Difference between Fresh Water and Salt Water Pearls

By Tim Bucharchiu

Pearls are produced in both salt and fresh water, but the difference is astounding. Usually, the salt water variety of pearls are of a better quality and are also more expensive than pearls found in salt water; however, the choice between fresh water and salt water pearls is completely personal.

To begin with, pearls are manufactured from shellfish. When an irritant, like a piece of sand, invades the fragile lining from the creature, it secretes an even substance to coat the irritant, thus developing a pearl. Salt water and freshwater pearls are generally made in exactly the same fashion. It, known as nacre or mother of pearl, slowly accumulates the irritant until a pearl is created.

The main difference between brine pearls and fresh water pearls could be the type of create that produces this natural gemstone. Salt water pearls are created by oysters that inhabit the seas and oceans. In days past, the only way to harvest brine pearls would have been to dive to tremendous depths to recoup the oysters. Today, these oysters are grown in farms, nevertheless the pearls produced are of supremely good quality.

Fresh water pearls are created by mussels that burrow inside the sandy bottoms of rivers, lakes, and streams. Like salt water pearls, the mussels that produce fresh water pearls may also be farmed. In most places, hunting mussels to reap their pearls is unlawful due to the havoc you can get on the ecosystem.

You can immediately identify the difference between a freshwater and brine pearl by its appearance. Whereas salt water pearls are-or should be-completely round, fresh water pearls use a lumpy, potato-like shape. Usually, fresh water pearls are called off-round, egg, or Baroque, are available with a cheaper price tag because of this irregular shape.

The colours of freshwater pearls encompass the whole rainbow. While brine pearls are available in a wide array of colors, freshwater pearls usually undertake the hue from the mussel’s shell. Fresh water pearls ranges from the traditional white, cream, and pink to more unusual shades like lavender, and copper. Although these latter colors often raise the price on freshwater pearls, the colour of choice is purely in the whim from the buyer.

Many potential pearl buyers have the common misconception that the fresh water pearl is not real. This is completely untrue, as both the fresh water and the salt water pearl are equally authentic. The choice between the two depends on the tastes and the budget of the wearer. Some individuals enjoy the irregular Baroque shapes and special colors of the fresh water, where others want the classic white round offerings of the salt water pearl.

Author specializes in Gold Watches. Please check his newest site on Citizen Gold Watch. Author has spent years on researching Citizen Watches.

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