Freshwater Pearl for the 1st Anniversary

Freshwater Pearl is the traditional gemstone for her landmark 1st wedding anniversary. The lustrous sheen and delicate appearance of a pearl has made it timeless in its elegance and appeal. It is believed to remove emotional imbalances and enhance personal integrity. Read on to find out more about the freshwater pearl, what it looks like, its symbolism and where to buy freshwater pearl jewellery.

What does the Freshwater Pearl look like?

Pearls are unique as a gemstone since they are the only gems that are directly derived from a living creature – oysters and molluscs. There are two basic varieties of pearls– freshwater and saltwater. And even these can be natural or cultured. As the name suggests, freshwater pearls, the traditional gemstone for the significant 1st year anniversary, grow in freshwater mussels in non-saline environment such as rivers, ponds and lakes, while salt water pearls are formed in salt water molluscs such as oysters.

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A freshwater pearl looks pretty much like a normal pearl – shiny, glossy with a lustrous sheen. However, as compared to their salt water cousins, freshwater pearls come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours ranging from white to pink, green, grey, silver, lavender and many more. Since they are not ‘beaded’ with a nucleus, these pearls are made entirely of solid nacre. Hence, freshwater pearls are tougher and better able to withstand wear and tear and degeneration.

Cultured saltwater pearls are usually round in shape while freshwater pearls are available in almost every imaginable shape: round, drop, rice, button, oval, semi-round, circle or ringed, baroque and semi-baroque.

History and a little background…

Although freshwater pearl mussels traditionally thrive in hot and cold climates, China dominates the production of freshwater pearls. However, they are also produced in Japan and, to some extent, even in the United States. In fact, the harvesting of freshwater pearls in the form of mabe has been in practice in China since the 13th century. Pearls have been an integral part of the Chinese culture right since 2206 BC.

Interestingly, the USA was a major producer of natural freshwater pearls till the 19th century. The twin factors of over-harvesting and growing water pollution literally sounded the death knell for pearl-forming mussels in the country.

The most famous type of freshwater cultured pearl is the Biwa pearl which comes from freshwater mussels that are cultivated in Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest and most ancient freshwater lake. During 1971, Biwa pearl farmers produced as many as six tons of cultured pearls. Today, thanks to increasing levels of pollution, Biwa pearls have now almost become history since the polluted lake can no longer support this enterprise.

The good news is that freshwater pearls are relatively more affordable than their more exorbitantly priced saline water cousins.

Significance and Symbolism of the Freshwater Pearl

Pearls impart an instant elegance to any woman, irrespective of her age, and possess a timeless appeal and class all their own.

As a gemstone, pearls have always been highly valued for their healing properties. Wearing a pearl is believed to remove emotional imbalances and enhance personal integrity. Their lustrous sheen and delicate appearance make freshwater pearls the perfect gemstone for the landmark first wedding anniversary.