Cultured Pearls Cultured pearls can be broken down into two major categories: Freshwater cultured pearls and Saltwater cultured pearls. Within these two groupings there is an almost endless variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Freshwater Cultured Pearls Freshwater pearls can be found in bays and rivers throughout the world. They are easily cultivated from freshwater mollusks in China, Japan and the United States. Many are less lustrous than salt water cultured pearls but their low price, unique shapes, and colors have made them popular jewelry items in recent years. As the name suggests they are grown in lakes and rivers and generally inexpensive compared to their saltwater counter parts. Although cheaper then most saltwater pearls, they are growing fast in popularity because of the wide range of colors and sizes that are available on the market today.

Saltwater Cultured pearls These pearls can be broken down into 3 main categories: Akoya Pearls South Sea Pearls Tahitian Pearls As Saltwater pearls tend to be of a higher quality then Freshwater pearls, they typically carry a higher price tag as well. Chinese freshwater vs. Akoya There is a quite a strong demand for the Chinese freshwater and the quality over the past five years has improved substantially. The processing has been improved. Processing which includes bleaching and polishing has given this year's product lighter colors and a better luster. The small sizes are replacing the Akoya, which are now very, very hard to find and the bigger sizes are cheaper than the Akoya. Top quality white round Chinese freshwater pearls up to 12 to 14mm are not such a strong seller. They're still cost around $3,500 a strand. We can expect quantities in larger sizes to increase over the next few years. The pearls are getting better in the commercial qualities-- up to 10mm to 11mm round with high luster.