Freshwater pearls are an excellent alternative to Akoya saltwater pearls. These pearls are known for their exceptional value and wide range of colors and shapes. Most of our freshwater pearls used in earrings and pearl strands are round or near-round. Some of custom made jewelry pieces have freshwater pearls in the oval, baroque, semi-baroque and circle shapes.

Produced mainly in China, Japan and the US, freshwater pearls are grown on pearl farms in mussels that can yield up to 40 tissue-nucleated freshwater pearls at once, and can be harvested multiple times. The most widely used mussel species for growing freshwater pearls are the Hyriopsis cumingi (triangle shell) and Cristaria plicata.

The average size for a freshwater cultured pearl is 4 to 7mm with larger pearls growing up to 11mm. Freshwater pearls usually have a neutral body color like white or cream with rosé overtone. Some freshwater pearls come in hues like yellow, orange, pink and purple with even blue and green overtones. The average size of the Hyriopsis cumingi mussel is 5cm – 6cm.

All of our freshwater pearls are rated as clean or lightly blemished with acceptable nacre, and are set in 14k yellow and white gold.

To learn more on pearl quality factors, visit our Pearl Guide.