What is the decisive difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls? How to choose the right pearl for your purpose

The main differences between freshwater pearls and real pearls are as follows:

• Purchase price: Freshwater pearls start at a few thousand yen, real pearls at several tens of thousands of yen
• Origin: Freshwater pearls come from lakes, real pearls come from the sea
• Durability: Freshwater pearls are resistant to sweat, moisture, and impacts, while real pearls are weak to sweat.

If you know the difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls, you won't have any trouble buying pearls. In this article, you will learn the following:

What you'll learn in this article

• Are there any problems with the quality of freshwater pearls?
• Benefits of buying genuine pearls
• Comparing freshwater pearls with other pearls

By the end of this article, you will understand the difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls and be able to choose the pearl that best suits your needs.

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Check the difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls with this quick reference chart

Below is a quick reference chart showing the differences between freshwater pearls and genuine pearls .

The following sections provide a detailed explanation of the characteristics of freshwater pearls and genuine pearls.

• Characteristics of freshwater pearls
• Characteristics of genuine pearls

By the end, you will understand the difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls and gain accurate knowledge about pearls.

Characteristics of freshwater pearls

From the above quick reference chart, we can see that freshwater pearls have the following characteristics:

• Affordable price range
• A wide variety of colors and shapes
• Resistant to sweat, water and impact

Freshwater pearls are more affordable than real pearls. They are also more resistant to sweat, water, and shocks, so you don't have to worry about caring for them.

Freshwater pearls come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and are sold as accessories in a wide range of designs. You'll be able to find something that matches your outfit, whether it's casual or office casual.

It can be worn for a variety of occasions, including entrance ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, class reunions, and coming-of-age ceremonies, as well as for private occasions. However, please note that it is not suitable for wearing at weddings, funerals, or other ceremonial occasions.

Characteristics of genuine pearls

From the above quick reference chart, we can see that genuine pearls have the following characteristics.

• Can be used for ceremonial occasions
• It has a luxurious feel
• It is vulnerable to sweat and deteriorates over time.

Genuine Akoya pearls, South Sea pearls, and black pearls are popular in the second-hand market and command high purchase prices.

However, it is vulnerable to sweat, water, and impact, so careful storage and frequent maintenance are required. As for uses and occasions, it is recommended to use it at events that occur several times a year, such as weddings, funerals, entrance ceremonies, and graduation ceremonies .

Be careful not to wear it frequently in private situations or when going to work, as this may cause it to deteriorate faster.

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Are freshwater pearls cheap? Are there any quality issues?

If you are concerned about the quality of freshwater pearls, check the following five points.

• Freshwater Pearl Quality
• Freshwater pearl colour
• Freshwater pearl shapes
• Durability and lifespan of freshwater pearls

Many people worry that "Aren't freshwater pearls cheap looking?" Here, we will explain in detail about the quality of freshwater pearls.

By the end of this article, your questions about freshwater pearls will be answered and you will be more enthusiastic about purchasing them.

Freshwater Pearl Quality

When freshwater pearls are of high quality, they are of a quality that is comparable to real pearls .

When freshwater pearls first came on the market in the early Showa period, they were not considered high-end gemstones because they lacked luster and shape compared to real pearls. However, as culture techniques improved after 2000, many freshwater pearls with luster and shape that rival real pearls began to be produced.

Freshwater pearls, like real pearls, are graded and ranked according to their luster, the presence or absence of blemishes, and their size. Therefore, pearls with beautiful luster and few scratches or dents are sometimes treated as high-quality items.

Freshwater pearl colour

Freshwater pearl colour variations are as follows:

• orange
• violet
• wine
• white
• metallic
• Aurora

Freshwater pearls come in a wide variety of colors due to the wide variety of mother oysters they come in. The basic colors are orange, violet, wine, and white, but there are also some that have metallic or aurora-like sparkles.

There is also a growing trend to bleach light-colored freshwater pearls or dye them pink, blue, gray, etc. to create vibrant colors.

