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Cultured · Freshwater

Freshwater pearls

Cultured in Hyriopsis mussels in rivers, lakes and ponds, mostly in China. Usually 6 to 12 mm, in white and soft pastels, and because most are grown from a piece of tissue rather than a bead, they are almost solid nacre.

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Strands of freshwater pearls on silk, white and dyed blue
Photo: W.carter, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · source

At a glance

WaterFreshwater
MolluskHyriopsis mussels
WhereChina leads world production
Typical size6 to 12 mm (Edison pearls 11 to 16 mm or more)
ShapesEvery shape, from round to baroque
How it startsTraditionally tissue-nucleated, so almost solid nacre; bead-nucleated freshwater pearls are increasingly common
Growing timeA mussel can grow many pearls in one cycle
0 mm5 mm10 mm15 mm20 mm

Typical size range from GIA. See sizes at actual size.

WhitePinkPurpleLavenderPeachYellow

Freshwater pearls are the pearls most people own. They grow in freshwater mussels of the genus Hyriopsis, farmed in rivers, lakes and ponds, and China leads the world in producing them (GIA).

Yes, they are real pearls. "Freshwater" tells you where the mollusk lived, not whether the pearl is genuine. Under the FTC's Jewelry Guides they are cultured pearls, because a person started them by placing material inside the mussel.

What makes freshwater pearls different

They are mostly nacre all the way through. Freshwater pearls have traditionally been tissue-nucleated: a small piece of mantle tissue is placed in the mussel instead of a shell bead. The pearl that grows is almost entirely nacre, the same layered material that gives pearls their glow (GIA). Bead-nucleated freshwater pearls are now increasingly common too.

One mussel, many pearls. A mussel can produce several pearls in a single growing cycle, where saltwater oysters usually grow one at a time. That is a large part of why freshwater pearls cost less than akoya, Tahitian or South Sea pearls of a similar size.

More colors and shapes than any other type. Alongside white, freshwater pearls come in natural pastels: pink, purple, peach, yellow and lavender. Shapes run from round to wildly baroque, including the large soufflé pearls.

Size

Freshwater pearls are typically 6 to 12 mm (GIA). Edison pearls, a bead-nucleated kind, run from about 11 to 16 mm or more. Compare sizes on the pearl size chart.

Freshwater or akoya?

Both come in white with a rosy overtone, so they are easy to confuse in a photo. Akoyas are saltwater pearls, usually 6 to 9 mm, prized for round shapes and sharp luster. Freshwater pearls are usually less expensive, come in more colors and are often a little softer in luster. See akoya vs freshwater pearls.

Watch for

  • Dyed colors. Many pearls on the market are dyed (GIA). Freshwater pearls in very strong or unnatural colors are usually dyed, and the dye can fade in sunlight or come off with alcohol or acetone.
  • Dark freshwater pearls sold as Tahitian. Freshwater pearls sold as Tahitian often give themselves away with odd shapes and low prices (Jewelry Business).
  • Names that mislead. GIA has written about "freshwater akoya," a trade name for some freshwater pearls. An akoya is a saltwater pearl from Pinctada fucata; a freshwater pearl cannot be one.

What people paid for freshwater 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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Akoya vs Freshwater pearls Freshwater vs saltwater pearls

Frequently asked questions

Are freshwater pearls real pearls?

Yes. They are cultured pearls grown in freshwater mussels. "Freshwater" describes where the mussel lived. Imitation pearls are made of glass, plastic or other materials (FTC).

Are freshwater pearls valuable?

Usually less valuable than akoya, Tahitian or South Sea pearls of the same size, partly because one mussel can grow several pearls at once. Value still depends on the same factors as any pearl: size, shape, color, luster, surface, nacre and matching.

How big are freshwater pearls?

Typically 6 to 12 mm, according to GIA. Edison pearls, a bead-nucleated kind, are about 11 to 16 mm or more.

What colors do freshwater pearls come in naturally?

White plus pastels such as pink, purple, peach, yellow and lavender. Very bright or unusual colors are usually dyed.

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Sources

Checked October 22, 2026. How we check our facts.