Freshwater pearls come from oysters, right? Wrong! Freshwater Pearls actually come from freshwater mussels and they're one of the very few organic gems in existence. Learn more
A Guide To Freshwater Pearls:
- Where Do Freshwater Pearls Come From?
- Are Freshwater Pearls Real?
- Freshwater Pearls Colour Guide
- Freshwater Pearls By Shape
- Our freshwater Pearl Jewellery
Where Do Freshwater Pearls Come From?
Where on earth do freshwater pearls come from? Freshwater Pearls are cultured in freshwater mussels that live in natural and man-made lakes, rivers and ponds. The particular species of mussel that produces pearls is called the Hyriopsis cumingii “Triangle shell.” Freshwater pearls are mainly produced in China, but they are also farmed in Japan and the United States. Unlike their counterpart saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are more affordable, longer lasting and create more variety of colour attributes.
The most important farming technique for harvesting freshwater pearls is to maintain a clean habitat. Keeping the water at optimum health ensures the survival of the mussel species, and allows farmers the opportunity to reuse the mussel for harvesting pearls time and again. One mussel can produce as many as 30 pearls at a time, but it can take as long as 6 months to several years for the pearls to culture correctly for use in the marketplace.
Are Freshwater Pearls Real?
Not all pearls are created equal, in fact, there are many variations of pearls in the world with subtle characteristics that make them hard to distinguish. When trying to determine a type of pearl, a good place to start is with its origin.
All genuine pearls come from a species of molluscs; Oysters, mussels or seawater clams. Natural pearls are extremely rare; statistics show that only 1 in 10,000 uncultivated oysters yield a pearl. This shouldn’t suggest that cultured pearls are fake, it’s actually quite the contrary. Cultured pearls are grown inside molluscs with the help of human hands by implanting a nucleus into the living species. Albeit molluscs are aided to create pearls; the pearl that transpires, however, becomes entirely independent to take on its own design and survival means.
Freshwater pearls are cultured from freshwater mussels, other pearl variants belong to the seawater pearls family and are cultured from oysters and in some rare cases, deep seawater clams.
Freshwater Pearls Colour Guide
Freshwater pearls produce an array of natural colours that separate them from other variants of pearls on the market. It’s the rainbow of colours that makes freshwater pearls so desirable in jewellery making. Natural colours that freshwater pearls produce are commonly pastel shades of pink, peach, lavender or white.
Other freshwater pearl colours include blue, black, purple, gold, green and grey, but these shades are treated with organic dyes or by the addition of laser colour-imposing techniques. The natural lustre of a pearl is not just a visible attribute, it can also determine the quality of the freshwater pearl. Lustre is a natural occurrence that originates from within the pearl during its creation; the lustre of a pearl is a product of its shape and physical makeup. The typical lustre of a freshwater pearl will vary from a milky sheen to a satin glow.
Freshwater Pearls by Shape
Finding a perfect round variant of a freshwater pearl is very rare; freshwater pearls are typically produced as near round, button, baroque, drop, rice, potato, kwshi, coin, or Biwa. Although freshwater pearls are cultured, once they are inserted into the host mussel, they are very much natural occurrences and each one produced will take on a different form. The size of a freshwater pearl varies considerably also and can be categorised as tiny, small, medium or large. The most common and popular freshwater pearl sizes found today range in size from 6.0-7.0mm, through 10.0-11.0mm. Pearls that sit in the 7-8mm, or 8-9mm range are more commonly used in jewellery making, particularly for necklaces. 
Freshwater Pearl Jewellery
It’s the attractive pricing and beautiful lustre that makes the freshwater pearl so desirable a gem to feature in the jewellery craft. Apart from the physical properties that make it so unique, the freshwater pearl is actually one of the few gems in existence that’s formed within a living creature; all other gems are mined from the earth.
When considering the best freshwater pearl jewellery to buy, Shiels has the biggest range at unbeatable prices. Shop at Shiels for a range of freshwater pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, bracelets, pearl rings and pearl pendants available in-store and online. Freshwater pearls make the most precious gifts to celebrate a friend or loved one's special occasion.
Refer to our top gift guide for purchasing pearl jewellery; Every woman should have her pearls!
