freshwater pearl necklaces - a variety of color, shape, and size

Usually, freshwater pearl necklaces are available in size ranging from 6 to 11 mm. They also come in a various colors, among which are white, rose, black, cream, silver, and bronze.

They have excellent quality, and because of the large scale production of cultured freshwater pearls, the prices of necklaces and other pearl jewelry has become much more affordable.

Freshwater pearls are a type of cultured pearl that originates from freshwater mussels. They can be had in a variety of shapes, all the way from rice shapes and flat flakes, to round and button, and are recognized for their enhanced quality and shine.

As the name hints, freshwater pearls are sourced from fresh waters, while saltwater pearls are sourced from salt waters. The pearls are actually a concretion which is produced from the shiny substance which lines many mollusk shells. This substance is referred to as nacre, or mother-of-pearl.

Nacre is made up from a type of calcium carbonate, and this is deposited in layers which are mixed in with organic material. The brilliance and the luster of mother-of-pearl is brought about by a diffraction of light through these layers.

Today China is the principal commercial producer of freshwater pearls, although they are also produced on a limited scale in Japan and the United States.

Since the time of the discovery of the New World up through the nineteenth century, the U.S. was also a main source for natural freshwater pearls but then the excessive harvesting as well as increased amounts of pollution gradually decreased the number of pearl-forming mussels which were available.

The French and English explorers of North America discovered native Americans who wore pearls, and also discovered freshwater pearls in rivers such as the the Ohio and Mississippi.

Freshwater pearl necklaces offer a more affordable alternative to the more expensive saltwater pearls, while still being a genuine pearl, and they can make a truly welcome gift.

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Online Jewelry Stores are great places to browse through a collection of Necklaces Made From Freshwater Pearls as well as other fine Jewelry items.

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