Freshwater Pearls vs. Natural Pearls: Everything You Need to Know

What Are Freshwater Pearls?

Freshwater pearls are most often cultured pearls, meaning they are farmed rather than naturally formed. The process begins by inserting mantle tissue from a freshwater mussel—commonly the Hyriopsis cumingii—into the mussel’s shell, where a pearl gradually develops. These mussels live in lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Cultured vs. Natural Pearls

Although freshwater pearls are the most widely produced pearls, they are still classified as cultured pearls, not natural ones.

• Cultured pearls: Grown with human assistance through pearl farming.

• Natural pearls: Form spontaneously in the wild without any intervention.

Natural freshwater pearls are extremely rare today. Historically, wild freshwater mussels were an important pearl source, but many species are now endangered.

Where Are Freshwater Pearls Produced?

The majority of freshwater cultured pearls come from China, with additional production in Japan and the United States. To ensure accuracy in trade, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission requires that farmed freshwater pearls be described as “freshwater cultured pearls.”

Colors and Shapes of Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are admired for their wide variety of natural colors, including:

• White

• Pink

• Peach

• Lavender

• Multi-colored hues

In addition, freshwater pearls come in unique and diverse shapes, making each pearl one-of-a-kind.