Jewelry 101 Blog

Freshwater pearls come from freshwater mussels cultivated in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Today, the vast majority of them are farmed in China, with Zhuji serving as the global center of freshwater pearl production. What Are Freshwater Pearls and How Are They Formed? Freshwater pearls form when a freshwater mussel coats an irritant with layers of […]

Three days ago, I posted a Pearl – Mystery post, challenging everyone to distinguish freshwater vs saltwater pearls in the picture. This little quiz has sparked quite some interest. Some assume the top pearl is saltwater due to its sharper, mirror-like luster. But is it really so? When comparing two high-luster pearls, how do you

Introduction: Cultured vs Freshwater Pearls—What Are You Really Comparing? If you’ve ever searched for cultured vs freshwater pearls, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common pearl-related queries—and also one of the most misunderstood. In reality, in today’s market, over 99% of pearls—both freshwater and saltwater—are cultured. So the real question isn’t cultured vs

Saltwater vs Freshwater Pearls & the Rise of Edison Pearl Discover the key differences between saltwater vs freshwater pearls, including color& shape, nacre thickness& luster, price& value. Learn why the Edison pearl is a standout achievement among cultured freshwater pearls. Today’s cultured pearls are divided into saltwater and freshwater categories. Saltwater Pearls Tahitian Pearls: Produced

In my 20-year jewelry journey, I bought everything—from cheap fashion accessories to fine jewelry made of solid gold and silver. Back then, I believed only real gold and sterling silver qualified as fine jewelry, and only brands like Mikimoto or Tasaki offer truly premium pearls, until… Hard Lessons Learned: Allergies, Tarnish, and Huge Depreciation I

Jewelry metals have a direct impact on important concerns like tarnish resistance, hypoallergenic properties, and overall durability. Knowing how different jewelry metals—304/ 316L stainless steel vs sterling silver, 14K gold-filled and brass— perform in these areas is essential to making an informed decision. In this guide, we’ll take a fair look at the strengths and limitations