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Freshwater vs saltwater pearls

Freshwater pearls grow in mussels in rivers, lakes and ponds, mostly in China. Saltwater pearls (akoya, Tahitian and South Sea) grow in oysters in the sea.

Freshwater pearls
vs
Saltwater pearls
Freshwater pearlsSaltwater pearls
WaterFreshwaterSaltwater
MolluskHyriopsis musselsPinctada oysters (akoya, Tahitian, South Sea)
WhereChina leads world production
Typical size6 to 12 mm (Edison pearls 11 to 16 mm or more)6 to 18 mm across the three types
ShapesEvery shape, from round to baroqueRound to baroque
How it startsTraditionally tissue-nucleated, so almost solid nacre; bead-nucleated freshwater pearls are increasingly commonBead-nucleated
Growing timeA mussel can grow many pearls in one cycle10 months to 4 years

The differences

  • Freshwater pearls grow in mussels in rivers, lakes and ponds, mostly in China. Saltwater pearls (akoya, Tahitian and South Sea) grow in oysters in the sea.
  • Most freshwater pearls start from a piece of tissue and are almost solid nacre; saltwater pearls are usually grown around a shell bead (GIA).
  • A freshwater mussel can grow several pearls at once, while a saltwater oyster usually grows one at a time, which is a big part of why saltwater pearls usually cost more.
  • Freshwater pearls come in more natural pastel colors; saltwater pearls include the classic white akoya, dark Tahitian and large South Sea pearls.

More about freshwater pearls · Compare looks in Pearl Studio

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater pearls?

Freshwater pearls grow in mussels in rivers, lakes and ponds, mostly in China. Saltwater pearls (akoya, Tahitian and South Sea) grow in oysters in the sea. Most freshwater pearls start from a piece of tissue and are almost solid nacre; saltwater pearls are usually grown around a shell bead (GIA).

Facts from GIA: Differences between pearl types. Checked October 22, 2026.