Let's Learn about Freshwater Pearls

I never used to be a fan of pearls. I thought they were dowdy and stuffy and considered myself the unluckiest girl ever because it was my birthstone. Then I discovered freshwater pearls....

While the round (pricy!) oriental pearls are harvested from oysters these little guys are harvested from freshwater mollusks in China. The pearls do come in a variety of colors but most of the really bright alluring colors are a result of enhancing the color of the pearls.

I love using freshwater pearls because they have a really pretty luster to them.  They really compliment the sparklieness of faceted beads and at the same time look right at home next to wood beads.

To keep your pearls looking their best you should keep them out of direct sunlight. Do not expose them to lotions, hairsprays or perfumes (ie put your necklace on AFTER). If they need cleaning do not dip them in a jewelry cleaning solution. Wipe them with a lint free cloth.

Comments

[sharla]

Yes you can. If you put them in your mouth and kinda rub them across your teeth the real thing will feel gritty.

[AscenderRisesAbove]

I had heard that you could tell fresh water pearls by rubbing them across the teeth? (I am sure there is a poem in there somewhere!)