Have you ever wondered what the difference between Freshwater Pearls and Saltwater Pearls is? - Read along here and learn more :-)
Freshwater pearls and Saltwater pearls are two varieties of pearls, which are categorized based on where they come from.
Although today's technologies mean that the difference between the appearance of Freshwater Pearls and Saltwater Pearls is not nearly as great as it used to be, they still have their differences when it comes to appearance, price and durability.
SO.. Are you a little unsure about which pearl to choose? - So read along here, where we will give you the basic differences between these two fantastic varieties of pearls.
Do Freshwater pearls and Saltwater pearls come from the same place?
Short answer: NO..
Freshwater pearls are, as the name suggests, grown in fresh water. It is especially China that is the leader in the production of Freshwater pearls. Countries such as Japan and the USA also produce freshwater pearls. However, it is China that is the major power within this industry. Their pearls are generally of a higher quality and so more pearls are just produced in China.
How are these pearls cultivated?
If you really want to geek out, we recommend that you read our second post about Freshwater pearls RIGHT HERE
Back to the important thing… Sorry. How are they grown?
It happens in freshwater lakes and rivers, in which the mussels are released and with a helping hand from us humans, a small piece of mussel tissue is placed in the mussel, which kickstarts the whole process of these beautiful freshwater pearls.
Saltwater pearls on the other side. They are grown in the saltwater seas near Australia, Tahiti, Indonesia and Thailand. Here, oysters are exposed, where a piece of mother-of-pearl is placed inside the oysters, which kickstarts this pearling process.
The growth period for Saltwater pearls is usually longer than Freshwater pearls and the production itself is also more expensive.
Bonus info:
Have you heard of the types of Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls before? - These variants are actually NOT Freshwater Pearls, but rather Saltwater Pearls.
FALSE BELIEFS:
There is a general perception that Freshwater Pearls are typically cultured by humans and Saltwater Pearls are NOT cultured.
That belief is not true. Saltwater pearls are just as highly cultured as Freshwater pearls are.
In fact, natural Freshwater Pearls and Saltwater Pearls are extremely rare and should you be lucky enough to come across one. Then the price will probably give you less of a SHOCK! - Their price is significantly higher than cultured pearls.
Okay, Wild! - Is there a difference in the quality of the pearls?
The short answer is: Saltwater pearls are the most precious of the two varieties of pearls.
But why that, you might think?
This is due, among other things, to that saltwater pearls take longer to form. While the best farms in the world can grow Freshwater Pearls in a matter of months, it is a completely different story when it comes to Saltwater Pearls. The growth period for the nacre itself is twice as long as for freshwater pearls and in some cases it can actually take years.
In terms of numbers, there is also a significant difference. Where you get between 30-50 Freshwater pearls per mussel, there are typically no more than 1-3 saltwater pearls per oyster.
Yes Andreas, come on now! - We want to know something about the quality of the mother-of-pearl ;-)
Yes okay.. The big difference in the quality of the mother-of-pearl lies in the shine and cleanliness of the pearl's surface.
Freshwater pearls have a generally thicker mother-of-pearl shell. This is because during the process of making a pearl, a smaller piece of clam tissue is used to start with.
REMEMBER! This whole pearling process starts by introducing a foreign element from the outside into the mussel.
This means that Freshwater pearls are generally more resistant than Saltwater pearls are. This is because the nacre on Saltwater Pearls is thinner and finer than on Freshwater Pearls.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you want to check whether your Freshwater pearls or Saltwater pearls are real, then you must rub two of your freshwater pearls against each other. If there is friction, you know they are real.
The friction comes from the pearls' calcium content, which is a key ingredient for pearls.
A slightly different way to check the authenticity of your pearls is by rubbing them against your teeth. Again, if there is friction, you know it's a real gem.
Size and Shape of Pearls:
In the past, Saltwater Pearls were actually quite a bit larger than Freshwater Pearls. This is because, in the past, Saltwater pearls were allowed to have a longer growth period than Freshwater pearls.
Today, that difference has almost disappeared because the growth period for Freshwater pearls has been extended.
A look at the shape of the pearls, if you have read one of my previous posts, you also know that less than 5% of Freshwater pearls are perfect and totally round. The rest of the pearls are either oval, coin-shaped, baroque or semi-baroque in shape. In contrast, Saltwater pearls are to a much greater degree spherical, i.e. more round, but, like Freshwater pearls, they can be found in different shapes, just like Freshwater pearls.
The reason why Saltwater pearls are generally more spherical is due to the element that is inserted into the mussel to start the pearling process.
With Freshwater Pearls, mussel tissue is usually inserted, whereas with Saltwater Pearls, a small pearl core is inserted, which results in the more round and smooth surface.
Hmm, what about the luster and colors of the pearls? - Are they different??
I might as well say it right away: HUGE YES! :-)
This is where you will find the big difference between these two variants. The brilliance of the saltwater pearls is superior to the freshwater pearls. Here you will experience a considerably more beautiful and stronger shine than with their cousins, the Freshwater pearls.
When it comes to colors, both types of pearls are available in several color variants. Salt water pearls are available in the colors white, cream, black and gold. The latter two variants are insanely popular today.
Freshwater pearls are available in the colors white, cream, pink, purple, black, gray etc
How much do Freshwater pearls and Saltwater pearls cost? - Do they cost the same?
NO..
There are several different factors that come into play when it comes to the price difference between these two types of pearls.
One of the main reasons why Saltwater Pearls are more expensive than Freshwater Pearls is that the number of Saltwater Pearls per oysters is not as high as the number of freshwater pearls per clam.
In fact, a maximum of 3 saltwater pearls are produced per oysters, whereas up to 50 freshwater pearls are produced per clam.
To put it in perspective, for every time 1000 Freshwater Pearls are produced, ONLY 60 Saltwater Pearls are produced.
Not wild??
Another reason for the large price difference is the properties of the pearls. As I mentioned above, the shine and shape of the salt water pearls are of a completely different quality. In addition, you must remember that Freshwater pearls are a hardier pearl than Saltwater pearls. In fact, Saltwater pearls are described as being a delicate pearl.
BONUS INFO
The most expensive variant of salt water pearls sold is South Sea Salt water pearls . These pearls have been sold for prices of up to DKK 650,000.
Which Pearl Should You Choose? - Yes, it was difficult!
It all depends on how heavy your wallet is, said with a smile on your face :-D
If you have something burning in your wallet and there is plenty of it, then maybe you should choose Salt Water Pearls? Purely in terms of appearance, the Freshwater pearls are superior. The same applies to the value, because you have to find the big wallet.
If, on the other hand, you prefer the more durable alternative, then there is no doubt that you should buy Freshwater Pearls.
Here you get an insanely beautiful pearl which can withstand a few more knocks than Saltwater pearls can. In addition, the price is also significantly lower, which means that you get significantly more for your money in terms of quantity and durability.
Having said that.. Whatever you choose, you will NOT go wrong in the city! - These pearls are some amazingly beautiful pearls!
See our large selection of quality freshwater pearls RIGHT HERE