Freshwater pearls can be found in lakes and rivers. Mussels can make them when a parasite or foreign object such as sand or a pebble makes its way into the mussel. Freshwater pearls can also be cultured by a technician interfering with the mussel and causing it to start the process of protection by creating that pearl around the foreign object. The result is a beautiful gem that can be put into jewelry.



There are pink, black, white, lavender and other colors in freshwater pearls. They can be oval, perfectly round, drop shapes, semi baroque or baroque. Pearls can be made into all kinds of jewelry including freshwater pearl earring sets that are studs, hoops, drops, or dangling earrings that are pearl alone or pearl mixed with other gems or metals like gold and silver. Pearl earrings are a great gift.

Whether you buy yourself some pearls or buy them for someone else you can spend under $10 or over $1000.00. There are so many types and styles of pearl and different values based on the pearl's grade. A single stud earring could have one grade whereas an earring with multiple pearls in them could have a different grade as well.

How can you tell real pearls from fake ones or quality pearls from cheaper ones? There are appraisers that can look at your genuine pearls and tell you a bit about where they could have come from and how much they are worth. This could be valuable information for insurance purposes. As far as fake pearls, it's usually easy to tell because they are lightweight and if you rub a fake pearl gently against your teeth it'll feel completely smooth instead of slightly grainy.

Those who love pearls will often have more than one type. There are various levels of lustre and sizes. There is a rainbow of color options as well which can make for fun and trendy jewelry as well as the classic white strand that you might have from your mother or grandmother. Pearl sets are done in many colors and styles and can even be done in multiple colors as well.

Whether you own a pink pearl necklace, a black pearl ring or freshwater pearl bracelet, it's important to take care of them so that they will last a long time. Heirloom or antique pieces of pearl jewelry that have been lovingly preserved and cared for can last indefinitely. Your pearls shouldn't be kept airtight such as in a safe as they can crack. They shouldn't be washed in a harsh abrasive cleanser; mild dish soap will do. They also shouldn't be left to mix in with other jewelry that can scratch and mar their surface; this is why you often see pearls stored in a satin or velvet pouch. Saltwater and freshwater pearl earrings make a fabulous gift for yourself or for someone else.