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 kind of cultured pearl that comes from freshwater mussels. They come in various shapes ranging from rice shapes to flat flakes, as well as from round to button. They are recognized for having superior 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 composed of a form of calcium carbonate, and this is deposited in layers which are interspersed with organic material. The iridescence and the luster of mother-of-pearl arises from a diffraction of light through these layers.

At present, China is considered as the main producer of commercial freshwater pearls, though they are also manufactured on a restricted 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 colonizers and explorers of North America came across native Americans who were wearing pearls, and they also found freshwater pearls in the Ohio, Mississippi, and Tennessee River basins.

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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