Freshwater Pearls
Here at the Rare Earth Gallery we exhibit a variety of freshwater pearl jewelry pieces; from exquisite collars displaying over 60 pearls to unique sterling silver rings, we are sure you would find something to fall in love with.
⚡ Quick Answer
Freshwater pearls form inside freshwater mussels, which coat an intruding particle in layer after layer of nacre until a pearl takes shape. They come in many shapes and soft natural colors, most commonly white and pink. Because pearls are soft and organic, they need gentle care — keep them away from perfume and chemicals and wipe them after wearing. Scroll down for how pearls form, their meaning, and how to care for them.
How Freshwater Pearls Form
Pearls have a unique formation beginning with a mollusk of the freshwater variety and its defense mechanism towards foreign bodies such as sand entering the organism. Nacre is secreted in layers around the intrusion and over a period time forms the beautiful gem that can be found in a variety of colors, most commonly white and pink.
Freshwater pearls are cultured in mussels rather than saltwater oysters, and a single mussel can produce many pearls at once. Because their shape depends on how the nacre builds up, freshwater pearls come in a wide range of forms — round, oval, teardrop, and the irregular baroque shapes prized for one-of-a-kind jewelry — and in soft natural colors from white and cream to pink, peach, lavender, and gray.
A blush freshwater pearl set at the heart of a silver filigree flower ring.
The Meaning of Pearls
The benefits of wearing pearls on the body start with strengthening ones inner wisdom and encouraging an environment of serenity. The auric field benefits from this stone by working with the intuitiveness of the feminine and wisdom of the masculine to create balance in the body.
Pearls have long been associated with purity, calm, and quiet wisdom, which is part of why they remain such a classic choice for weddings and heirloom jewelry.
Crystal healing practices may be used as a complementary part of your personal wellness journey. They are not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult an appropriate healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or health concern.
A sterling silver mermaid cradling a round white freshwater pearl.
How to Care for Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are soft and organic, so they need gentler care than most gemstones. Put your pearl jewelry on after applying perfume, lotion, or hairspray, since those chemicals can dull the nacre, and take it off before swimming or showering. Wipe each pearl with a soft, damp cloth after wearing, store pearls separately from harder stones so they do not get scratched, and lay strands flat so the silk thread does not stretch.
Check out our Rare Earth Gallery website or come see us in person to see what pearl options we have for you.
If you love organic gems like pearl, you may also enjoy our guides to Abalone, Gemstone Beaded Bracelet care, and Men’s Gemstone Jewelry.
Since 2013, Rare Earth Gallery has been Arizona's most celebrated destination for natural art. Our award-winning Cave Creek gallery is home to tens of thousands of hand-selected crystals, minerals, meteorites, fossils, onyx sculptures, gemstone jewelry, and natural stone fountains — each piece chosen because nothing quite like it exists anywhere else. Visit the gallery or shop our website.
