls aren’t your best bet because a rounded shape is considered exceedingly rare. Conversely, if the thought of pearls boasting the following configurations: drops, baroque or oval excite you, then the Tahitian pearls are a fabulous choice. Tahitian pearls typically range between 8mm and 15mm in size ( this is regardless of their shape).
Alternatively, you could opt for the South Sea pearl. These are primarily grown in Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. These stunning freshwater cultured pearls range from white to gold in color- how impressive is that?!
One of the best things about this kind of pearl is their immense size! However, because of their enormity, perfectly rounded South Sea pearls are incredibly rare.
South Sea pearls tend to range between 8mm and 18mm in size. However, more commonly they fluctuate between 10mm and 14mm. Therefore, if you’re looking for a statement rock for an engagement ring, a South Sea pearl might just be your best bet.
Caring for Your Pearl
Interestingly, pearls are one of the world’s only wholly organic gemstones. Hence, they tend to be very fragile. So, you need to take excellent care of pearl jewelry, to ensure they withstand the test of time.
Fun Fact: harsh products like perfume and hairspray, can critically damage the luster of a pearl so keep these toxins well away from your precious pearls!
Handy Hack: You can also purchase pearl-care kits. These usually provide you with clear instructions on how to care for your pearls. Follow them to the letter if you want to enjoy your gems for years to come!
Looking to Buy Pearls Online?We created a handy guide to the best reputable online retailers for Pearls.
It's surprisingly difficult to find a reliable online retailer for pearl-specific jewelry and pieces. That said, I've been VERY impressed with the freshwater pearls and service at HugeTomato.com.
Answer: Unlike Akoya pearls, freshwater pearls come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, but are not worth much. Prices start from $50 and they can go up to $2500, unlike Akoya pearls which can go up than $10,000.
Question: Can I sell my freshwater pearls?
Answer: Yes, there is a very small demand for freshwater pearls, however, you can try selling it online or in pawn shops, but be aware that you will receive a very high amount for this sale.
Question: Do pearls turn yellow with age?
Answer: Yes. Real pearl varieties change their color overtime which is completely normal as the organic compound which they are made of change their composition.
Question: What kind of sea pearl is the most expensive?
Answer: The most expensive kind of sea pearl is South Sea pearls which can even reach $100,000. They are definitely in high demand, and prices start from $1,000 with the lowest quality.
The easiest way to tell the difference between freshwater and saltwater pearls is by their color. Freshwater pearls are typically white, off-white, or cream in color, while saltwater pearls come in a variety of colors including blue, green, black, and pink. You can also tell the difference by their shape.
Saltwater pearls have a more brilliant shine and luster than freshwater pearls and are more expensive. Pearl facts: After implanting the seed pearl, oysters are tended to by divers as they grow. The color of the pearl depends mainly on the color of the oyster shell itself.
Natural Saltwater Pearls come from the Pinctada radiata and Pinctada margaritifera varieties and are native to the Arabian Gulf. These natural pearls are incredibly rare and their value can vary significantly from US$500 to over US$2,000 per pearl.
The chief distinction between freshwater pearls and cultured pearls is that the former offers a wide range of choices in terms of color, shape and size. In fact, no other type of pearls offers as much diversity as freshwater pearls. Another important distinction is the shape.
One of the largest and rarest pearls found around the world is Gold in color. They are Golden South Sea pearls, cultured in the Philippine Islands. Golden South Sea pearls have only been available to pearl lovers since the late 1970s, and are known as the “Rolls Royce” of cultured pearls.
Pearls that begin to yellow indicate that they are organic and subject to change. What kind of pearls are prone to yellowing? Fresh water pearls and pearl of white colors are more susceptible to yellowing because their colors tend to lean toward white.
Conversely, you should always remove your pearls first before getting ready for bed or going to sleep. Do not sleep, shower or bathe while wearing your pearls.
South Sea. South Sea pearls are often referred to as the Rolls Royce of pearls. They are the largest and most valuable pearls grown today, with average sizes ranging from 10 to 15 millimeters. South Sea pearls grow in a large pearl oyster native to Australia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia.
