Freshwater Pearls

Throughout history, the pearl has been one of the most highly prized and sought after gems, but it wasn't until Crusaders returning from the east that European countries began to appreciate the beauty and value of pearls.

Freshwater pearls (abbrev. FWP) are a cultured pearl, having been produced by a freshwater mollusc rather than saltwater. The pearls rice grain shape is its most distinguishing feature but can in in fact have a number of different shapes, sizes and colours with a perfect or near perfect round producing the most desirable pearl. The unique shapes, array of colours and affordable prices have made freshwater pearls extremely popular today.

The five major factors which determine quality of pearls (freshwater & cultured).

Lustre- The combination of surface brilliance and its deep seated glow. This is a pearls dominant value defining factor.
Surface- The quality of the pearl surface. Flawless pearls free of disfiguring spots and bumps are preferred.
Shape- The rounder the pearl, the more valuable it will be but other shapes have charm.
Colour- Freshwater pearls come in large variety of colours and are a matter of personal preference.
Size- The larger a pearl the scarcer and therefore more valuable.