What is the difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls? A thorough comparison of price, size, and durability

The differences between shell pearls and freshwater pearls are as follows:

As mentioned above, shell pearls and freshwater pearls differ in each of the points. To know the difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls, it is important to understand the characteristics of each.

In this article you will find out:

What you'll learn in this article

• Comparison table of shell pearls, freshwater pearls and other pearls
• Pearls suitable for weddings, funerals, and other formal occasions
• How to distinguish between shell pearls and freshwater pearls

By reading to the end, you will clearly understand the characteristics and differences between shell pearls and freshwater pearls and will be able to decide which one to choose.

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What are shell pearls and freshwater pearls?

First, let me explain what shell pearls and freshwater pearls are.

• Characteristics of shell pearls
• Characteristics of freshwater pearls
• Other pearl types

The difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls can be understood by knowing their characteristics. Here, we will explain the characteristics of each type of pearl, including shell pearls, freshwater pearls, and other types of pearls.

By the end, you will understand the differences between the three types of pearls and become more knowledgeable about pearls.

Characteristics of shell pearls

Shell pearls are artificial pearls made by layering artificial pearl paint and pearl foil on a natural shell nucleus. When light hits the film formed by the artificial pearl paint and pearl foil, it reflects light in complex ways, giving off a sparkle similar to that of real pearls.

Shell pearls are characterized by differences in shine, color, and luster depending on the quality, color, and application technique of the artificial pearl paint. They are also called shell pearls and are available at low prices on the market.

Characteristics of freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls are pearls that grow in lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. They are cultivated in calm environments and require fewer manufacturing steps , so they are sold at a lower price than other genuine pearls.

Another reason for the low price is that 10 to 50 freshwater pearls can be harvested from one mother oyster.

Freshwater pearls were previously thought to be of inferior quality to real pearls, but with improvements in culturing techniques, there are now an increasing number of pearls that are as good as real pearls.

For more information on freshwater pearls, please see the following article:
What are freshwater pearls? A thorough explanation of their characteristics, price and quality

Other pearl types

Other types of pearls besides shell pearls and freshwater pearls are as follows:

• Akoya pearls: Japanese pearls
• Hanadama pearl: A top-ranking Akoya pearl
• Black pearls: black with many different colors
• South Sea pearls: grow in white and golden colors
• Mabe pearls: semicircular pearls
• Keshi pearls: These are pearls that have been formed when nacre is layered over a foreign object.

Other types of pearls are cultivated in the oceans of Japan and other countries. They take several years to grow, and only one pearl is produced from each oyster , making them highly valuable in the market.

For more information on the different types of pearls, please see the following article.
A thorough explanation of the different types of pearls! Introducing their characteristics, differences, and how to tell them apart from fakes

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What is the difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls? Five points explained

There are five differences between shell pearls and freshwater pearls:

• How to make it
• shape
• price
• Size
• Durability

There are five main differences between shell pearls and freshwater pearls. Here we will explain the differences in detail for each point.

By the end, you will understand the difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls and know which pearls to choose.

How to make it

The differences between how shell pearls and freshwater pearls are made are as follows:

When making shell pearls, a wire is threaded through the shell nucleus and it is immersed in a tank filled with artificial pearl paint. The paint is applied and dried repeatedly to thicken the nacreous layer.

Another feature of Japanese factories is that they produce smooth, high-quality shell pearls through careful and uniform work.

On the other hand, the formation period of freshwater pearls varies depending on their size as follows:

• 3-5mm: 2-3 years
• 5-7mm: 3-5 years
• 7mm or more: 5 to 8 years

Freshwater pearls take an average of five years to grow , after which the oysters are harvested and the pearls are selected before being put on the market.

shape

The differences in shape between shell pearls and freshwater pearls are as follows:

Shell pearls are mostly round in shape, almost perfectly circular, and uniform in size.