The highest value pearl colors belong to Tahitian pearls, and include blue, brown, purple, peaco*ck and aubergine. Next is Akoya with white and silver, followed by freshwater pearls in shades of white and lavender. South Sea pearls in silver and gold are also very valuable and sought after by collectors.
The akoya pearl is a saltwater cultured pearl from the akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii). Because akoya are the most abundant type of saltwater pearl with the longest cultured history, information on akoyas is abundant!
Freshwater pearls are cheaper because they are easier to extract, making sea pearls more valued. Why? Sea pearls are larger, more beautiful in shape, luster, smoother surface and, of course, much more expensive than freshwater pearls.
Perfectly Round pearls are the rarest and most valuable shape there is! Pearl producing mollusks are usually nucleated with spherical bead nuclei (in the hopes that the resulting pearl will be a perfect Round).
White and Golden South Sea pearls are the largest and most luxurious of all cultured pearl types on the market today. Often called the “Queen of Pearls”, South Sea pearls feature a gorgeous palette of natural Golden and White colors that shimmer with delicate overtones and are simply unmistakable.
Taking decades to grow in Melo Melo sea snails, the most prized Melo Melo pearls are revered for their large size, warm, orangish-yellow color, and silky, porcelaneous luster. Melo Melo pearls, like conch pearls, are not true pearls, as they are not made of nacre.
Pearls with particular brand names will also retain (and even increase) their value over the years; vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearls that still have their original clasp, box and papers to establish provenance are very highly sought after today and continue to fetch premium resale values.
Wetting pearls is never a good idea, as it begins to destroy the jewel. Pearl necklaces are damaged when they get wet, because the water damages both the thread and the pearl . When wet, the thread that holds the beads together begins to stretch and lengthen, so it quickly loses the desired shape.
It's often assumed that because something's old it must be valuable. That's rarely true and certainly not for pearls. Advances in technology and culturing techniques mean you can buy a much better set of pearls for far less money than in grandma's time.
While pearls may appear hard and shiny, the surface of a pearl is actually quite porous, and will absorb the natural oils from your body. If pearls are not worn every four months or so, they can dry out and become dull and yellowed.
Worn often and properly cared for, pearls can look as good in 50 years as they did the day they left the store. Pearls are not the most durable of gems.
Yes, freshwater pearls are not as strong as some gemstones increasing the risk of damage if you wear them every day. But, if you take proper care of your pearl jewelry and store it properly you can wear your pearls as often as you like. Never clean your freshwater pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Astrology says that the people whose zodiac signs lords are Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Rahu should never wear pearls. Pearls harm the natives of these zodiac signs. This means that people of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendant should not wear pearls.
Cultured pearls can benefit from a very light coating of baby oil to promote their shine and luster. Just add a small drop onto a cloth and apply gently. Otherwise, treat them exactly as you would natural pearls. Your pearl jewelry needs looking after, and yet doing so is easy.
To shine pearls, you can put a few drops of olive oil, coconut oil or monoi oil on the pearls, and then wipe them with a soft cloth to remove the excess oil. Pearls should be stored separately from other jewelry.
When compared to other varieties, such as Tahitian and South Sea, Akoya pearls definitely offer good value for money without compromising on beauty. Freshwater pearls lack the deep, beautiful gleam of an Akoya. However, the palette of colors and attractive pricing makes them a great option for many people.
The most classic and widely preferred pearl color is white. The white pearl is considered a symbol of purity, and is often associated with wedding and graduation celebrations.
To try it for yourself, put a drop of vinegar on the pearl or submerge the pearl in a small cup of vinegar. If you can see bubbles forming from the release of carbon dioxide in the chemical reaction, your pearls are authentic.
A natural pearl may show growth lines where concentric layers of nacre have been added. Cultured pearls on the other hand will appear to have a perfectly rounded nucleus that's surrounded by a halo of conchiolin and finally a thin outer layer.
Real pearls are cold to touch for the first couple of seconds before adjusting to your body temperature. Fake plastic pearls will be room temperature to begin with and you won't feel the coolness when you touch them.
Akoya Pearls: These pearls represent some of the best cultured pearls available today. Known for their metallic luster and perfectly round shape, they are regarded as the classic white pearl. While most Akoya pearls are farmed in Japan, China and Vietnam both produce Akoya pearls as well.
