FASHION
Freshwater Vs. Natural Pearls: Which Is Best For Your Jewelry?
By JESSICA CHOI
You may have noticed that pearls are often categorized as either freshwater or natural and the different cultivation prices vary vastly in appearance and price point. Freshwater pearls are grown on a farm in a controlled environment where farmers are able to manipulate the oysters to produce dozens of pearls, making freshwater pearls cheaper.
Natural or saltwater pearls are made organically by oysters and mollusks. However, because pearl harvesting dropped off in the 1950s, most of the natural pearls these days are vintage with exorbitant price tags. Before making a purchase, make sure the pearls come with an official certificate of authenticity.
While natural pearls may be more coveted, it's important to remember that these unique gems may not be as shiny and perfectly shaped as man-made pearls and are harder to come by. Conversely, freshwater pearls are more abundant so there’s more variety and while some may look down on man-made pearls, they are still the real deal and worthy of investment.
If you're new to buying pearls, you might want to start off with a classic single-strand necklace, which you can pair with anything from a white tee and jeans or a cocktail dress. For a trendier look, try a multi-layered strand or colorful pearls. As long as you don’t overdo it, the modern take is that you can go as classic or as bold as you want.