Freshwater & Loose Pearls

Creation

• Like saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are created in mollusks. Many freshwater pearls grow in Unionide mollusks. Pearls grow from an irritant, sometimes just a cluster of sand grains, which lodges itself within the oyster. Sometimes enough material is released by the oyster in an attempt to get rid of the irritant to create a pearl. In cultured pearls, the irritant is planted within the oyster to create a pearl.

Shape/Smoothness

• For the most part, freshwater pearls, cultured and natural, are classified as baroque shaped. The baroque shape is irregular and distorted, according to Renee Newman, author "The Pearl Buying Guide." The pearls may even be in the shape of other objects, like a cross. Cultured freshwater pearls can be molded by cutting the irritant into a specific shape. Because of this characteristic, smoothness is less important for freshwater pearls. The irregular shapes lead to a more rippled surface.

Color

• Freshwater pearls come in a variety of colors. You can find freshwater pearls in shades of white, pink, yellow, lavender, bronze, orange and gray. At times, freshwater pearls may have more than one color. According to Newman, most dealers believe that colored pearls, especially pink, blue and silver, are more valuable than the standard white shades.

Places of Origin

• Freshwater pearls are grown mostly in Japan and China. There are some grown in Europe but at a decreasing rate. However, in Tennessee, the amount of freshwater pearls growing there are increasing.

Comparison to Saltwater

• Saltwater pearls tend to cost more than freshwater pearls. They also tend to be rounder in shape, along with a smoother surface. Saltwater pearls are also grown in a larger variety of oysters and places.

Loose Pearls

• Loose pearls, like other loose gemstones, are not set on a string or in a piece of metal. They are sold simply as the pearl itself, allowing the buyer to choose what to do with them.