Neither freshwater nor saltwater cultured pearls are inherently "better"; they offer different qualities, with freshwater pearls known for affordability, variety in shape/color, and durability for daily wear, while saltwater pearls (like Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea) are prized for their classic, mirror-like luster, perfect roundness, and higher value, making them ideal for luxury jewelry, though they're more delicate and expensive. Your choice depends on budget, desired look (soft glow vs. sharp luster), and use (everyday vs. special occasion).
The fact of the matter is this: almost all pearls sold today are cultured pearls, including freshwater pearls. In other words, there is no real difference when comparing cultured freshwater pearls vs. freshwater pearls. The real differentiator is the environment in which they are made, either freshwater or saltwater.
Saltwater Pearl are considered authentic and have high quality. Golden Pearls are the most attractive type of pearls. Black Pearls are very desired but extremely rare and expensive. White Pearls are the third most popular but has many astrological benefits.
Freshwater Pearl Value
Freshwater pearls come in a huge range of shapes and sizes and colors. Round freshwater pearls look almost identical to Akoya pearls but are less expensive, with a strand ranging from $50 to $2,000. They are versatile gemstones that are cultivated in freshwater, as opposed to sea or saltwater.
Yes, freshwater pearls are absolutely real. They're formed in freshwater mussels that live in lakes, rivers, and ponds. They're more abundant than saltwater pearls, making them more affordable while still being genuine.
Pearl Jewelry | Tiffany & Co. US. Discover the timeless elegance of Tiffany pearl jewelry. Explore designs with freshwater, Tahitian, South Sea and Akoya cultured pearls, including the pearl designs from collections such as Tiffany Victoria® and Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams.
As with all jewelry, if you don't care for and maintain your pearls, you risk the chance of discoloration and yellowing. Avoid contact with perfume and chemicals in general. Also skin chemistry, which can change depending upon the weather, can be a factor if your skin is prone to acidity.
Generally speaking, saltwater pearls cost more than freshwater pearls. This is because saltwater pearl-bearing oysters can only grow 1 pearl (or 2 at the most in the case of Akoya) while freshwater pearl oysters can yield up to 50 pearls in one growth cycle.
It was Jackie Kennedy who said 'pearls are always appropriate,' meaning that they suit all occasions and all outfits. Indeed pearls are still worn by many brides on their wedding days and feature in most jewellers' windows today.
Yes, you can absolutely wear your freshwater pearls every day! Not just for dressing up, freshwater pearls are also a great way to add a touch of elegance and glow to your everyday looks. These durable and dependable gemstones will last a lifetime if you take good care of them.
The best pearls in Australia are the highly prized Australian South Sea Pearls, known for their large size, thick nacre, and magnificent luster, cultured from the rare Pinctada maxima oyster in the pristine waters of Western Australia, with top producers including brands like Kailis Jewellery, Paspaley, Pearls of Australia, and Willie Creek Pearls. These pearls are considered among the finest globally, with some farms also producing unique Akoya and Keshi pearls, offering exceptional quality and environmental benefits.
Luster is what gives a natural or cultured pearl its unique beauty.
If you're shopping for a first pearl necklace or timeless gift, we recommend an Akoya pearl strand for its unmatched luster and round beauty. For everyday wear or a more affordable gift, opt for high-grade Freshwater pearls — they offer fantastic value with plenty of style.
The type of pearl significantly impacts its price. South Sea and Tahitian pearl are the most expensive since they are rare and of great grade. Akoya pearl, known for their perfect round shape and outstanding beauty, are next. Freshwater pearl are the cheapest since they are wide in variety.
Pearls and water are a no-no
Pearls are formed in a watery habitat. Even so, submerging pearl jewelry in water is not recommended. Remember to take off your pearl jewelry before going for a shower where the chemicals in your shampoo and soap may damage the pearls.
FAQs About Cultured Pearls
Cultured pearls are grown organically inside mollusks and are 100% real gemstones. How long do cultured pearls last? With proper care, they can last a lifetime and be passed down as heirlooms.
“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” - Coco Chanel.
Diana's love for pearls started early in her life. While her school friends often wore diamond studs, the future princess usually chose pearls. At the age of 15, Lady Diana Spencer was first seen wearing a pair of simple pearl earrings; she wore them as a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding.
People with strong or negative Mars, Saturn, or Rahu in their horoscope should avoid wearing pearls. Pearl also doesn't go well with gemstones like Gomed (Hessonite), Lehsunia (Cat's Eye), or Neelam (Blue Sapphire). If you're unsure, always get your horoscope checked before wearing a pearl stone.
Certified Hanadama Akoya pearls are the finest Akoya pearls available; there is no grade above Hanadama, and there are no “levels” within the Hanadama grade. They are all top-notch. Mikimoto, by contrast, offers four different grades of Akoya pearls, with A being the lowest and AAA being the best.
Gen Z wears pearls for their versatility, breaking traditional norms, and aligning with values like authenticity and sustainability, thanks to celebrity influence (Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet) and social media trends (TikTok) that blend classic elegance with edgy, gender-fluid styling. They redefine pearls from stuffy heirlooms to accessible, everyday expressions of individuality, often layered with streetwear.
The most expensive pearl colors are often deep, rich hues like Golden South Sea (especially 24k deep gold), rare Peacock Tahitian (dark green/blue/purple overtones), and intensely pink or pink-overtoned White South Sea pearls, with value heavily depending on rarity, luster, size, and lack of blemishes, rather than just the base color itself. While white and black are common, specific, saturated, and rare overtones within these categories command the highest prices.
Freshwater pearls are known for being durable, colorful, off-round in shape and budget friendly. They are an excellent option for inexpensive pearl jewelry gifts and for artisans looking to add unique pops of color to their jewelry designs without adding too much overhead to their designs.
Harvesting cultured pearls often kills the oyster, as many farms kill the animals after the first harvest for their meat and shell, though some try to recycle them for multiple harvests, while wild pearl harvesting kills thousands of oysters for just a few pearls. While some techniques allow oysters to survive and produce more pearls, especially with skilled intervention, the overall industry often involves stress, harm, and eventual death for most mollusks.
Your pearls should not be submerged in water. So do not shower, wash dishes or swim while wearing your pearls. Chlorine in swimming pools will cause the silk that your pearls are strung on to wear out and tear. Chlorine also eats away at the epoxy that attaches the pearls to their mountings.