Freshwater pearls: what they are, why each one is different and how to care for them

What are freshwater pearls?

A pearl forms when a mollusc coats something inside it, layer by layer, with nacre: the lustrous material it also uses to line its shell. Freshwater pearls grow in mussels in lakes and rivers. Saltwater pearls grow in oysters.

Almost all freshwater pearls are cultured. A pearl farmer places a tiny piece of tissue inside the mussel, and the mussel does the rest: for months, often years, it builds layer upon layer. One mussel can grow several pearls at once. What comes out is a real pearl, not an imitation made of glass or plastic.

Why is every pearl different?

Because no two mussels are the same, and no pearl grows in exactly the same spot. Each pearl gets its own shape, its own lustre and sometimes a tiny natural mark or ripple. Those aren't flaws: they're proof it's real.

It also means the pearl in your piece looks like the one in the photo, but is never exactly the same. Two pearls in a pair of earrings look alike, but they're not twins. That's exactly what makes your piece yours alone.

Look at the lustre too. A beautiful pearl reflects light softly, as if it glows from within. That comes from the many thin layers of nacre.

Pearls and gold

Pearls and gold are a classic pairing, and for good reason. Yellow gold gives the creamy lustre of a pearl a warm edge. Together they feel soft and timeless, never stiff.

How to wear them:

• Every day: small gold stud earrings with a pearl. Calm, light and they go with everything.
• With movement: a pearl that swings. Add a pearl charm to your huggies and you have a new look in seconds.
• Around your neck: a necklace with a single pearl pendant, or with pearls set between the links. Layer it with a fine gold necklace at a different length.
• On your wrist: a bracelet with pearls between the gold, lovely next to a plain bracelet.

From this story

Pearl Studs €229,00 Pearl Drop Earrings €264,00 Pearl Hoop Charm €119,00

From this story

Threaded Pearl Necklace €329,00 Pearl Pendant Necklace €369,00 Threaded Pearl Bracelet €249,00

How to care for pearls

Pearls are more delicate than gold. Perfume, lotion, hairspray and sweat can dull the lustre of the nacre. A few habits keep them beautiful:

1. Last on. Perfume, lotion and hairspray first, then your pearls.
2. First off. At home, take them off before you get changed or remove your make-up.
3. Wipe them. After wearing, wipe them with a soft, dry cloth.
4. Keep them out of water. Don't soak them, and take them off for showering, swimming and sport.
5. Store them separately. In a soft pouch or a compartment of their own, so nothing rubs against them.

Polish the gold around them gently with a soft cloth, without polishing the pearl itself. For more on caring for gold, read how to clean gold jewellery. You'll find everything in one place on our care page.

A pearl as a gift

A pearl is a gift that's hard to forget: timeless, real and always a little different. Pearl studs are a safe choice, because there's no size to guess. Traditionally, a pearl stands for wisdom and purity. For what other symbols say, read meaningful jewellery.

All our pearl jewellery is made with real 14 karat gold, nickel-free and suitable for sensitive skin. Every piece arrives in a TOV box with a personal digital certificate of authenticity.

Gold Pearl Jewellery Real freshwater pearls on real gold, each one a little different. Shop Gold Pearl Jewellery