I just got a question and I wanted to post it here for many of you who might be confused about the different types of pearls. The question was, “Are your pearls FRESH WATER, SALT WATER OR CULTURED PEARLS?” That is such a great question which highlights a lot of the different info that floats around about pearls! I decided to create a flow chart for you!
So, let’s start at the top! We have pearls and please understand these are REAL pearl. So, these have not been made by humans, these are the organic gem we know as pearls. Pearls are immediately divided into two categories. Natural Pearls or Cultured Pearls.
A natural pearl forms in nature without any human intervention. A cultured pearl has been formed by human intervention. The definition of cultured, in this case, is grown or made under controlled conditions. This is exactly what a cultured pearl is, an environment has been created to make the pearl grow even when nature may not have spontaneously produced it! Another definition of cultured is having or showing good education, tastes, and manners. I dare say we pearl lovers are certainly cultured AND we wear cultured pearls! Thanks to M-W.com for the definitions!
So, when you culture a pearl you have two options, it can be cultured in freshwater or saltwater. This is the same pearl making material, the only difference is the environment the pearl grows in. To read more about the difference in saltwater and freshwater pearls, click here! I also did a post on freshwater pearls versus saltwater pearls. Read more here!
But, to answer your original questions about The Pearl Girls pearls, “Are your pearls FRESH WATER, SALT WATER OR CULTURED PEARLS?” The answer is yes! We carry some natural American pearls but a majority of our pearls are cultured pearls. Please know we do not sell any imitation or fake pearls. Also, a majority of our pearls are freshwater pearls although we carry Tahitian pearls, Sea of Cortez pearls and South Sea pearls and these are all cultured in saltwater. We rarely carry akoya pearls although we have sold some to our buyers in the past.
Thanks so much for reaching out and keep those questions coming!
Best,
India
I am a modern day treasure hunter who travels the world for gorgeous pearls and amazing adventures. I own a pearl jewelry and jewelry repair business, ThePearlGirls.com, with a cute retail store in Athens, GA. I also have a Pearl Travel business and travel blog at TheWorldofPearl.com.
