The freshwater pearl process is a complex procedure that involves inserting a bead into the gonad of an oyster or a 40-tissue fragment into the mantle of a freshwater host mussel. The process takes approximately three to five years, but some pearls can take seven years to form. The colour of a freshwater pearl depends on its refraction and chemical reaction with surrounding light. Most varieties are white or cream in color, but if you want a darker shade, you must ask for a customised pearl.
The most common size of a freshwater pearl is a 7.0 to 8.0 mm size, although there are many sizes available in the marketplace. However, the most common size range is from 6.0 to 7.0 mm and may even be larger. In terms of shape and luster, freshwater pearls of this size range are the best choice for earrings and necklaces. The most popular shape of a freshwater pearl is the near round shaped one.
Most Freshwater pearls are 3.0 mm in diameter, but some have reached larger sizes in recent years. These large Freshwater Pearl, dubbed Edison pearls, are now routinely reaching size ranges of 15 mm or higher, making them comparable to their famed South Sea cousins. While a perfect round shape is possible, most are irregular. Their shape will depend on their nacre content. Some are more rounded than others, while others may be more oval or potato-shaped.
Cultured freshwater pearls are widely available and come in a variety of colors. Since they are abundant, freshwater pearls are often dyed to create more vibrant colors. This is acceptable and should be disclosed by the jeweler selling the pearls. There are no universally accepted standards for grading freshwater pearls, and most retailers have their own. A pearl's size will determine its value. The average size of a cultured freshwater pearl is 6.5 to 7.0 mm.
Freshwater pearls come in a variety of shapes. While most producers have become adept at creating almost perfectly round pearls, they are also found in irregular oval, baroque, and free-form shapes. Keshi pearls, on the other hand, are accidental shapes. They are round, nearly round, and have high luster. Regardless of the shape, a freshwater pearl will be aesthetically pleasing. They are an excellent choice for jewelry and accessories.
Chinese freshwater pearls have an incredible expansion. Their mass production and low cost make them an excellent choice for jewelry. AA freshwater pearls have high luster and a near-round shape. Unlike their counterparts, however, AA freshwater pearls are not uniformly colored. They vary in size, color, and shape, and can range from a few mm to over a dozen millimeters.
