Differences between mother-of-pearl and freshwater pearls
The word "pearl" is widely used in the jewelry world today, sometimes incorrectly. Behind a similar appearance can lie very different realities, both in terms of material and in terms of value, durability, and environmental impact.
Confusion is particularly common between freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl pearls, two materials which do not have the same origin or the same nature.
This article aims to clarify this essential distinction, in order to understand what a natural pearl really is, why some names are misleading, and how to recognize an authentic freshwater pearl versus an artificial mother-of-pearl pearl.
What is a freshwater pearl?
A freshwater pearl is a natural pearl produced through pearl farming. It forms inside a freshwater mollusk, primarily mussels, which slowly secrete nacre around an irritant. This process is entirely biological and can last several years.
Freshwater pearls have several fundamental characteristics:
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They are made of 100% natural mother-of-pearl
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Their structure is homogeneous, without a visible artificial nucleus.
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Their brilliance is deep and evolving.
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Each pearl is unique, with slight variations in shape and surface
Their all-mother-of-pearl composition gives them excellent durability and real value in jewelry.
What is a mother-of-pearl pearl?
Contrary to what its name might suggest, a mother-of-pearl pearl is not a natural pearl.
In most cases, it is:
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of mother-of-pearl powder (ground mother-of-pearl)
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mixed with a binder (resin, glue or polymer)
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then industrially molded to obtain a perfectly regular shape
There are also variations where:
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a ball (glass or resin) is used as a support
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then covered with a thin layer of mother-of-pearl or a pearlescent coating
In all cases, the mother-of-pearl pearl is a manufactured product, designed for regularity, standardization, and mass production. It does not result from any biological process and does not form in a mollusk.
Confusion maintained in the market
Some brands use the term "freshwater pearls" to refer to pearls that are actually mother-of-pearl or imitations. This confusion stems from a deliberate or unintentional misuse of language.
- A freshwater pearl is a pearl that comes from pearl farming.
- A mother-of-pearl bead is an object fashioned from mother-of-pearl, or mother-of-pearl powder.
Mother-of-pearl is the material that makes up natural pearls, but mother-of-pearl does not necessarily mean pearl. A natural pearl is the result of a living process. A mother-of-pearl pearl is the result of an industrial process.
Why a pearl that is too perfect is not natural
This is one of the most reliable indicators for the consumer.
A natural pearl:
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forms slowly
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depends on the living
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always presents micro-variations
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is never strictly identical to another
Even so-called "round" pearls are never perfectly spherical. Their diameter, curvature, and surface area vary slightly.
A pearl that is too round, too smooth, too uniform, produced identically is suspect.
The revealing case of half-pearls
Some brands offer pendants or rings set with perfectly identical half-pearls, mass-produced with a strictly standardized setting.
However, it is technically impossible to mass-produce identical natural half-pearls: each natural pearl is unique, its volume and curvature vary, a setting must be adjusted to each pearl.
If the setting is identical on hundreds of pieces, the pearl is necessarily: molded, standardized, artificial. It is therefore a matter of Mother-of-pearl or imitation pearls, not natural pearls.
Differences between freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl pearls
| Criteria | Freshwater pearl | Mother-of-pearl |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Natural pearl farming | Industrial manufacturing |
| Composition | 100% natural mother-of-pearl | Mother-of-pearl powder or layer |
| Training | Organic, slow | Molding / assembly |
| Shape | Slightly irregular | Perfectly standardized |
| Glow | Deep, evolving | Flatter |
| Sustainability | High | Variable |
| Value | Authentic | Decorative |
Aesthetic differences and durability
THE Natural freshwater pearls develop a patina over time without losing their luster, provided they are properly cared for. Their homogeneous structure makes them more resistant to daily wear and tear.
Mother-of-pearl beads, on the other hand:
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they scratch more easily
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can lose their shine
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They can reveal their internal structure if the nacre layer deteriorates.
A significant environmental issue
The distinction between freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl pearls is also ecological .
Pearl farming is based on:
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biological cycles
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a slow production
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a valuation of living things
Mother-of-pearl beads often involve:
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the massive extraction of shellfish
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the grinding of material
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the use of resins or glues
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energy-intensive industrial production
Choosing a natural freshwater pearl means choosing a living and sustainable material rather than a processed one.
NEIJE's choice: transparency and natural pearls
At NEIJE we have made the choice to work exclusively with 100% natural pearls, sourced from pearl farming.
We do not use mother-of-pearl beads, molded beads, or imitations, precisely because these materials respect neither matter, nor time, nor living things.
Each pearl is selected for its structure, luster, and unique character.
Freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl pearls do not belong to the same category, despite widespread confusion. The former are natural pearls, resulting from a slow biological process, while the latter are manufactured, standardized, and decorative products.
Understanding this difference allows for an informed choice, both aesthetically and ethically. In a context where transparency and sustainability are becoming essential, natural freshwater pearls stand out as an authentic material, designed to last and be worn over time.
DISCOVER THE NEIJE FRESHWATER PEARL COLLECTION
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a mother-of-pearl pearl and a freshwater pearl?
A freshwater pearl is a natural pearl produced through pearl farming, formed entirely of nacre inside a mollusk. A mother-of-pearl pearl, on the other hand, is a manufactured product, usually made from nacre powder mixed with a binder or industrially molded.
Is a mother-of-pearl a real pearl?
No. A mother-of-pearl bead is not a natural pearl. It does not form in a mollusk and is not the result of a biological process. It is an artificial object, made from crushed mother-of-pearl or a base coated with mother-of-pearl.
Why are some mother-of-pearl beads sold as freshwater pearls?
Some brands perpetuate the confusion by using the term "mother-of-pearl," since mother-of-pearl is the material that makes up natural pearls. However, mother-of-pearl and pearl are not synonymous. A freshwater pearl comes from pearl farming, while a mother-of-pearl pearl is industrially produced.
How to recognize a natural freshwater pearl?
A natural freshwater pearl always displays slight irregularities in shape, subtle variations in surface, and a deep luster. A pearl that is too round, too smooth, or exactly identical to others is often a sign of an artificial pearl or a mother-of-pearl pearl.
Are perfectly round pearls natural?
No. A natural pearl cannot be perfectly spherical and identical to another. If several pearls have exactly the same shape, diameter, and setting, they are most likely molded pearls, like mother-of-pearl.
Why choose natural freshwater pearls in jewelry?
Natural freshwater pearls offer superior durability, a deeper luster, and true aesthetic value. They age beautifully and rely on a more life-friendly biological process. At NEIJE , we exclusively use 100% natural pearls, with no mother-of-pearl or imitations.