The Crown Jewels of England are freshwater pearls? Yes, supposedly from the rivers of Scotland. Do you still think they are low quality? Do you know that history says one of the reasons Julius Caesar invaded the British Isles for the freshwater jewelry pearls of Scotland. It is only since a short time ago that the freshwater pearl got a bad rap for being low quality.
Probably the biggest reason for this was when China burst into the cultured pearl market about 30 years ago. They really did burst into the market, and they produced tons of pearls. Most of the pearl farmers had no clue as to how to produce higher quality fresh water pearls. They just knew how to produce tons of low quality rice crispy pearls.
Since then China has made leaps and bounds in making their freshwater pearl be harvest better quality, to the point where the very best freshwater pearls are indistinguishable from high quality saltwater pearls. And the best part is their price is still well below saltwater pearls.
Physically the freshwater cultured pearl is different from the cultured saltwater pearl. The Saltwater pearl is cultured with a starter core of mother of pearl, made from freshwater pearl shell. The freshwater pearl is cultured from a starter of soft tissue that dissolves and that makes them solid pearl.
Today you can buy naturally colored white, peach and violet freshwater pearl jewelry. Enhanced black freshwater pearls are a beautiful exotic newcomer. Whatever color you buy you are going to pay less and get a good quality pearl, if you compare. Many stores including some of the high end department stores sell a lower grade of freshwater pearl necklace.
By Patrick Cavanaugh
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