Freshwater pearls are cultivated in freshwater mussels in lakes and rivers, primarily in China, and are known for their incredible variety of natural colors, shapes, and affordable luxury. Unlike saltwater pearls that typically produce one pearl per oyster, freshwater mussels can produce up to 50 pearls at once, making them more accessible while still offering beautiful quality and luster.

Freshwater pearls range from tiny 3.0 mm seed pearls to impressive 12.0 mm+ sizes, with the most popular sizes being 7.0–9.0 mm for their versatile beauty and proportions. Larger sizes of 10.0 mm and above are increasingly available as cultivation techniques improve, offering substantial presence at prices far below comparable saltwater pearls.

View: Pearl Size Guide

Freshwater pearl necklaces typically range from $100–$500 for quality 7.0–8.0 mm strands, while premium 9.0–10.0 mm necklaces range from $400–$1,200 depending on luster, surface quality, and color. This exceptional value makes freshwater pearls perfect for building a pearl jewelry collection without significant investment.

Read More: How Much Do Pearls Cost?

Freshwater pearls offer the widest natural color palette of any pearl type, including white, cream, pink, peach, lavender, and even metallic shades—all without dyeing or treatment. This remarkable diversity allows you to choose colors that perfectly complement your skin tone and personal style, from classic white elegance to contemporary colored designs.

Yes, modern freshwater pearls offer excellent quality with beautiful luster, smooth surfaces, and thick all-nacre construction that makes them extremely durable. Advances in cultivation techniques over the past two decades have produced freshwater pearls that rival saltwater pearls in roundness and luster, while their solid nacre composition actually makes them more durable than many saltwater varieties.

Freshwater pearls are ideal for everyday wear due to their exceptional durability from solid nacre construction and their versatile colors that coordinate with any wardrobe. Their affordable luxury means you can enjoy wearing genuine pearls daily without concern, making them perfect for office wear, casual outings, and regular rotation in your jewelry collection.

With proper care, freshwater pearls can last for generations and often outlast other pearl types due to their solid nacre composition with no bead nucleus that could deteriorate. Many freshwater pearl pieces become treasured family heirlooms passed down through multiple generations, maintaining their beauty and luster when cared for correctly.

High-quality freshwater pearls display beautiful soft, satiny luster that creates a warm, glowing appearance, though it's typically softer than the sharp, mirror-like reflection of Akoya pearls. The best freshwater pearls exhibit excellent reflectivity and depth of luster that makes them visually stunning, with premium grades approaching Akoya-level brilliance at a fraction of the cost.

Care for freshwater pearls by wiping them with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove oils and cosmetics, and always apply perfume, hairspray, and makeup before putting on your pearls. Store them separately in a soft pouch away from harder gemstones and metal jewelry that could scratch their surface.

Learn More: Pearl Care Guide

Freshwater pearls are more affordable because each mussel produces many pearls (up to 50) compared to saltwater oysters that typically produce just one, resulting in much higher yields and lower per-pearl costs. This abundance doesn't reflect inferior quality—modern freshwater pearls offer exceptional beauty and durability—it simply means more people can enjoy genuine pearl luxury at accessible prices.