White Baroque Freshwater Pearls Pair 49.21

CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARLS 

The cultivation of freshwater pearls (in freshwater, non-saline medium) generally occurs in China, but also in Japan and the United States.

They are obtained from the mollusc Ikekou of the genus Unio and also from the mollusc from the genus Hyriopsis, which can produce 4 or more pearls simultaneously (a freshwater mollusc can withstand 15 insertions per valve, (although the average is 5), of different colours and shapes. They require a culture time of between 2 and 6 years. They measure up to 17 mm.

Unlike saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are usually not as round. But you can find them in all sizes, shapes and colours, at a much more affordable price than their saltwater sisters. 

As a rule, the larger the pearl, the more expensive it is. The size depends on the variety of the oyster.

According to the pearl’s shape (Pearl Shape)

Round, near-round, hemispherical (oval, button, pear), semi-baroque and baroque. Perfectly round pearls or those that are completely symmetrical pear-shaped or drop-shaped are highly valued.

According to the pearl’s color (Pearl Color)

The pearl’s colour depends on its variety. While they have a dominant bodycolor, they often have overtones.

Depending on the pearl’s lustre (Pearl Lustre)

This is the most important factor and this factor gives each bead its unique beauty. Different varieties of pearls exhibit different lustres.

According to the thickness of the pearl's layer of culture (Nacre Pearl)

The greater the number of layers a pearl has, the greater the thickness of nacre and the better the lustre. The thickness of the layer of culture and lustre are strongly linked.

The famous "Orient" of a pearl is due to the reflection of light on its surface, plus the iridescence caused by the interference of light on the different layers of pearl and to the diffraction that occurs in the aragonite lamellae.

According to the surface finish (Surface)

Part of the texture of a pearl is the small imperfections and marks, which are evidence of their origin. These small "inclusions" depend on the pearl’s ecosystem, as small particles floating in the sea get inside the oyster. The fewer imperfections that are seen, the higher the quality and the more valuable the pearl. They are usually classified as clean, lightly spotted, moderately spotted, and heavily spotted. 

Nacre is an organic matter that can "age", that is, if there is desiccation it can become dull, cracks can appear and it can lose layers. So it is very important to care for pearls, avoiding dryness and excessive moisture; pearls are sensitive to acids, perspiration, cosmetics, perfumes. They need to be kept in boxes with interiors that allow perspiration and they can be easily scratched by other pieces of jewellery. Pearls should be washed with a mild soap.