If you are planning to buy Pearl jewelry for the first time, then you must understand the difference between freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls, because these are the two main types of pearls that you will get in your jewelry. Saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls are categorized based on the place of their origin. The difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls is narrowing down due to recent advances in technology. Therefore, it is imperative to know how saltwater pearls differ from freshwater pearl. If you are confused to choose between them, then reading this article might help you choose the right one for yourself.
- Origin of Pearls
Saltwater pearls, from the name itself it say that it is related to seas and oceans. They are formed by the oysters in the oceans including Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Tahiti. The Popular saltwater pearls are Akoya, Tahitian, South sea, etc. It needs a prolonged period to grow pearl as compared to freshwater pearls. Therefore, they are costlier than freshwater pearls. Freshwater Pearls are grown in various types of mussels from rivers and lakes. People often think they are cultured or cultivated by humans, but it is not true, as freshwater pearls are similarly natural and original as that of saltwater.
- Shape and Size
Saltwater pearls are much larger in size as compared to freshwater pearls because they take a much longer time to grow, whereas freshwater pearls are smaller in size. Saltwater pearls have a bead nucleus resulting in better spherical shape whereas less than 5 percent of freshwater pearls are perfectly round due to the type of nucleus implanted in the pearl-producing animal.
- Luster
Saltwater pearls have superior luster as compared to freshwater pearls. Therefore, most of the people prefer saltwater pearls. Also, they are glossy and shiny. Freshwater pearls are also lusty but have the light luster and gloss. However, you cannot find much of the difference in both of them nowadays.
- Color
Freshwater pearls are in white, cream, lilac, pink colors whereas most of the saltwater pearls are in white and golden cream, also they are available in black color.
- Price
Saltwater pearls are more expensive than freshwater pearls if budget is your constraints, then freshwater pearl can be the best option for you.
