Elegant, gentle, aristocratic. All these definitions are suitable for describing pearl products. They have been revered by women since ancient times and were considered the best decoration. This is no coincidence. After all, the delightful color, extraordinary radiance, exquisite shape of the beads attract the eyes of people at all times and epochs.

Every lover of pearl products knows that this stone is formed in a mollusk — sea or river. That is why there are sea and river pearls. But is there a qualitative difference between these stones, or is it just a marketing ploy? Initially, it seems that there is no difference. However, if you look closely at the price on the tag, it immediately becomes obvious that it is. Sea pearls have always been of high value and have never been cheaper than river ones.

To verify its authenticity and be able to distinguish river pearls from sea pearls, we recommend paying attention to important rules. Using them, you will always be confident in your choice, and no scammer will be able to deceive you.

pearl glitter

At first glance, you can see that sea pearls have a more mother-of-pearl luster than river ones. The reason for this is salty sea water, which seems to polish the surface of the bead during growth. The water in the river does not have such properties, therefore, river pearls are almost matte and look simpler.

The bewitching mother-of-pearl of pearls from the sea requires the most careful handling, as it can lose its shimmer with frequent wear. Freshwater beads are not very picky in this regard and can remain in their original form for many years.

Bead color

To an inexperienced person, it may seem that all types of pearls have a delicate creamy color. However, this is not always correct.

Professionals and true aesthetes can confidently say that white sea pearls will surprise you with their perfectly even whiteness. But the white river stone is often covered with grayish or yellowish spots.

Freshwater beads have shades from pink to purple, while sea beads have a much more diverse palette, its colors are brighter and richer.

pearl shape

The different habitat of the beads determines their difference in shape.

Uneven beads with an irregular shape are freshwater pearls. Among them, it is very difficult to find a beautiful and even one.

Pearls grown in the sea also do not have a perfectly even shape. However, they look more attractive and elegant.

Price

As we said at the beginning of the article, sea pearls are much more expensive than river ones. Let’s figure out what is the reason.

Firstly, the terms of cultivation of sea beads are much longer than those of river beads. Since the marine environment is much more expensive and no more than three beads can be grown in one mollusk. In turn, river oysters are able to grow about ten pebbles.

Secondly, the appearance of marine beads is more even, white, shiny and aristocratic.

In the world of interesting

1. Pearl is the only gemstone that does not require processing.

2. From Greek, the name Margarita is translated as pearl. People believed that these beads strengthen the marriage and protect the family from disagreements.

3. It is quite rare to meet beads that have grown together. However, the pearl «Great Southern Cross» shocked the whole world. After all, the researchers who opened the oyster noticed that nine pearls in the shape of a cross had grown together in it.

4. The famous Coco Chanel said that «pearls are always right.» This made pearl beads the most versatile and classic accessory for many decades.

Choose high-quality pearls and let them please you for many years!