Freshwater pearls are the most common variety of pearls in the trade but there is nothing ordinary about these versatile gems. Available in a broad range of sizes, shapes and colours, freshwater pearls top the list of jewellery designers looking to offer stylish, more contemporary collections.

What makes freshwater pearls even more attractive are lower price points and commercial accessibility. Often set in silver and paired with cubic zirconia and other coloured gemstones, freshwater pearls are gradually transitioning into the fine jewellery space. 

Designers are increasingly offering freshwater pearl jewellery pieces in 14-karat or 18-karat gold and embellished with diamonds and higher-value coloured gemstones as “entry” items for those just beginning to collect top-quality jewellery. 

Available in smaller to moderately larger sizes of 3mm to 12mm in diameter, freshwater pearls come in diverse natural colours such as white, grey, black, pink, peach and lavender. Rarer colours such as green and blue sometimes appear in the market, too. Freshwater pearls are mostly cultivated in Australia, China, Indonesia and Japan.