180cm White Freshwater Pearl Strand
In the words of fashion icon Coco Chanel: “ A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” The 180cm White Freshwater Pearl Strand, certainly delivers; this string of pearls necklace offers so many attractive qualities and options for the wearer to style.
$299.50
This white Freshwater Pearl strand is a must have for any pearl enthusiast. At 180 cm it’s easily customisable: wear as is for an elongated, ethereal look or double it for a more bespoke, chic appearance.… read more180cm White Freshwater Pearl Strand
$599.00
The 180cm length means the pearl necklace can be worn as a single long strand, double layer necklace or triple layer necklace. Be immersed in the wonder of freshwater pearls wrapped around your neck, and fall in love with the different styles and creative looks that can emerge from this classic piece of pearl jewellery.
White Freshwater 160cm Long Pearl Necklace
$349.00
$799.00
With stunning freshwater white pearls, this 160cm strand can be worn in a number of fashionable ways, you can choose any style that suits you.… read more
Mixed Colour Freshwater Pearl Earring Stud Set
Pearl earrings should be in every woman's jewellery collection and studs are the ultimate essential to own! This mixed set is our favourite for obvious reasons; it includes four classic freshwater pearl varieties all in one nifty pack- bargain! With pearl studs, your look can never be boring, and these beauties are the perfect size to be noticed. Timeless and elegant, pearl studs have the ability to elevate any look and turn it into a fashion statement. This set makes the most precious gift idea.
Mixed Colour Freshwater Pink White Grey Pearl Earring Stud Set
$89.50
$179.00
For when you just cannot decide, this crafted sterling silver set of 4 freshwater pearl button stud box set is a perfect choice for options.… read more
Pink Freshwater Pearl 18cm Stretch Bracelet
A gorgeous strand of shimmering pink freshwater pearls decorates this simple stretch bracelet, turning this classic accessory into a masterpiece. The clever bracelet design can be styled as a solo piece, or featured with other bracelets for an enhanced look on the wrist. The stretch feature allows for the perfect fit; enveloping the wrist and offering a clear elegance that few other bracelets can achieve. We recommend owning at least 3 different colour varieties of this bracelet to showcase a changing look and expel a different mood.
White 6-7mm Freshwater Pearl Bracelet
$29.99
$69.99
This White 6-7mm Freshwater Pearl Bracelet is a beautiful organic piece. No one pearl is the same, and the uniqueness of this piece truly shines through with it’s stunning shape. The pristine white colour and subtle shine of this bracelet… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Freshwater Pearl and Leaf Diamond Ring
Oh, how we love this ring! The intricate detailing of the leaf pattern is adorned with diamonds giving us the best of both precious gems in one magnificent design. While diamonds are a girl's best friend, pearls are a woman's! The freshwater pearl that’s featured at the centre of this ring certainly captivates our attention and ignites our interest. There's no specific finger on which to wear the freshwater pearl ring, we suggest you place it on the ring finger where it reflects the most personal meaning to you.
$434.00
If you’re looking for the perfect promise ring or engagement ring for a woman who loves nature, show that you’re paying attention with this delicate ring featuring a pearl set amongst diamond leaves. The pearl glows with the warmth of… read more9ct Yellow Gold Freshwater Pearl and Leaf Pattern Diamond Ring
$934.00
Sterling Silver Freshwater Pearl and Cubic Zirconia Heart Pendant
This sterling silver freshwater pearl and cubic zirconia heart pendant beams from the neckline. The heart-shaped pendant quietly compliments the natural lustre of the white freshwater pearl luring attention to its core. This pairing signifies purity, spirituality, wisdom and intuition; strong elements that align with the perfect love. The clever addition of cubic zirconia to one side of the heart enhances the overall appeal of this piece, but the main attraction is always the freshwater pearl that sits perfectly proportioned at the heart of the heart.
Sterling Silver Freshwater Pearl and Cubic Zirconia Heart Pendant
$49.99
$99.99
This Sterling Silver Freshwater Pearl and Cubic Zirconia Heart Pendant has a way of letting its beautiful features complement and accentuate each other. The pendant's pearl centrepiece adds a freshness and glow to your apparel, and truly completes the playfulness… read more
