Saltwater Pearls

Pearls can be purchased in freshwater and saltwater form, and the differences between the two make them both unique. Freshwater pearls are formed in freshwater mussels in freshwater bodies. However, as one might expect, saltwater pearls are formed in saltwater mussels in salt water bodies.

At one time, salt water pearls were the only real option on the market, as the number of freshwater pearls are cultured with the desired aesthetic properties have been rare. Today, freshwater pearls are produced with the same proportionality and the size of saltwater pearls, and most often in China.

The processing techniques used in the cultivation of freshwater pearls have been refined to the point that quality pearls can be accomplished in a period of three to six years. Freshwater pearls are cultivated by using finished irritants, which are normally smaller than the irritants used in the cultivation of salt water. The result is a pearl with thick nacre and luster increased. At that time, Chinese farmers Pearl are capable of producing more than twenty unique pearls in an oyster. Many growers produce pearls saltwater faster using irritants that are exceptionally large. The resulting increase in production, but significantly fewer layers of nacre. Some pearl farms seawater, however, use irritants slightly larger than those used to aid in making freshwater pearls for a better quality and higher market value.

saltwater pearls are naturally less colors than their freshwater counterparts. Usually available in select colors years, many wholesalers now dyed pearl beads after they are grown for the color rose. Freshwater pearls offer more than saltwater pearls glow. The recent discovery that the addition of various metals in water in which freshwater pearls are cultured can produce wider color range has brought renewed interest from buyers of pearls in the world.

Although cultured pearls of the highest quality in both freshwater and saltwater varieties retain their value if they are well cared for. With prices the next two ever closer to the same size and shape of pearls, consumers today can choose just that they are more aesthetic.