Freshwater pearls are a popular type of cultured pearl that are farmed in freshwater mussels, mainly in China.
Unlike other types of pearls that come from oysters, freshwater pearls are nucleated with pieces of mantle tissue, which initiates the process of nacre production.
Each mussel can produce up to 100 pearls at once, making freshwater pearl production highly efficient.
Traditionally, freshwater pearls are irregular in shape, ranging from near round to oval, and are typically between 2.0 to 5.0 mm in size.
However, advancements in farming and pearl-enhancement technology have enabled the production of more round pearls and a wider range of colors.
Freshwater pearls are now available in sizes up to 9.5 mm, making them an affordable alternative to other types of cultured pearls.
To make freshwater pearls marketable for jewelry, they require clinical enhancements such as bleaching, coloring, and polishing.
The quality of freshwater pearls can be highly variable, and as a result, their price can be lower compared to other types of cultured pearls.
However, the supply of freshwater pearls is plentiful, making them a popular choice for jewelry makers and consumers alike.