In addition, there are almost no scratches or dimples in the shell pearl making process. In terms of shape, the quality is stable.

Freshwater pearls grow in a variety of shapes, including round, baroque, square, etc. They are also characterized by a wide range of designs , such as star and drop shapes .

Freshwater pearls are becoming increasingly popular as fashion pearls and stylish pearls.

price

The price difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls is as follows:

Shell pearls are sold at very low prices because they can be mass-produced artificially. If you have a budget of 20,000 yen, you can get high-quality shell pearl jewelry.

Freshwater pearls are priced at around 3,000 yen for the cheapest ones. If you have a budget of 10,000 to 20,000 yen, you can buy several pieces of jewelry with various designs .

Additionally, items sold by famous pearl jewelry brands such as TASAKI can cost close to 100,000 yen. Jewelry made from pearls that have been recognized as being of high quality has the appeal of shining just as brightly as Akoya pearls.

Size

The differences in size between shell pearls and freshwater pearls are as follows:

Shell pearls come in small sizes of 2mm , but you can also purchase jewelry with the largest size, 14mm.

Freshwater pearls grow to sizes between 2mm and 20mm . Smaller pearls between 2mm and 6mm can be reborn as baby pearls and made into necklaces.

Freshwater pearls with a baroque shape can grow to be as large as 20mm. They are often used in pendant tops and ring designs, and will add impact to your outfit.

Durability

The differences in durability between shell pearls and freshwater pearls are as follows:

Shell pearls are resistant to weak acidity such as sweat and sebum. They will not deteriorate even if you wear them in the summer or in a heated room and sweat, so they can be used in any season.

In addition, shell pearls are less susceptible to scratches than real pearls. As long as they are not subjected to any major shocks, they will retain their beauty.

On the other hand, freshwater pearls are also said to be sweat- resistant , so they can be used in warm seasons . Furthermore, they are more resistant to shocks such as dropping than other types of pearls.

Freshwater pearls are said to last for 30 years if you wipe off sweat after wearing them and perform regular maintenance.

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A comparison table introducing the differences between shell pearls, freshwater pearls and other pearls

Below is a comparison table showing the differences between shell pearls, freshwater pearls and other pearls.

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Which is better for special occasions: shell pearls or freshwater pearls?

If you are going to wear them for special occasions, freshwater pearls are best because shell pearls do not symbolize tears.

Genuine pearls, including freshwater pearls, symbolize tears. This idea originated from an anecdote in which the tears of a mermaid were transformed into pearls when they splashed onto the waves.

For this reason, it is considered proper etiquette to wear real pearls on happy or sad occasions.

Shell pearls, on the other hand, have no symbolic meaning, so for special occasions, choose genuine pearls, like freshwater pearls and other pearls.

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How to distinguish between shell pearls and freshwater pearls

There are four ways to distinguish between shell pearls and freshwater pearls:

• Rub the pearls together
• Illuminate with black light
• Compare weight
• Check the cross section and temperature of the hole

Knowing how to distinguish between shell pearls and freshwater pearls will reduce the risk of purchasing the wrong item. Here we will explain in detail the key points to distinguish between shell pearls and freshwater pearls.

If you watch until the end, you will understand how to tell the difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls and be able to purchase them correctly.

Rub the pearls together

The way to tell the difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls is to rub the two pearls together.

Shell pearls have a smooth surface due to the effect of artificial pearl paint. When you rub pearls together, they will feel smooth and not get caught.

Freshwater pearls are made of natural nacre, so they have a slightly rough surface. When you rub two pearls together, they have a slightly rough texture.

However, rubbing either of them too hard can cause damage, so be sure to use light, gentle pressure before testing.

Illuminate with black light

Shell pearls and freshwater pearls can be easily distinguished by shining a black light on them.

Genuine pearls such as freshwater pearls glow blue or green when exposed to the strong ultraviolet light emitted by a black light. On the other hand, shell pearls remain white and do not change color, and only their surface lightly reflects light.

