Saltwater VS Freshwater Pearls

Learn how Saltwater pearls are all around better

You may have found this blog because you might you may want pearls to craft beautiful jewelry for your next DIY project and you may want an inexpensive solution for your projects. Many have turned to Freshwater pearls for materials, but there are many properties that are lacking in Freshwater pearls opposed to Saltwater pearls. You don’t get the same shine and luster as Saltwater pearls, Freshwater pearls are often treated with harsh chemicals that weaken them and turn them into unnatural colors, and are often manufactured in artificial shapes.

Freshwater pearls in strands. Pink and purple colors are their natural tones.

Saltwater pearl VS Freshwater pearl production:

Most Saltwater pearls are produced in the pacific sea near by many different countries namely in the seas of Japan, Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Tahiti (French Polynesia). Pearl farmers breed and use oysters and parts of their mother of pearl to start the process of cultivating pearls. It takes about 2-4 years to produce high quality pearls. Nothing goes to waste in the retrieval of the pearls, the oysters that cannot produce anymore pearls are used for the nucleus of the next generation of cultivated pearls and the meat is sold to restaurants. Freshwater pearl production is somewhat similar to Saltwater pearl production but the key differences are Freshwater pearls are mass produced mostly only in china and are often rushed in production.

Saltwater Pearls are divided to Japanese Akoyas, Tahitian, Gold South Sea and White South Sea (from top to bottom)

Saltwater VS Freshwater Pearl Pricing:

Many times, retailers who sell pearls count on the general public’s lack of knowledge regarding pearls. Often, they try to pass off Freshwater pearls as Saltwater pearls, without pointing out the differences between the two types. Freshwater pearls costs are negligible especially compared to Saltwater pearls, and when crafting a piece of Freshwater pearl jewelry, most of the costs involve other materials and the craftsmanship/designer fees. We would advise one to ask about this when buying pearls, and looking closely at the price tags to make sure that you are getting a fair deal. The main differences in costs are due to the complex operations of farming Saltwater pearls compared to that of Freshwater pearls. In addition, the amount of pearls yielded in each Freshwater pearl per mussel is greater than that of Saltwater oysters (each mussel can yield a couple of dozens, while oysters may yield 1-2).

In conclusion

If you are considering purchasing pearls for your next DIY project or thinking of buying a lovely gift for your significant other consider getting your jewelry or materials in Saltwater pearls, as they last for longer, shine stronger and are timeless gems that will be with you forever.