Pearls - Saltwater & Freshwater

When considering high quality pearls there are basically two types of pearls to choose from. One being salt water pearls and the other fresh water pearls. Fresh water pearls are grown/harvested mostly in man-made lakes and reservoirs in China. Saltwater pearls are grown/harvested in bays, salt water inlets, the South Sea, the Persian Gulf and other places around the world.

To make a high quality salt water pearl necklace of 25-40 pearls, depending on the length of the necklace, it is not uncommon to quality check over 5000 to 10,000 pearls to make one high quality necklace. Finding enough salt water pearls to match color, diameter and grade can be a time consuming task providing you have enough high quality salt water pearls to sift through. Pearls come in many colors, from white, cream to black, blue, green, purple, yellow, violet and more. Also, circumference conformity and luster are the criteria that we go by to choose pearls in either salt or fresh water. One difference between fresh water pearls and salt water pearls is some salt water pearls have an iridescent quality added to their natural beauty.

A pearl is classified as an organic gemstone. Almost all gemstones are minerals with a crystalline structure. However, some gems are not really gemstones. Rather their origin is organic. This means that they formed from a biological process, whether animal or vegetable. Unlike other gemstones that are made of minerals, organic gemstones are renewable and in some cases can be farmed (like Pearls).

Prices can vary immensely for salt water pearls. Many factors determine the price. As you can imagine from the information we just gave you, there are many man hours in harvesting, grading and sorting just to make one high quality salt water pearl necklace.

Your salt water pearl necklace should last a lifetime. Proper care is needed. Only use a high quality jewelry cleaner that is safe for pearls when caring for your necklace. Always store your pearls in a soft cloth and protect them from abrasive cloths and objects. If cleaning is necessary only use non detergent gentle natural soap and luke warm water.

Do not let your pearls come in contact with cosmetics, lotions, perfumes etc. Some of these products contain acids that are harmful to pearls. Put your pearls on after you have applied your make-up and fragrance. Then afterwards, remove your pearls before you remove your make-up etc.

Akoya pearls are highly sought after and very desirable. Perfectly round, white and shiny with bright mirror like luster. The saltwater Akoya pearls are the classic white pearl and the perfect choice for any formal occasion.