Chinese Freshwater

The Chinese developed a pearl trade to rival the traditional Japanese methods during the 1970’s and have progressed rapidly to produce some of the finest quality cultured pearls now on the market. Freshwater pearls are produced in mussels and are non-nucleated, not having a bead in the centre. They can range in size from tiny seed pearls to 12mm and although not absolutely round, in the top qualities the lustre, shape and surface cleanliness can be second to none. Freshwater pearls can also be rice shape or very organic looking with Freeform pearls being very popular.