Freshwater pearls are widely available and used to create timeless and elegant jewelry. Less well-known, there are also mother-of-pearl pearls, which also come from aquatic mollusks. In this article, I'll introduce you to the differences and specificities of these two types of pearls.
The origins of freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl
Freshwater pearls come mostly from freshwater mussels, often cultivated in lakes and rivers, mainly in China.
Mother-of-pearl is a substance produced by many mollusks, including pearl oysters and abalone. It forms the inner layer of their shells.
How are freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl formed?
Freshwater pearl
They form when irritants, such as a grain of sand or a piece of cloth, enter the mussel. The mussel responds by coating the irritant with successive layers of nacre, creating a pearl. It can take several months to several years for a pearl to reach its final size.
Mother-of-pearl:
Mother-of-pearl is formed by the deposition of thin layers of calcium carbonate, structured to create a smooth, iridescent surface. It is often harvested directly from the shells of mollusks and used to adorn various types of jewelry and decorative objects.
The appearance of freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl
Freshwater pearl
Freshwater pearls can vary in shape, from perfectly round to oval to irregular baroque shapes. They are generally smaller than saltwater pearls.
They come in a wide range of natural colors, from white to pink, lavender, and champagne. Treatments can also give them more vibrant hues.
The luster of freshwater pearls is often softer and more subtle than that of saltwater pearls, although high-quality varieties can have remarkable brilliance.
Mother of pearl
Mother-of-pearl comes in the form of plates or pieces used for inlays or shaped into various forms for jewelry.
It is predominantly white with iridescent highlights of all the colours of the rainbow, although some varieties of mother-of-pearl can be tinted or naturally coloured (such as Tahitian black mother-of-pearl).
Mother-of-pearl is famous for its unique, shimmering iridescence, which changes color depending on the viewing angle and light.
The use of freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl in jewelry
Freshwater Pearls
They are used as such in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Freshwater pearls are versatile and can be mounted alone or in combination with other precious materials.
Mother-of-pearl:
Mother-of-pearl is used for inlays in necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Mother-of-pearl can also be used to create detailed designs and shapes because it can be cut.
Caring for Freshwater Pearls and Mother-of-Pearl
Freshwater Pearls:
Pearls should be cleaned with a soft cloth after each wear and kept away from chemicals, perfumes, and cosmetics. Although relatively sturdy, they can become scratched or damaged if not handled carefully.
Mother-of-pearl:
Mother-of-pearl should also be cleaned gently and protected from harsh chemicals. Avoid shocks that could break or crack it. Mother-of-pearl is durable, but its surface can be damaged if mistreated.
Conclusion
Freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl beads each offer unique beauty and natural elegance to jewelry. Freshwater pearls are prized for their varied shapes and soft colors, while mother-of-pearl charms with its shimmering iridescence and versatility.
Now that you are an expert, I will let you discover the freshwater pearl and mother-of-pearl jewelry in the store.