Freshwater pearls have always fascinated us humans and is the oldest known gemstone. See our fine selection of freshwater pearls. We have the classic white freshwater pearls in different sizes and shapes but also both pink, light blue, turquoise, golden, green and blue freshwater pearls throughout the strings. If you need some large freshwater pearls for earrings or for a pendant in the necklace, look for our beautiful amorphous baroque beads.
Pearl means in Latin 'unique' and refers to the unique shape of each pearl as they are natural.
Note that you can obtain a 25% discount when buying 4 on most of our freshwater pearl strings!
What is a freshwater pearl?
A freshwater pearl is a pearl that occurs or grown inside a mussel that lives in fresh water.
The cultivated pearls are also called cultural pearls. When beads are grown, a foreign body is often inserted, a ball of glass, into the clam. It triggers the mussel's defense mechanism, which is to protect itself by laying layers on layers of thin mother of pearl outside the foreign body. The more layers of mother of pearl, the more 'depth' the pearl has.
In nature, freshwater pearls occur by small sharp grains of sand into the clam. The freshwater mussel lays, as with the cultivated beads, now layer upon layer of mother of pearl outside the sand grain, so as not to be harmed to the sharp edges.
Cultivated freshwater pearls are widely used as natural freshwater pearls are rare and then cost.
Who can go with freshwater pearls?
Today, fortunately, there are no restrictions on who can wear jewelry with freshwater pearls. So both Young and old, men and women and everyone in between, can find a way to use this classic.
Recently, style icons such as Harry Styles have introduced the freshwater pearl chain in new perspectives. both Because as a man he has taken it and also because the freshwater pearl jewelry he carries, often challenges the classic freshwater pearl chain by mixing fun gems of glass or plastic with freshwater pearls and giving the classic a more playful character in a new bold interpretation.
What colors are freshwater pearls in?
The natural colors of freshwater pearls are whitish, pink, peach and lavender shades.
They are also available in all the colors of the rainbow and with a stronger color play, but it is colored freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are porous in the surface, so that you color the beads by lowering them into color baths. The pearl sucks the color into it and in this way we can get freshwater pearls in colors, nature cannot even make and the powerful colors can be the icing on the cake if you are more into the colored than the classic white.
What forms are freshwater pearls in?
Rice
Rice freshwater pearls are elongated, drilled on the long joint of the pearl. It is one of the forms most often found in the trade. They are great in a pearl chain that can be used both For everyday and festive occasions. But also in an earring they do well and give a small magic glow at your earlobe. Rice freshwater pearls are available from 2 mm up to 12 mm.
Potato
Potato freshwater pearls appear more round, but is not quite as the name suggests. They are drilled on the shortest part of the pearl. This one is also common in trade. Like rice freshwater pearls, this shape is also suitable for a pearl chain that fits every occasion or as part of an earring you can make of our Pearls and loose parts. Potato Freshwater pearls are usually available from 3 mm up to 10 mm.
Baroque
Baroque freshwater pearls are intentionally grown to be uneven, angry and crooked. They are often large and eye -catching. If you take such a necklace on to a party, it will pepper the boring outfit even and make people just look an extra time. Baroque freshwater pearls are at the large end of the different kinds of freshwater pearls. They usually measure 15-30 mm.
Biwa
Biwa freshwater pearls are named after the Japanese lake, where in 1924 they only succeeded in pearl cultivation. Back then, Biwa freshwater pearls were very small and similar to small rice grains. What you know today as a biwa freshwater pearl is a pearl of about 15-25 mm in length and 3-6 mm in width. Biwa Pearl is nice both as pendants in a necklace, such as pearl row or in a pair of earrings.
Round
Round freshwater pearls, despite centuries of processing of cultivation methods, are still difficult to make, therefore the round freshwater pearls can be quite expensive. The round freshwater pearls usually measure between 3 and 12 mm.
Miscellaneous
As the methods of cultivation of freshwater pearls are refined, new types of freshwater pearls were also learned. You can find freshwater pearls shaped like moons, fish, coins and all sorts of other forms.
How do you see the difference between real and false beads?
If you want to check if your freshwater pearls are real, rub two of your freshwater pearls against each other. If there is friction, you know they are real. The friction comes from the pearls content of calcium, which is a key ingredient for pearls.
Real beads have a change in color on the pearl surface. What is seen on the particular blank as a rainbow effect. If your gem only shines through and shows a color then it is an imitation of a gem you can even test by placing the pearl in a bowl with water. Water reinforces the overtones and acts as a magnifying glass.
You can also look at the holes on the pearl. Is the illegitimate is often seen as a little paint that flakes at the edge of the hole. It is never seen on a real gem.
How to look after your freshwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls have a porous surface and will therefore be susceptible to liquids with whom they come into contact. If you use products like perfume or hair varnish, wait to put on your freshwater pearl jewelry until the products have evaporated as freshwater pearls are sensitive to chemistry.
The best thing you can do to preserve the brilliance of your freshwater pearl is simply to go with them. It helps the beads to preserve their natural humidity and thus not dry out and lose their brilliance.
You can also choose to put your freshwater pearls in lukewarm, boiled water. This will clean the beads. Finally, wipe them off with a clean, soft, dry cloth.
Are you missing freshwater pearls?
Are you into finished jewelry of freshwater pearls or do you want to try yourself? Look in our webshop where you both can find the most beautiful freshwater pearl chains in lengths 40, 45 and 50 cm and loose freshwater pearls and jewelry parts, such as ear hooks, creoles and pearl sticks so you can make your own beautiful pair of earrings with freshwater pearls.