At a glance
| Water | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| Mollusk | Hyriopsis mussels |
| Where | China |
| Typical size | About 11 to 16 mm or more |
| Shapes | Rounder and more symmetrical than tissue-nucleated freshwater pearls |
| How it starts | Bead-nucleated |
Typical size range from GIA. See sizes at actual size.
Edison pearls are a subcategory of bead-nucleated freshwater pearls. GIA puts them at about 11 to 16 mm or more, well above the 6 to 12 mm that is typical for freshwater pearls.
Why they are different
Most freshwater pearls are tissue-nucleated and almost solid nacre. Edison pearls start with a bead, and bead-nucleated pearls tend to be rounder and more symmetrical (GIA). That is what lets freshwater farms produce large, round-looking pearls.
How to tell them apart
Ask the seller what type they are and where they were grown. A large, round pearl in a strong pastel or metallic color is often a bead-nucleated freshwater pearl. If the price would only make sense for a South Sea or Tahitian pearl, ask for a lab report.
What people paid for edison pearls
Real prices readers paid, not estimates. A figure appears only once at least 5 people have reported the same kind of piece, and we never show individual reports.
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Frequently asked questions
What are Edison pearls?
Bead-nucleated freshwater pearls, usually about 11 to 16 mm or more (GIA).
Are Edison pearls freshwater?
Yes. They grow in freshwater mussels, with a bead to make them larger and rounder.
Questions from readers
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Sources
Checked October 22, 2026. How we check our facts.