Why are freshwater cultured pearls so much less expensive than saltwater pearls?
Freshwater cultured pearls are produced by different methods than saltwater pearls. With the exception of American freshwater cultured pearls, freshwater pearls are produced in large mussels that produce many pearls simultaneously. Most come from China where they are being produced by the millions. So, while beautiful, they are readily available and this lack of rarity makes them much more affordable than saltwater pearls.
