Most people think pearls are just pearls.
Saltwater or freshwater—same thing, right?
That’s the mistake.
Natural pearls and cultured pearls are two different stories. And the saltwater–freshwater divide matters more than you may realize.
Let’s make it clear.
Natural Saltwater Pearls
- Almost all natural pearls you see in the market today are saltwater.
- They come from oysters in oceans like the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the coasts of Sri Lanka or Japan.
- These pearls are rare, valuable, and historically sought after for royal and ceremonial jewelry.
Natural Freshwater Pearls
- Natural freshwater pearls do exist, but they are extremely rare.
- They form in rivers or lakes without any human involvement.
- Finding one is like winning a lottery—collectors and museums value them, but you will hardly encounter them in trade.
Cultured Freshwater Pearls
- This is where confusion begins.
- The market is flooded with cultured freshwater pearls from China.
- They are affordable, uniform in shape, and available in large quantities.
- Many buyers mistakenly think these are “natural freshwater pearls.” They are not. They are farmed.
Why This Matters for You
- If a jeweller offers you a “natural freshwater pearl,” ask questions.
- Where was it sourced? Is there certification?
- Genuine natural freshwater pearls are museum-grade pieces. They do not appear in bulk or at discount counters.
- If the price looks too good, you are likely looking at cultured freshwater pearls.
Practical Tip
Think of it this way:
- Natural saltwater pearls = the real players in today’s natural pearl market.
- Natural freshwater pearls = the rare exception.
- Cultured freshwater pearls = mass market.
So, when you buy pearls, don’t treat saltwater and freshwater as the same game. They are not. And knowing the difference keeps you from making a costly mistake.
This article explains why saltwater and freshwater pearls are not the same. It highlights that most natural pearls on the market are saltwater, while natural freshwater pearls are rare and different from cultured freshwater pearls. Practical tips help buyers avoid confusion and identify genuine pearls.