Freshwater pearl shapes

Freshwater pearls come in the following shapes:

• Round: Perfect circle
• Semi-round: Close to a perfect circle
• Baroque: Amorphous
• Egg: Egg-shaped
• Button: Button type
• Feather: Branch Shape
• Poppy: Poppy flower shape

Freshwater pearls differ from real pearls in that they come from many different types of mother oysters and grow in different environments, so they can take on a variety of shapes.

Round pearls are often used in necklaces , just like real pearls. Freshwater pearl necklaces using large pearls over 10mm are sometimes considered luxury items.

Pearls of other shapes are reborn as fashion pearls into a wide variety of accessories.

Durability and lifespan of freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls are a durable and long-lasting gemstone .

Freshwater pearls are formed without a nucleus, and since the inside of freshwater pearls is almost entirely made up of nacre, they are considered to be more durable than real pearls. They are characterized by their resistance to sweat, moisture, and impact.

The great thing about freshwater pearl accessories is that even when worn during seasons when you sweat a lot, the surface will not peel off or the luster will not be lost.

Therefore, the lifespan of freshwater pearls is said to be 30 years.

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What are the benefits of buying genuine pearls?

Many people who want to know the difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls are probably wondering, "What is the good point of real pearls?" and "What are the advantages?" There is a reason why real pearls are expensive.

• Suitable for weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies
• Property values ​​are rising
• Can be passed on to the next generation

Genuine pearls, with their gentle and sophisticated luster, are the perfect jewel for ceremonial occasions such as weddings and funerals.

In recent years, the market value of genuine pearls has also been rising overseas . They are often purchased at high prices, making them a valuable asset to own.

Genuine pearls are said to be vulnerable to sweat and shock, but if you take good care of a high-quality pearl, it is said that it can last for 20 to 100 years. Therefore, it is also attractive that you can pass them down to your children.

If you are thinking, "I want to have one for special occasions," or "I want to convert my cash into something with asset value," we recommend owning real pearls.

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Comparing freshwater pearls with other pearls

Below is a comparison table between freshwater pearls and other pearls.

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Frequently asked questions about the difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls

Below are three frequently asked questions about the difference between freshwater pearls and genuine pearls.

• How to spot fake freshwater pearls?
• How to distinguish between freshwater pearls and Akoya pearls?
• Are freshwater pearls luxurious?

Many people still have questions about the difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls. Here are some Q&As about the difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls.

By the time you finish reading, your worries about freshwater pearls and real pearls will be resolved and you will be able to make an informed choice.

How to spot fake freshwater pearls?

The way to tell a freshwater pearl from a fake is to gently rub two pearls together - real freshwater pearls are clumps of crystals and feel rough when rubbed.

Fake pearls have a faux pearl paint on the surface, which gives them a slippery feel when rubbed together.

However, rubbing either of them too hard can cause scratches , so be sure to use a light touch.

How to distinguish between freshwater pearls and Akoya pearls?

Here's how to tell the difference between freshwater pearls and Akoya pearls:

In the case of high-quality freshwater pearls, some are indistinguishable from Akoya pearls. Since it is difficult for the average person to tell the difference, it is best to leave the appraisal to an expert.

Are freshwater pearls luxurious?

Freshwater pearls are not as expensive as other types of pearls and are available at a relatively low price.

However, recent advances in culture technology have made it possible to sell high-quality freshwater pearls such as those shown below.

• The shape is close to a perfect circle
• Large grains over 10mm
• Beautiful luster and shine

Freshwater pearls that fit the above criteria are just as beautiful as Akoya pearls, South Sea pearls, and black pearls, so it's worth looking into them.

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Summary: The difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls is their rarity and durability

The difference between freshwater pearls and real pearls is their rarity and durability. Real pearls are rarer, so they sell for higher prices and have higher buying prices.

Freshwater pearls are resistant to sweat, moisture, and shocks, and are characterized by their high durability. Recently, high-quality freshwater pearls have been sold, and some of them look just as good as real pearls.

However, genuine pearls have a higher asset value and are suitable for ceremonial occasions such as weddings and funerals, so it would be a useful thing to have one.

Freshwater pearls and other pearls have different characteristics and uses. Choose the pearl that interests you based on your purpose and budget.

Freshwater pearls and genuine pearls can be purchased here ▶