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Early Chinese history show that freshwater blister pearls were successful cultured about 700 hundred years ago. Prior to this, natural pearls were formed within freshwater mussels and found during harvest. The mussels were harvested mainly for food in these early days.
One of the largest pearls known to exist today is a freshwater blister pearl.
 Freshwater History and Cultivation |
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Today, freshwater pearls are a major product in the fine jewelry market. Their continued quality improvement allow some to almost rival their Akoya saltwater counterparts.
Freshwater Pearls Today |
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White pearls are considered the classic pearl color. Freshwater pearls are cultured and do grow in white and other light pastels colors.
As more colors have become popular, freshwater pearls are available in pink and lavender as well. In addition, treated black and very dark freshwater pearls are now becoming ever popular.
Freshwater pearl colors |
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The value of freshwater pearls and finished pearl jewelry pieces are varied.
These factors include luster, roundness and surface quality. How well the pearls are matched for a finished jewelry piece is also important.
Value Factors |
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