10 Fabulous Facts About Freshwater Pearls
Are you new to the world of jewelry collecting? Even if you aren’t, and you’re thinking about adding pearls to your collection, this guide on freshwater pearls is a must-read.
Keyword(s): freshwater pearls
Are you considering the purchase of freshwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls are known for their diverse range of colors and unique shapes, making them ideal for crafting luxurious jewelry. Often revered as the “Queen of Jewels,” pearls symbolize timeless elegance.
Despite their popularity, there’s much about freshwater pearls that remains unknown. This guide delves into everything you need to know about them, highlighting our top ten favorite facts so you can become well-versed in the world of freshwater pearls.
What Are Freshwater Pearls?
Freshwater pearls originate from mussels inhabiting freshwater rivers and lakes, primarily located in China.
These pearls come in various colors and shapes, often lacking a bead nucleus and instead containing only a small piece of tissue. The absence of a bead nucleus results in thicker nacre pearls.
In contrast, saltwater pearls are cultivated in Chinese and Japanese waters, generally appearing round and in shades of white or cream.
The primary difference between freshwater and saltwater pearls lies in the thickness of their nacre, with freshwater pearls having a thicker nacre.
Furthermore, the cost distinction is notable—saltwater pearls are pricier due to the fewer pearls produced by saltwater oysters.
Additionally, freshwater pearls undergo dyeing to achieve their lustrous appearance, whereas saltwater pearls don’t require such treatment.
Now that we have a fundamental understanding of freshwater pearls, let’s explore them in greater depth.
1. Freshwater Pearls Come From a Living Creature
Pearls are classified as gemstones but stand out from other types such as sapphires or rubies. The key difference is that pearls are the only gemstones formed by a living creature. Other gemstones develop within the Earth’s crust.
2. Natural Pearls Are Incredibly Rare
Were you aware that only one in 10,000 oysters contain a pearl? Freshwater pearl jewelry witnessed considerable popularity in the early 20th century, leading to the depletion of oyster beds as people sought these precious gems.
3. The Most Expensive Pearl Is Worth Around $100 Million
The world’s most valuable pearl was kept as a good luck charm under its owner’s bed for ten years until its discovery in 2016, prompted by a house fire. A fisherman had uncovered the pearl off the coast of the Philippines inside a massive clam.
What makes this pearl so valuable? Its extraordinary size—it measures approximately 26 inches in length and weighs over 75 pounds, making it the largest known pearl.
4. Julius Caesar Created Laws About Pearls
In ancient Rome, pearls signified prestige and wealth. Wearing pearl jewelry or possessing pearls indicated elite status. In 1 BC, Julius Caesar enacted a law banning individuals outside the ruling class from donning pearls.
5. Cleopatra Drank a Pearl Cocktail
In ancient history, Cleopatra sought to impress Mark Anthony by hosting the most expensive dinner ever. Owning two of the world’s largest pearls at the time, she was well poised to achieve this.
During the dinner, Cleopatra requested one of her pearls and a glass of vinegar, into which she dropped the pearl. As it dissolved, Cleopatra drank what became the world’s priciest cocktail.
6. The Oldest Pearl is Almost 8,000 Years Old
Pearls were prevalent in ancient Rome but are believed to be even older. The world’s oldest pearl was discovered by French researchers in 2012.
Unearthed in an ancient gravesite in the United Arab Emirates, the pearl was named “Umm al Quwain” in honor of the location.
Using carbon dating, scientists determined the pearl to be over 7,500 years old, surpassing the previously oldest known pearl, which was around 2,500 years old.
7. Freshwater Pearls Can Be a Variety of Shapes
Often, people associate pearls with a symmetrical, round shape. However, freshwater pearls come in a variety of shapes, including:
- Drop
- Off-round
- Round
- Baroque
Among these, round freshwater pearls remain the most sought after.
8. Freshwater Pearls Take Six Months to Grow
The growth period for pearls varies, but on average, it takes around six months. In some cases, it can take up to two years for a pearl to develop.
The process begins when a pearl farmer inserts a nucleus into a mollusk. The oyster needs time to recover from this, and once healed, the pearl starts forming.
9. Pearls Are One of June’s Birthstones
Pearls are one of the birthstones for June. Individuals born in June are fortunate to have three birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite.
Representing loyalty, purity, and clarity, a pearl jewelry piece makes a perfect gift for someone born in June.
10. Cartier Used Pearls to Buy Land for Its Store in New York
In the early 1900s, the wife of a wealthy railroad tycoon fell in love with a pearl necklace on display at a Cartier store on Fifth Avenue. She desired the necklace, and Pierre Cartier wanted her Fifth Avenue mansion. A deal was struck—the necklace was exchanged for the mansion, which became Cartier’s flagship store.
Shop at Artful Bracelets for Freshwater Pearl Jewelry
Freshwater pearls offer an affordable yet luxurious way to enhance any jewelry collection. Whether you seek a freshwater pearl pendant or a pair of earrings, you’re guaranteed to find a stunning piece when shopping for pearls.
Explore our online collection of freshwater pearl jewelry.
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