How to Find Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

Grown in lakes and rivers, freshwater pearls are known for their irregular shapes, color and individual uniqueness. Affordable in price, they are characterized by size, shape, color and luster. Pearls are measured in millimeters. Freshwater pearls range in size from 6.5 mm to 20 mm. The larger the pearl or the more round it is, the more valuable it is. Freshwater pearls with solid nacre (see Tips) are hard-wearing, and resistant to chips and degeneration, making them an attractive jewelry item.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide on pearl type; natural or cultured. Discover freshwater pearl necklaces at Pure Pearls (purepearl.com). This site offers collections from classic and contemporary to signature design. The Hanadama collection features freshwater pearls of "remarkable roundness, extremely rare orient, mirror-reflection luster, and cleanliness of surface nacre." Pearls are available in 7 mm to 11 mm. Tin-cup necklaces are offered in natural graduated or multi-colored. Chains include sterling silver and 14K gold. Each piece is appraised by a certified Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graduate.

2. Regard shape when purchasing freshwater pearl bracelets. Shapes are round, rice, nugget, coin, button, wheat or keishi, to name a few. Go to Pearl Paradise (pearlparadise.com). When researching pearls, Pearl Paradise offers a useful education menu. Pearls are graded by international standards from commercial to AAA (the highest grading of pearls). This site offers cultured and Baroque freshwater pearls. Pearls have different body colors such as peach, lavender and pink. Strands are individually knotted on silk.

3. Establish quality when choosing freshwater pearl earrings. Purchase earrings at Aloha Pearls (alohapearls.com). Add a touch of the tropics with a Hawaiian plumeria flower attached to black freshwater pearls. Other selections include a wholesale bulk package of three cultivated pearl earring sets. Find high-grade freshwater pearl earrings at Tiffany & Co. (tiffany.com). Explore button drop cultured freshwater pearl earrings with diamonds set in 18K gold or freshwater pearl earrings capped by 18K gold hearts.

4. Consider hand-picking loose freshwater pearls. Regard luster, the intense glow that emanates from within a pearl. Note any reflection. Observe the pearl's overtone, which is the subtle variation on its surface. Select size according to personal taste and prospective jewelry design. Loose freshwater pearls may not be an investment but more of a keepsake. Purchase loose pearls from a certified gemologist for higher-end quality. Buy pearls from Pearls by Angela Carol (angelacarolpearls.com) who offers a certified GIA appraisal of quality and authenticity.

Tips & Warnings

• Nacre is a natural substance in the internal layer of a mollusk shell that is the essence of a pearl. The thicker the nacre, the higher the luster and quality of the pearl. Only purchase high-quality freshwater pearl jewelry from a certified jeweler. Know if the pearls you select are natural, cultured or imitation. Purchase lower-end freshwater pearl jewelry in department stores such as Barneys of New York.
• When buying online, do not be taken by a photograph. Research the pearl in question to ensure authenticity.

References

• Tiffany & Co.
• Pure Pearls
• Pearl Paradise

Resources

• Pearls by Angela Carol
• Bourdage Pearls
• Aloha Pearls