freshwater pearl

Freshwater pearls are a kind of pearl that comes from freshwater mussels. They are produced in Japan and the United States on a limited scale, but are now almost exclusive to China. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission requires that freshwater pearls be referred to as "freshwater cultured pearls" in commerce.

Freshwater pearl harvests are typically bought while still in the shell. After harvest the pearls are delivered to a first-stage factory, which is responsible for cleaning and sorting the pearls by size and shape. After this process has been completed, the pearls are considered ready material for processing factories.

white freshwater pearl

Although the traditional source of pearls has been saltwater mollusks, freshwater mussels, which live in ponds, lakes and rivers, can also produce pearls. China has harvested freshwater pearls in the form of mabe since the 13th century, and has now become the world's undisputed leader in freshwater pearl production.

Freshwater pearls cover a wider range of colors and shapes than any other pearl type. The white frashwater pearl is one of them. It is the symbol of wealth, health and long life, and everlasting precious. There are natural dyeing and artificial dyeing. In the rescent years, the white freshwater pearl have been become more and more popular among the girls and ladies.

cultured freshwater pearl

Freshwater pearls differ from other cultured pearls, in that the great majority of them are not bead-nucleated. Freshwater mollusks are nucleated by creating a small incision in the fleshy mantle tissue of a 6 to 12 month old mussel, then inserting a 3mm square piece of mantle tissue from a donor mussel. Upon insertion, the donor, (graft) tissue is twisted slightly, rounding out the edges. What happens after this point is really just speculation. Some believe that this tissue acts as a catalyst in producing a pearl sac thus making the 'nucleation' actual 'activation'. Others believe the tissue molds with the host to create a pearl sac, while still others maintain the tissue is the actual nucleus.

Although it is said that a freshwater mollusk can withstand up to 25 insertions per valve, it is common industry practice to perform only 12-16 insertions in either valve, for a total production of 24-32 pearls. The mollusks are then returned to their freshwater environment where they are tended for 2-6 years. The resulting pearls are of solid nacre, but without a bead nucleus to guide the growth process the pearls are rarely perfectly round.

freshwater pearl necklace

It is easy to buy freshwater pearl necklace since almost every jewelry shop stores them these days. This is because popularity and hence, the corresponding demand for these jewelry items has noted a significant increase over the years. Another important fact is the increasing cost of many other stones as well as jewelry metals like gold. Anything made of freshwater pearl is not at all expensive, and this is one of the major factors why people buying this so often!

However, compared to other stones and pearl jewelry, the beauty of freshwater pearl necklaces is also at a good position. Depending on size, shape and color of the pearls, these types of necklaces may even look better in appearance than any other type of necklaces. Such piece of jewelry usually comes in one and two strands. Both look elegant equally. Many women even prefer to wear necklaces that are made of pearls only!