Natural freshwater pearls are widely distributed. Historically, they have been found in rivers and lakes in Russia, Europe, and North America. Cultured freshwater pearls are mainly produced in China, where farming techniques now cover pearls of various sizes, shapes, and colors.
✅ Freshwater Pearl Origins
1️⃣ China
Since the 1880s, China has become the world's largest producer of cultured pearls, primarily in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Hubei provinces. Currently, China's freshwater pearl output accounts for over 95% of the world's total, firmly holding the top position in global freshwater pearl production.
In 2025, Zhejiang Deqing's freshwater pearl composite farming system was successfully listed as a World Agricultural Heritage project. Deqing is the earliest documented region for artificial freshwater pearl cultivation, having achieved artificial pearl breeding as early as the Southern Song Dynasty.
2️⃣ Japan
Lake Biwa was once one of the most famous freshwater pearl producing areas globally. In the mid-1970s, its production sharply declined due to water pollution. Affected by water pollution and the impact of China's freshwater pearl industry, relevant production has almost ceased by 2025.
3️⃣ United States
Freshwater pearls produced in the Mississippi River basin come in a variety of colors, ranging from dark gray to light pink, salmon, yellow, red, copper-yellow, and purple. Dogtooth pearls and wing pearls are highly sought after in the market as special varieties from the Mississippi River basin, where baroque pearls are also commonly found.
✅ Freshwater Pearl Colors
Freshwater pearls come in various colors such as white, purple, and orange-pink. Overtones include pink, green, and iridescence. The color displayed by a pearl is the combined result of its body color, overtone, and iridescence. People usually describe pearl colors primarily by their body color, with overtones and iridescence as secondary descriptions.
【Three Star Players of Pearls】
1️⃣ Edison Pearls – The "Powerhouse" of Freshwater Pearls
▫️ Nucleated cultivation results in extremely strong luster and prominent large sizes, named "Edison" because they are as precious as an invention.
👉 Perfect for those who love luxurious luster and presence.
2️⃣ Freshwater AK – Affordable Surprise with Tiny Luster!
▫️ Uses Japanese Akoya technology, with delicate and transparent luster, mostly under 9mm, stunning whether worn alone or layered.
3️⃣ Non-nucleated Freshwater Pearls – Full of Natural Charm!
▫️ Natural nacre secretion throughout, with diverse shapes, and less prone to peeling even after long-term wear.
