Giving Pearls

Fresh Water Pearl Jewelry

Freshwater pearls are some of the most popular pearls available today. Thanks in part to freshwater pearl available in bays and rivers throughout China, freshwater pearls are currently some of the most reasonable and popular pearls available on the market today.

Fresh water pearls occur in mussels in much the same way that saltwater pearls occur in oysters. A material foreign to the mussel, such as a sharp object or parasite, makes its way into the mussel. Cultured fresh water pearl workers manually open the mussel shell, making small incisions into the mussel tissue and insert foreign objects. These foreign objects produce an irritation. The mussel coats the foreign object to reduce the irritation. This coating that forms the freshwater pearl is the same material used for building shells.

The Japanese were some of the first to culture freshwater pearls. The first commercial fresh water pearl farms began in the 1930s, and continued to some extend through World War II.

In recent years China has become a respected major producer of fresh water pearls. Since 1968, China has perfected the process of harvesting cultured fresh water pearls resulting in pearls of superior shape and color.

Giving Pearls


Akoya Pearl Jewelry

Akoya pearls are the specialty of Japanese pearl farms. Since first culturing Akoya pearls in the early part of the 20th century, Akoya pearls have become the classic cultered pearls of Japan, and one of Japan's most well recognized exports.

At a glance, Akoya pearls are commonly confused with fresh water pearls. But if compare Akoya pearls side by side with freshwater pearls, the difference between Akoya and fresh water pearls is very apparent. Akoya pearls are typically larger, smooth,and rounder than Fresh water pearls. The high quality Akoya pearls are known for their beautiful luster.

in recent years, China has begun producing Akoya pearls as well.

Giving Pearls

South Sea Pearl Jewelry

South Sea pearls are some of the most elegant saltwater pearls. South Sea pearls are characterized by their large size and silvery white color. A product of the pinctada maxima oyster (which is about the size of a dinner plate), South Sea pearls are much larger than those produced by Akoya and fresh water pearls. South Sea pearls are commonly found in sizes as large as 14 mm. As with most things rare, South Sea pearls are more difficult to harvest and consequently more expensive.