Black lights can be easily purchased online for a few thousand yen, so it's a good idea to purchase one.

However, in some cases, artificial paints are added to make them fluorescent during the manufacturing process, making some pearls indistinguishable from real pearls. Furthermore, some real pearls do not glow blue or green even when exposed to a black light.

Therefore, it is important to remember that black light is not 100% accurate.

Compare weight

The way to distinguish between shell pearls and freshwater pearls is by comparing their weight. Freshwater pearls have many layers of nacre layered on top of the shell nucleus or bead, so they feel heavy when you hold them.

On the other hand, shell pearls are said to feel less heavy than freshwater pearls. When comparing weight, it is easier to see the weight of an item that contains many pearls, such as a necklace.

One thing to note is that some types of shell pearls can feel heavy. Shell pearls that have been carefully crafted in factories can be as heavy as real pearls .

Check the cross section and temperature of the hole

The key to distinguishing shell pearls from freshwater pearls is to check the cross section of the hole and the temperature. Pearls are drilled when they are made into necklaces.

If the cross section of the hole is clean, it is likely to be a freshwater pearl . Shell pearls are painted with artificial pearl paint after the hole is drilled, so the cross section may be uneven .

If you have the chance to touch the real thing, try holding a shell pearl and a freshwater pearl. Freshwater pearls have a high thermal conductivity and feel cool to the touch.

On the other hand, shell pearls have a low thermal conductivity and do not feel cold when touched.

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How to care for shell and freshwater pearls

There are three ways to care for shell pearls and freshwater pearls:

• After wearing, gently wipe with a cloth.
• Store away from high temperatures, humidity, ultraviolet rays, etc.
• Prevent contact with other jewelry

Both shell pearls and freshwater pearls will last a long time if properly cared for. Here we will explain in detail how to care for shell pearls and freshwater pearls.

Read on to the end and you'll learn how to extend the life of your pearls and keep wearing your favorite jewelry for a long time.

After wearing, gently wipe with a cloth.

The best way to care for shell pearls and freshwater pearls is to wipe them gently with a cloth after wearing them. Choose the type of cloth you use:

• Glasses Cloth
• Pearl Teri Cloth

Pearl Shine Cloth has the effect of restoring the luster of pearls. It also has the effect of removing dirt, protecting them, and preventing scratches, so it is recommended for those who want to prolong the life of their shell pearls and freshwater pearls.

If the product is dirty due to excessive sweat, sebum, or makeup, soak it in lukewarm water, wring it out, and then wipe it off with a soft cloth. After that, it is best to wipe it dry with another soft cloth.

In addition, not only the pearls themselves but also the adhesive parts between the metal fittings and the pearls are prone to accumulating dirt, so be sure to clean them thoroughly.

Store away from high temperatures, humidity, ultraviolet rays, etc.

Shell pearls and freshwater pearls should be stored away from high temperatures, humidity, and ultraviolet light.

Pearls are sensitive to heat and humidity. When they absorb moisture, they expand, then when they dry out they shrink, causing cracks on the surface.

It is recommended to store both shell pearls and freshwater pearls in a special storage box for pearls called a "Pearl Keeper ." The cloth inside the Pearl Keeper is highly absorbent of water and oil, and protects the pearls and metal fittings from external stimuli.

It is also important to store it in a dark place that is not exposed to ultraviolet rays. After placing it in the storage box, store it in a drawer or closet .

In addition, it is important not to use or store the following items nearby:

• cotton
• absorbent cotton
• Insect repellent

Shell pearls and freshwater pearls may discolor due to the bleaching effect of cotton or absorbent cotton. In addition, placing insect repellents nearby can cause the pearls to deteriorate.

Prevent contact with other jewelry

Shell pearls and freshwater pearls should be kept away from other jewelry.

Compared to other gemstones, pearls have a softer surface and are more susceptible to scratches. If you store pearls together with other gemstones, the surface of the pearls will be scratched when they come into contact with each other.

