Pearl Information

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater Pearls are becoming a market staple. The Chinese have continued to improve their production techniques and are now producing sizes and qualities never seen before in freshwater pearls. This year, 11 to 12mm near-round freshwater pearls are quite common with prices in the $1200 range. There are also some 12-14mm strands of good quality, but are currently selling in the $3000 range.

So are freshwater pearls going to start cannibalizing the South Sea pearl market? Perhaps for some single pearl pieces, but so far freshwater pearls cannot compete with strands of South Sea pearls in size, quality, roundness, or luster.

posted by The Pearl Hunter @ 9:45 AM