Even though they are also known as the “casual pearl” fresh water pearls add an instance touch of class to any piece of jewelry that contains other stones. They look good with any type of bead including diamond cut beads, Swarovksi crystals, cat’s eyes, alphabet beads, Californian glass beads, Czech and glass beads.
The first thing that you have to realize is that a freshwater pearl is not a man made pearl nor is it a precious gem like a cultured pearl. It is categorized as a natural pearl.
As the name suggests freshwater mussels that live in lakes, rivers, streams and other bodies of water form pearls. Most freshwater cultured pearls sold today come from China. By contrast, saltwater pearls grow in oysters that live in the ocean, usually in protected lagoons.
The fact that freshwater pearls are so versatile could explain why we are seeing them so much as part of everything from hippie necklaces to baby bracelets. Another reason they are everywhere is because they have dropped in price. Pearls, even manmade ones, used to be expensive. Now a handful of pearls can practically be had for pennies.
Fresh water pearls are known for their brilliant colors and interesting shapes. There are many different types including the potato shaped, coined shape, keshi shaped and rice shaped varieties. We even sell the unusual firecracker coin shaped fresh water pearl which almost resembles a small flat key.
Currently fresh water pearls come in so many different colors that you can practically match a strand of them to any outfit. Freshwater pearls can be found in white, silvery white, pink, red, copper, bronze, brown, purple, green, blue, cream, and yellow.
The different colors are a function of genetics and the water quality that the mussels that produce them bathe in. These pearls are farmed so that the different shapes and colors are achieved on purpose.
What is nice about freshwater pearls is that they are a natural product. They are also light, easy to handle and easy to string. They have a shine to them that is also very pleasant
Despite the fact that they are produced by real shellfish they are much more affordable than real pearls. Unlike shell pearls or manmade pearls no two fresh water pearls are alike which makes them treasures in themselves!
Freshwater pearls are natural pearls and are nearly 100% nacre. The drawback to this is that an all natural pearl is rarely round in shape. Most are rice, nugget or coin shaped. Round shaped natural pearls are very uncommon.
Quality natural pearls are very rare jewels. Actual value of a natural pearl is determined in the same way that other “precious” gems are determined. Natural pearls are evaluated size, shape and quality of surface, orient, and luster.
Spectacular single natural pearls are often sold as a collector item, or set as centerpieces in unique jewelry. Very few matched strands of natural pearls exist, and those that do often sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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