Also, avoid storing shell pearls, freshwater pearls, and other pearls together, as even the same pearls can come into contact with each other and cause scratches on their surfaces.

It is recommended that you store shell pearls and freshwater pearls in separate storage boxes . It is also a good idea to use storage boxes with dividers to prevent pearls from touching each other.

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

Below are four frequently asked questions about the differences between shell pearls and freshwater pearls.

• What is the difference between shell pearls and real pearls?
• What is the difference between baroque pearls and freshwater pearls?
• What are the disadvantages of shell pearls?
• Why are freshwater pearls so cheap?

Many people have questions about the difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls. Here we will introduce the differences between shell pearls and freshwater pearls along with the answers.

By the end, you will understand the difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls and no longer have to worry about which pearl is best for you.

What is the difference between shell pearls and real pearls?

The difference between shell pearls and real pearls is whether they are fake or real .

Shell pearls are artificial pearls made by layering artificial pearl paint on a shell nucleus to form a round shape like a pearl. They look similar to real pearls, but they are not gemstones.

In addition to shell pearls, fake pearls also include cotton pearls, glass pearls, and plastic pearls.

Genuine pearls are a general term used to describe pearls that have grown in the natural environment of the sea, lakes, rivers, etc. Freshwater pearls are also considered a type of genuine pearl .

Remember that shell pearls are "fake" and real pearls are "real."

What is the difference between baroque pearls and freshwater pearls?

Baroque pearls are the name for pearls that have grown into irregular shapes, while freshwater pearls are a type of pearl that grow in freshwater water such as lakes, rivers, and ponds.

If foreign matter adheres to the nacre as it wraps around the nucleus, the pearl will end up uneven rather than perfectly round. These irregularly shaped pearls are collectively called baroque pearls.

Freshwater pearls are grown by inserting multiple nuclei and beads into one mother oyster until the nacre layers overlap. Foreign matter can sometimes become attached to freshwater pearls during the growing process, and baroque pearls often form among the freshwater pearls .

What are the disadvantages of shell pearls?

The disadvantages of shell pearls are as follows:

• Weak to chemicals
• Weak to friction
• Discoloration and deterioration occur quickly

Shell pearls are sensitive to chemicals, so if they come into contact with cosmetics or hairspray, they should be wiped off immediately with a soft cloth.

Also, since it is not resistant to high temperatures, be sure to style your hair with a hair dryer or curling iron before wearing it. It is also vulnerable to heat caused by friction, so be careful not to let it come into contact with other accessories or clothing .

Shell pearls are prone to discoloration and deterioration. If sweat or dust gets on them, wipe them off frequently and store them in an environment away from ultraviolet rays.

Why are freshwater pearls so cheap?

Freshwater pearls are cheap for the following reasons:

• Less labor-intensive than other pearls
• Mass production possible

The lakes, rivers and ponds where freshwater pearls grow have calm waves, so the water quality does not deteriorate and it does not require much effort to clean up the seaweed. Another attractive feature is that labor costs can be kept low.

Freshwater pearls are made by inserting multiple nuclei and beads into one mother oyster. 10 to 50 freshwater pearls can grow from one mother oyster , making mass production possible.

Other pearls cannot be grown in the above mentioned environments and are therefore more expensive than freshwater pearls.

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Summary: Know the difference between shell pearls and freshwater pearls

Shell pearls are "artificial" and freshwater pearls are "real." Therefore, you should be aware that there are big differences in the way they are made, their shape, and their price.

Also, if you want to distinguish between shell pearls and freshwater pearls, try the following methods:

• Rub the pearls together
• Illuminate with black light
• Compare weight
• Check the cross section and temperature of the hole

Both shell pearls and freshwater pearls will maintain their quality if cared for properly, so if you get your favorite pearl jewelry, take the time to look after it so you can wear it for a long time.

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