What is the difference between Saltwater (Akoya) and Freshwater pearls?
Pearl-growing oysters live or can be grown in rivers and lakes as well as the sea. Thus, pearls can be freshwater or saltwater. In general, saltwater pearls are much higher in quality than freshwater. The average saltwater pearl is near-round, white or off-light in color, and has a moderate luster and glossy surface. Freshwater pearls are more irregularly shaped-they are usually flat or pear-shaped. They have less gloss, and they come in a wider variety of colors, such as pink, purple, and green. [Back To Top] • How do I distinguish the real pearl from the false one? When you buy pearl jewelry, it’s important to know how to tell the real from the false. There are several ways to do this, whether you’re at home or at a pearl jewelry store. First, Luster. Does the pearl seem to emit a soft glow that comes from within? If so, that’s a real pearl-that distinctive glow comes from the many layers of nacre built up over the years it spent inside an oyster. False pearls have surface shine, but