Pearl jewellery and pearls are not traded like gold or silver. They are considered elite gemstones and do not have a high resale value, at least as of now. Used pearl jewellery, which is sold for higher prices, is usually that which has been worn by celebrities, queens or antique pieces.
Color. Saltwater pearl oysters produce a variety of colors, but the classic white pearl remains the favorite for the Akoya. Soft overtones of rose, cream and silver lend subtle differences to these white pearls, so it's worth exploring the spectrum to find what feels right.
The most popular size of Akoya pearl is 7-7.5 mm. A very close second is 8-8.5 mm. Freshwater pearl necklaces measuring 7.5-8 mm reign supreme. The second most popular is 8.5-9 mm.
Fine South Sea Baroque Pearls are much more valuable and desirable than Baroque Akoya Pearls. Because of the large size difference in the two primary varieties, a South Sea Baroque Pearl is more likely to have a critical mass of lustrous surface.
The recent global economic crisis had a large effect on the Chinese pearl industry. The overproduction of low-quality freshwater cultured pearls coupled with low demand and spiralling prices for these pearls, has meant that many pearl farmers could no longer cover their production costs.
While you might think that gold and silver is an obvious choice when buying investment jewelry, pearls are an excellent alternative. In recent years auction houses such as Christie's have sold pearl jewelry far exceeding the value of other gemstones.
Pearls vary widely in value, from as low as $150 to as high as $10,000+. For example, $150 could buy a set of simple pearl earrings, while $50,000 will get you a top 0.1% pearl necklace from a high-end brand. But price doesn't always correspond to quality when you're buying pearls.
AAA – The surface will have high luster and 95% of the pearl will be free from spots or blemishes. This and AA pearl will have good nacre. (Nacre is the pearl layers formed in the oyster ).
As naturally porous gemstones that require moisture to maintain their lustre, pearls actually benefit from being worn. The natural oils in your skin help to revitalise the nacre which gives your pearls their shine, thus improving their finish the more you wear them.
Genuine pearls are shinier than fake pearls. You can measure shine in luster, which is the intensity and softness of a pearl's surface, it generally has to do with how bright and clear a pearl looks. Natural pearls have more shine than artificial ones because they're made from natural materials.
This being so, a pearl's lustrous surface can easily be affected by any chemicals, oils, soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, and alkaline environments. As a strict guideline, you should never shower with your pearls on and always wipe them gently after wearing with a soft cloth.
Cosmetics, sun block, perfume and hairspray all contain chemicals that can dramatically dull the luster of a pearl. The natural acids contained in body oils and perspiration can also damage pearls in the same way.
Although blue pearls are found in almost every pearl type - Tahitian, Freshwater, South Sea, & Akoya - the chances of you running into a blue pearl in any of these pearl types is extremely, extremely rare. Blue Akoya pearls used to be outcasts in the pearl industry but have recently taken over as a valuable tycoon.
Both natural and cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. So when you rub the pearls lightly against each other or on your front teeth, they feel a little gritty. Fake or imitation pearls, however, usually feel smooth or glassy.
The qualities that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and—for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.
The luster of good quality pearls is sharp and bright. You should be able to see your reflection clearly on the surface of a pearl. Any pearl that appears too white, dull or chalky, is of low quality.
Cultured Saltwater pearls are more expensive than cultured freshwater pearls because the saltwater oyster only typically only produces one pearl at a time. Freshwater mussels can produce up to 30 pearls at a time.
It's used to determine if a pearl is soft or durable. The pearl tooth test involves taking a pearl and rubbing it along the biting edge of your teeth. If the pearl is natural, it should feel gritty. A fake pearl will feel slippery and smooth.
Perhaps the best-loved gems of all time, pearls—both natural and modern cultured pearls—occur in a wide variety of colors. The most familiar colors are white and cream (a light yellowish brown). Black, gray, and silver are also fairly common, but the palette of pearl colors extends to every hue.
The best quality of pearl is known as Lingha pearl obtained from marine oysters. The duration of formation of pearl is about 7 years. The pearl oyster belongs to genus Pinctada, family pteriidae, and class bivalvia and phylum mollusca.
Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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