Key Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls
When shopping for pearl jewelry, you will come across two common types of pearls: freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls. While both are beautiful and timeless, there are some key differences that are worth exploring before you decide. These differences include factors like their origin, appearance, size, durability and value.
So, which is better? The answer depends on what you value most in your pearls — cost, quality, or uniqueness.
The Basics
Freshwater pearls are typically cultivated in mussels — not oysters. They are farmed in rivers, lakes and ponds, primarily in China, though cultivation facilities do exist around the world. In contrast, saltwater pearls are grown in oysters that inhabit oceans and seas. These include well-known varieties of pearls such as Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls.
A key difference between freshwater and saltwater pearls comes from the environment and the mollusks that produce them. Saltwater oysters generally produce only one pearl at a time, while freshwater mussels can produce multiple pearls simultaneously, making freshwater pearls more widely available and affordable.
Appearance and Shape
Customers buy pearls because of the way they look. Appearance matters and when comparing freshwater vs saltwater pearls, shape and luster are the main differences. Saltwater pearls tend to have a more reflective, mirror-like surface and are usually perfectly round. They also boast a higher luster, which makes them highly desirable for classic, elegant jewelry pieces.
Freshwater pearls, while more varied in shape, have improved significantly in quality over the years. Many are nearly round and have a soft, radiant luster. Freshwater pearls come in a wide range of natural pastel colors such as pink, lavender, peach, and white, offering more variety than saltwater pearls.
Size Range
When it comes to size, freshwater pearls offer a wide range — from tiny seed pearls around 2mm–3mm to large statement pearls exceeding 14mm. Akoya pearls are typically 5mm to 9mm but can also be found in smaller sizes as low as 2mm–4mm. Larger sizes are more expensive, especially in the Akoya category, which caps around 10.5mm.
Color and Luster
Freshwater pearls naturally come in a variety of soft colors, including white, pink, peach, and lavender. Their luster is usually soft and slightly satiny, though higher-quality pearls can have a nice shine.
Akoya pearls are best known for their bright, mirror-like luster and classic appearance. They typically come in white or cream, with subtle overtones like rose, silver, or ivory. Some rare Akoya pearls may have a natural silvery-blue tone, but most stay within a refined, traditional color range.
Durability and Composition
Freshwater pearls are mostly composed of nacre and are considered more durable than saltwater pearls. They are less likely to chip or peel, making them ideal for daily wear. Saltwater pearls, on the other hand, have a thinner nacre coating over a bead nucleus, making them slightly more fragile and susceptible to damage. Both types of pearls can be damaged by rough handling or chemical exposure, but the thicker nacre layer in freshwater pearls provides them with a greater degree of protection. That said, low-grade freshwater pearls may dull faster than high-quality Akoyas, so durability also depends on pearl quality — not just type.
Price and Value
If budget is a concern, you will want to focus your search on freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are more affordable due to their higher production rates, making them accessible to the average jewelry buyer, while still offering a similar level of beauty and sophistication. Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive because of their limited production and premium appearance. Japanese Akoya or South Sea varieties of saltwater pearls tend to be the most expensive.
Saltwater pearls are generally considered a better investment due to their rarity, extended cultivation time, and high demand in the fine jewelry market. While freshwater pearls are beautiful and affordable, they typically do not retain or appreciate in value like premium saltwater pearls do.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between freshwater and saltwater pearls ultimately depends on your budget and what you value. If you want a classic, high-luster, round pearl and are willing to invest a bit more, saltwater pearls are the way to go. If you prefer a more affordable option with unique color variations and are fine with a pearl that is not perfectly round, freshwater pearls may be the better fit.
In the freshwater vs saltwater pearls debate, there’s no universal winner — just the pearl that best suits your taste, lifestyle and budget.