Freshwater Pearls Vs. Cultured Pearls: What to Know Before Buying Pearl Jewelry Online?

Pearls are iconic, timeless gemstones. They suit everyone, and donning them instantly adds a layer of richness to your entire attire. Pearls signify wealth, abundance, prosperity, purity, humility, and innocence. The milky white gemstones with a shine on their surface are conventionally found in saltwater, and this variety is rare and also quite costly. However, freshwater pearls are formed in rivers, basins, lakes, etc. China, Japan, and even the US make these types of pearls; however, China dominates the market share. You will find the finest freshwater pearls on the Beads of Cambay website at the most competitive prices. 

These pearls come in various shapes, sizes, and colors as well, such as pastel shades of lavender, brown, peach, orange, pink, and even metallic blue and green. There are various types to pick from. 

The mussel type is what determines the difference between freshwater and cultured pearls. For freshwater mussels used are only the ones found in freshwater. Meanwhile, for cultured pearls, the mussels can be either freshwater or saltwater. 

The difference between all these pearls is their formation. 

Cultured pearls are formed in controlled environments at pearl farms. A small piece of tissue is surgically implanted into the mussels, which then give out a layer of nacre, which in turn forms a pearl. The pearl formation is then controlled by the farmer, enabling a higher output of pearls that are consistent in their shape and size. 

Cultured pearls can be freshwater or saltwater, depending on the mussels that the farmer has used. 

Now that we have covered saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls, and even cultured pearls, let us now discuss natural and shell pearls in detail: 

Natural pearls are formed when a tiny irritant gets into and lodges itself in the tissue of a mollusk. This results in the tissue giving out layers of nacre that keep building over the years and develop into a pearl. Such types of naturally-forming pearls are very rare to find. 

The inner lining of the "mother of pearl," which is another name for oyster shells, also makes shell pearls. The lining is first ground to a powder, then shaped and coated with nacre (the layer secreted from the mollusk tissue), and then the entire thing is given a coating to protect it, which also gives it a shine. 

Shell pearls can vary in quality but can be much cheaper than saltwater pearls. Also, the quality measures of the industry ensure that there is consistency in the shine and color of the shell pearls, and they cannot be affected by perfume or even sweat. These pearls are also the most durable when compared to their freshwater and cultured counterparts. 

Natural pearls are pearls that are formed without any man-made interference, such as a controlled environment, forming them on purpose, etc. This phenomenon occurs when a tiny irritant enters the tissue of a mollusk and lodges itself there. This, in turn, results in the secretion of nacre, which over the years keeps forming layers around the irritant. This is how a pearl is naturally formed. This usually occurs in saltwater. And these types of pearls are the rarest and most expensive types of pearls.

These pearls also come in various shapes and sizes; however, their color is always the same—a beautiful milky white with a shine on it.

Shell pearls are formed from the inner lining of the Mother of Pearl, also known as the oyster shells. The inner lining is taken and broken down into a fine powder. It is then shaped in a pearl form, dyed the color of choice, and then given a protective coating. Their quality may differ. However, the industry standards for checking the quality of the pearls are quite strict to ensure the consistency of the shape, color, and shine remain across multiple sellers. Shell pearls remain unchanged by sweat as well as perfume and are also the most durable form of pearls as compared to freshwater and cultured pearls. These pearls are also a cheaper alternative to their natural counterparts.

Freshwater pearls are formed in water that is non-saline such as rivers, lakes, or even ponds, and not in the sea. Freshwater pearls are not as round as their saltwater counterparts and are thus not as expensive. Saltwater pearls are very rare to find, which also increases their cost and value. However, over the years, the pearl industry has evolved, and the freshwater ones have also improved in quality.  The pearl farming industry changed the game entirely because of the emerging pearl farmers. Freshwater pearls are now a favorite among jewelers and jewelry designers because they are not as costly as saltwater ones but are also easily available and of great quality as well. 

Beads of Cambay has some of the finest freshwater pearls for you to choose from in various colors, shapes, and sizes.  One of our most famous gemstones is baroque pearls.

Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are man-made in the sense that they are farmed in a controlled environment to match the rising demand for these gemstones. 

The mussels are implanted with a small tissue that gives off a nacre layer. Over the years, the layer keeps forming around the irritant, and this is what forms the actual pearl. The pearl farmers control the conditions under which the gemstones are formed, enabling a larger output of the same that is consistent in shape and size. 

These types of pearls are far less expensive than their saltwater counterparts. The latter is rare, which is why it is so costly. 

Beads of Cambay also have Coin freshwater pearls that are button-shaped, almost thin and flat, but they still have a shiny, lustrous look to them. They look great as jewelry and can be worn during both the day and night. 

So as discussed, freshwater pearls are the ones that are formed in non-saline water such as rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. Saltwater pearls are the ones formed in the sea, which are the more expensive ones as they are very rare to find. 

Beads of Cambay has the best freshwater pearls at competitive prices. We have a wide variety of pearls to choose from, whether it be colors such as blue freshwater pearls or green, or even various sizes. 

Pearls have been tested over time and have remained relevant for all ages. They are beautiful, give an image of opulence, and make the wearer feel richer. 

Beads of Cambay also have keshi freshwater pearls, which are essentially a by-product of the pearls that are formed. They are usually tiny and come in various sizes. These are much cheaper than freshwater pearls, but they are so beautiful that they have become their own type and have their own fanbase. 

Green freshwater pearls are one of the most different colors that Beads of Cambay have. It has a beautiful metallic green shade. It also comes as part of the peacock pearls. 

There are also blue pearls, which again have a metallic finish. Other than these, there are pearls in pastels of orange, peach, champagne, brown, golden, and, of course, white. 

The different varieties of these pearls are what make them a favorite of jewelry designers across the world. 

It is important to always clean and store your pearl jewelry. You must use a damp microfiber cloth and then wipe your pearls with it to remove any dust or dirt that is present on the surface of the gemstones. This step is important before the jewelry is stored. 

It is also important to keep your pearls in a cool place. The presence of high heat can cause the gemstones to burn, cause discoloration, and also split or crack. 

Also, do not keep the pearls in an airtight container. Lack of moisture can make these gemstones dry and crack. Remember, after all, that these gemstones are formed in water. 

And keep in mind to wrap them in a cloth so that your other jewelry items do not leave scratches on them. 

These timeless jewels are for everyone. Pearls are something that must be part of your jewelry wardrobe. They go so well with almost everything and look good on everyone. Pearls make a person look and feel rich instantly. The freshwater ones have only made these gemstones more accessible to everyone, as the saltwater ones are quite rare and thus costly. 

Beads of Cambay has some of the finest pearls available at the best prices in the market. We also specialize in large hole pearls that add so much opulence and richness to your entire look. 

Once you buy pearls from Beads of Cambay, you will only want to buy all the different types, shapes, and sizes as well as the different styles. Pearls show elegance. They show grace. You wear pearls, and that is how you begin to feel too—elegant and graceful.