Pearls are a type of ancient organic gemstone that is mainly produced by pearl shellfish and mother-of-pearl mollusks. They are mineral beads that contain calcium carbonate, which is produced by the endocrine action of shellfish and composed of tiny aragonite crystals.
Pearls come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Most pearls available on the market today are cultured pearls. Wild pearls, on the other hand, are formed naturally without any human intervention. The shape of these pearls is generally uncontrollable and often irregular. Very few wild pearls can grow into jewelry-grade pearls, making them rare and highly sought-after.
Natural pearls are available in two types: seawater pearls and freshwater pearls. The classification method is based on the environment in which the pearls are cultured. Seawater pearls are mostly cultured with nuclei that are implanted to cultivate pearls.
In general, only one pearl can be cultivated per mother-of-pearl. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, are mostly seedless cultured. A dozen or twenty cell slices are implanted at a time and placed into mother oysters for pearl cultivation. A dozen or twenty freshwater pearls can be cultivated at a time.
Seawater pearls are generally considered to have better quality than freshwater pearls, resulting in higher value and lower availability, which also translates to higher prices. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, offer better cost-effectiveness and higher output, making up for some of the quality differences.
So, what are the differences between freshwater pearls and seawater pearls, and how can we tell them apart? Let's explore these differences below:
1. Differences in size: Seawater pearls are typically larger than freshwater pearls, with a diameter of 6-7.5 mm. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, are much smaller in size.
2. Differences in appearance: Freshwater pearls come in a wide range of colors, such as pink, white, orange, and purple, and are available in a variety of shapes, with very few round pearls. Seawater pearls, on the other hand, are commonly available in white, gold, and silver-gray colors, and are mostly round.
3. Price differences: Seawater pearls are usually more expensive than freshwater pearls due to their rarity and quality. Since seawater pearls have a smaller and less predictable production, they are more expensive. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, have a larger output and stable quality, which makes them more affordable.
4. Differences in pearl quality: Pearl quality is assessed based on various factors such as color, luster, surface quality, and shape.
In terms of these factors, seawater pearls generally have more uniform color, more brilliance, and better surface quality, and are more likely to be round or near-round in shape. Freshwater pearls are more diverse, with greater variation in color, shape, and surface quality.
Both freshwater and seawater pearls are precious natural organic gemstones with some distinct differences. When purchasing pearls, it is important to choose based on your needs and preferences. Regardless of whether you choose saltwater or freshwater pearls, proper care is required to maintain their beauty over time.
