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What Are Freshwater Pearls? A Simple Guide

JEWELLERY GUIDE: What are Freshwater Pearls? - DNSK Copenhagen

Freshwater pearls are pearls grown in freshwater mussels in lakes, rivers and ponds. Almost all freshwater pearls today are cultured, which means a farmer starts the process and the mussel builds the pearl layer by layer. Each one has its own shape, tone and lustre.

At DANSK Copenhagen, most of our pearls are freshwater pearls, set on waterproof 316L stainless steel.

How are freshwater pearls formed?

A tiny fragment of tissue is placed inside a mussel. The mussel coats it with nacre, the same shiny material that lines its shell. Over one to several years, the layers build up into a pearl.

Because freshwater pearls are made almost entirely of nacre, they have a soft, natural glow.

What shapes do freshwater pearls come in?

  • Round and near-round: the classic look, and the rarest.
  • Oval and button: slightly flattened, easy to wear as studs or drops.
  • Baroque: irregular and organic, with a modern, characterful look.

Freshwater vs saltwater pearls

Freshwater pearls Saltwater pearls
Grown in Freshwater mussels Saltwater oysters
Types Freshwater Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian
Shapes Wide variety, often organic Mostly round
Colours White, cream, pink, peach White, gold, grey, black
Price Accessible Higher

Read more on our page about freshwater or cultured pearls.

Are freshwater pearls real pearls?

Yes. Cultured freshwater pearls are real pearls grown by a living mussel. "Cultured" only means that people started the process; the pearl itself forms naturally.

How to wear freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls are no longer just for special occasions. Wear a pearl stud with a sweatshirt, layer a pearl necklace with a plain chain or add a pearl drop to an ear stack.

Find more ideas in how to wear pearl jewellery, or browse our jewellery with freshwater pearls: earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

How do you care for freshwater pearls?

Our pearl jewellery is waterproof, so you can keep it on in the shower. Pearls are softer than steel, so put them on after perfume and lotion, pat them dry after water and store them apart from harder jewellery.

Frequently asked questions

What are freshwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls are real pearls grown in freshwater mussels. Almost all are cultured, and each one has its own shape and lustre.

Are freshwater pearls valuable?
They are real pearls but more accessible than saltwater pearls, because mussels can grow several pearls at a time.

Can freshwater pearls get wet?
Yes, when they are set on waterproof steel. Pat them dry afterwards to keep their glow.

Find your nearest stockist

No stockist near you yet? Get in touch and we'll do our best to find one in your area.

DESIGNING WITH PEARLS

Pearls have always been a timeless symbol of beauty and elegance. They add a graceful touch to any outfit or look, making them an ideal choice for designers looking to create something special.

"When I do designs with pearls - I prefer to work with Freshwater Pearls because of their natural uniqness. Designing with pearls is like creating pieces of art - the many colors and sizes available allow for infinite possibilities when designing jewelry. But often the price of the specific design has to be taken into consideration as well - and that means I also use Cultured Pearls" Malene Storm - Head of Design at Dansk Copenhagen - tells.

She continues: " When it comes to choosing pearls for design purposes, the main factors to consider are size, color and shape. You can't go wrong with classic white pearls - they are a popular option not only because of their traditional look but also because they blend in with almost any color combination. Pearl necklaces are a particularly popular choice for fashion-forward styling. A strand of pearls can be both delicate and bold depending on its length, and even the same pearl set will look different worn in different ways"

THE CREATION OF A

FRESHWATER PEARL

Freshwater pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a parasite or piece of sand, enters the soft tissue of certain mollusks ( Mussels, Oyster or Clams ). The irritation causes the mollusk to secrete layers of nacre around the irritant to protect itself from it. These layers eventually form a pearl. Freshwater pearls are found in rivers, lakes, and ponds all over the world. They can take anywhere from 6 months to 6 years to form, depending on the type of mollusk and conditions they are grown in.

Joy Waterproof Long Pearl Chain Earring 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
 
Joy Waterproof Long Pearl Chain Earring 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
Joy Waterproof Long Pearl Chain Earring 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
Joy Waterproof Long Pearl Chain Earring 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
Joy Waterproof Long Pearl Chain Earring 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
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Joy Waterproof Elastic Pearl Mix Ring 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
 
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Joy Waterproof Chunky Pearl Hoop 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
Joy Waterproof Chunky Pearl Hoop 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
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Joy Waterproof Short Irregular Freshwater Pearl & Ball Necklace 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
 
Joy Waterproof Short Irregular Freshwater Pearl & Ball Necklace 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
Joy Waterproof Short Irregular Freshwater Pearl & Ball Necklace 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
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Joy Waterproof Short Singular Freshwater Pearl & Mini Ball Necklace 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
Joy Waterproof Short Singular Freshwater Pearl & Mini Ball Necklace 18K Gold Plating - DANSK Copenhagen
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THE STORY OF CULTURED PEARLS

A pearl farm is a facility that is used to cultivate cultured pearls. The process of culturing pearls involves inserting an irritant into the mollusk, and then allowing the pearl to form over time. The mollusks are housed in controlled conditions to ensure optimal growth of the pearl. The pearls are harvested once they reach a certain size and quality, while others may be left to continue growing until they are of higher quality. Pearl farmers are highly skilled and knowledgeable, as they must have an understanding of various aspects such as water salinity levels, temperature, and food sources for the mollusks in order to ensure successful production of high-quality pearls. Cultured pearls are much more common than natural pearls and typically have a more uniform color and shape compared to natural pearls

Scandinavian Minimalist Jewellery Design I Nordic DNA Since 1971 I Dansk Copenhagen
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What is an imitation Pearl?

Imitation pearls, also known as faux pearls, are man-made beads that resemble real pearls. They are created by coating plastic, glass or ceramic beads with a special gloss to give them the appearance of real pearl. Imitation pearls are widely used in costume jewelry and fashion accessories The use of imitation pearls allows you to enjoy luxurious looks at a fraction of the cost of natural pearls. Imitation pearls come in various sizes, shapes and colors to match any style or preference. They can also be used for craft projects such as jewelry making and decoration.

No matter what you need them for, imitation pearls provide an affordable way to get a classic look.

Scandinavian Minimalist Jewellery Design I Nordic DNA Since 1971 I Dansk Copenhagen

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Scandinavian Minimalist Jewellery Design I Nordic DNA Since 1971 I Dansk Copenhagen