Many people consider fresh water pearls to be
imitation pearls as they have been cultured, but this is not the case. Unlike
natural pearls, fresh water pearls are grown with human intervention. Whatever
the process involved in creating pearls, natural and freshwater pearls are
identical in their makeup as they both comprise of the changeable internal
layer of a mollusc shell. Both types of pearl bring the same level of pleasure
and happiness to the wearer.
For nearly four thousand years fresh water
pearls have been used for decoration and in jewellery. The use of pearls began
in Egypt with the mother pearl and has travelled through time remaining one of
the most sought after jewels. Fresh water pearls can be used in numerous items
of jewellery including crowns, necklaces, tiaras and rings to name but a few.
Fresh water pearls are usually a white or
beige colour but the latest pearl culturing techniques mean that artificial
colouring can be added to oysters that are in the process of growing pearls and
this colour will be fully integrated into the pearls. There is another method
of adding colours to fresh water pearls and that is to dye the pearls after
they have been fully formed. Using this method usually produces pearls with
brighter colours and does not tend to affect the quality of the pearl so you do
not need to worry about this. There are so many colours available including
purple, blue, pink brown and green.
When you decide to purchase some fresh water
pearl jewellery the first step is to check the pearls origin. The reason for
this is that there are several countries that culture fresh water pearls, but
the majority of pearls, 73%, come from China. The origin of freshwater pearl
necklace can readily affect its price so consider purchasing freshwater pearl
necklaces from less-known pearl manufacturers if you're on a budget. Fresh
water pearls that are authentic are frown naturally inside the shell of an
oyster and come in different shapes. The most popular shape of pearl are the
round or baroque but there are other shapes available if they are not to your
taste. Other shapes available are off-round, button, stick, coin, teardrop and
oval. The more creative shaped pearls are suited to those who have
differentiating taste, whereas round and baroque pearls used in fresh water pearl jewellery
looks great with classy and formal outfits.
