Freshwater pearls differ from their saltwater counterparts in a number of ways.
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Location: |
China mostly, historically in Japan and USA |
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Oyster: |
It’s not an oyster at all. Freshwater pearls form in mussels in lakes, ponds and rivers. |
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Pearl size: |
Small-average, Japanese ‘Biwa’ pearls have been noted as larger. |
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Pearl colour: |
Various |
Freshwater pearls differ from their saltwater counterparts in a number of ways. Most obviously, they grow in a non-saline environment, in mussels rather than oysters. They do not contain a nucleus bead – instead formed solely of layers of nacre, making them very durable. However, without this nucleus, they tend not to be as round or lustrous as their ocean-dwelling cousins, but are still popular for their affordability and toughness. China leads the way in freshwater pearl production, with more than 1500 tonnes annually. Freshwater pearls today are much higher quality due to the widespread switch from the inferior Cockscomb mussel to the Triangle Shell in the 1990s. This, along with better manipulation processes, has reinvigorated the industry.