Pearls are the one gem made by a living creature, and that is part of why people have loved them for so long. Here is what freshwater pearls are, how to tell them from glass, what they traditionally mean, and how to keep them looking soft and glowing.
What freshwater pearls are
A pearl forms inside a shelled animal, layer by layer, around a tiny irritant. Natural pearls are rare. Nearly all pearls sold today are cultured, which means a person helps the process along and the animal still builds the pearl.
Freshwater pearls grow in mussels in lakes and rivers. They come in soft, slightly irregular shapes, including round, oval, rice and potato shapes, and in colors from white and cream to grey, bronze, peach and lilac. Some of those colors are natural and some are enhanced, so it is fair to ask a seller.
Freshwater, saltwater and glass pearls
- Freshwater pearls come from river and lake mussels. They are usually the most affordable real pearls.
- Saltwater pearls come from oysters. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls are the best known, and they cost more.
- Glass pearls are glass beads with a pearly coating. They look neat and uniform, and they are not pearls.
We say which is which. For example, our Pearl & Crystal Statement Choker combines genuine freshwater pearls with glass pearls, and the listing says so. Our guide to real vs fake gemstone beads has more questions worth asking any seller.
What pearls traditionally mean
Pearls are traditionally linked with calm, purity and wisdom, and they are the birthstone for June. Grey pearls are often described as quietly confident. These are traditional beliefs, and we share them as lore. They aren't medical claims. For more stones, see our gemstone meanings guide and our plain guide to healing stones.
Pearl pieces from Ellie
The Amethyst & Grey Pearl Twist Necklace mixes deep purple amethyst chips with grey freshwater pearls and purple crystal, and measures 24 inches. The Multicolour Cluster Necklace spaces small clusters of Indian agate, citrine, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal and copper snake blue abacus beads along white opal beads, with matching earrings. The Bohemian Aquamarine & White Opal Necklace layers aquamarine, quartz, agate, freshwater pearls and white opal on a sterling silver chain.
Amethyst & Grey Pearl Twist Necklace$250 CAD
Multicolour Cluster Necklace$110 CAD
Multicolour Cluster Earrings$65 CAD
Bohemian Aquamarine & White Opal Necklace$350 CAD
Pearl & Crystal Statement Choker$299 CAD
How to care for pearls
Pearls are soft, around 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and they dislike chemicals. The old rule works well: put them on last and take them off first.
- Put them on after perfume, lotion and hairspray have dried.
- After wearing, wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then let them dry flat.
- Keep them away from heat, dry air and harsh cleaners. Don't soak them or use an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Store them in a soft pouch, apart from harder stones that could scratch them.
If a strand loosens or a bead comes off, see our repair and restringing page. Our care guide covers the rest.
Browse every piece
Everything is one of a kind and handmade by Ellie. See the full jewelry collection.
Related reading
- Real vs fake gemstone beads: how to tell
- How to clean and care for gemstone jewellery
- Healing stones and their meanings: a plain guide
Gemstone jewelry by Ellie
Every piece is one of a kind, strung and wired by hand in Canada.
Explore the jewelry →Sources used: general gemology references on pearl formation, cultured pearls and hardness; GIA and Gem Society style pearl guides; the same traditional-lore sources as our gemstone meanings guide.