Freshwater pearls grow in mussels from lakes, rivers and ponds. They're often slightly irregular in shape, known as baroque, and come in white, rosé, lavender and peach. You can tell they're genuine by four things: fine irregularities, a soft glow from within, a slightly sandy feel in the tooth test, and a bit more weight than plastic.
These are our three most frequently chosen pieces:
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Protective bracelet with angel
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Pearl bracelet with engraving disc
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Delicate pearl bracelet with angel
What defines freshwater pearls
Unlike saltwater pearls, they are rarely perfectly round, and that is exactly what gives them their character. The surface is matt to silky, and the colour ranges from classic white through rosé and lavender to peach. Every pearl is a one-off; no two are ever completely alike.
Freshwater or saltwater?
| Origin | Freshwater pearls grow in lakes, rivers and ponds. Saltwater pearls come from the sea. |
|---|---|
| Shape | Freshwater pearls are often baroque, meaning slightly irregular. Saltwater pearls are usually rounder. |
| Colour | White, rosé, lavender, peach: the colour range is wider with freshwater pearls. |
| Character | Every freshwater pearl looks different. If you want uniformity, choose saltwater; if you want character, choose freshwater. |
How can I tell if freshwater pearls are real?
| Surface | Natural pearls have small irregularities or growth marks. A flawlessly smooth pearl is usually not a real one. |
|---|---|
| Lustre | Genuine pearl lustre is soft and lively, not hard or plasticky. It comes from deep within, not from the surface. |
| Tooth test | If you gently rub the pearl against your teeth, a real one feels slightly sandy. Imitations are completely smooth. |
| Weight | Real pearls feel a little heavier in the hand than plastic pearls. |
Caring for pearl jewellery properly
The most important rulePearls go on last and come off first. Perfume, make-up and hairspray attack the surface.
After wearing, wipe briefly with a soft cloth. Do not store in water and keep away from cleaning products. Store them separately in a breathable place, for example in the velvet pouch supplied.
And a tip that surprises many: Wear your pearls regularly. The moisture in your skin keeps them supple and lustrous. A pearl that sits in a drawer for years becomes dull.
More pieces with freshwater pearls
We combine real freshwater pearls with 925 sterling silver, stainless steel and a few natural stones such as moonstone. Almost all pieces also come with an engraving, a name, a date or a small symbol.
Pearl bracelet with cross
Pearl bracelet with small heart
Guardian angel pearl necklaceView all jewellery with freshwater pearls →
Isn't the pearl the birthstone for June?
Internationally, the pearl is indeed assigned to June, that is true. In our birthstone jewellery, however, a light amethyst represents June, because a pearl cannot be reproduced cleanly in the cubic zirconia range and would be more delicate than all the other birthstones.
If you want real pearls, you are in the right place, in our Pearl collection you will find genuine freshwater pearls. If you are looking for June as a birthstone colour, you will find it in the Birthstone Guide. The two can also be combined.
Pearls as a gift
Pearl jewellery is one of those pieces people rarely buy for themselves, and that is exactly why it works so well as a gift. It is particularly often chosen for confirmation, because genuine natural stones and pearls look more grown-up than sparkling cubic zirconia, and for milestone birthdays.
Each piece comes gift-ready in a jewellery box with a velvet pouch, and the pouch also doubles as the right way to store pearls.
When pearls are the wrong choice
- For young children. Pearls don't cope well with sandpits, swimming pools and sun cream. Our sailing rope and satin bracelets are designed for children.
- For someone who never takes their jewellery off. Showering, sport and creams take their toll on the surface. If you don't like taking jewellery off, stainless steel is the better choice.
- If it needs to be perfectly uniform. Baroque pearls are deliberately irregular. If you're expecting perfect spheres, you'll be disappointed.
What should you write on the card?
These are the lines our customers write most often themselves:
- Happy birthday, only the best for you.
- You are a wonderful gift.
- Stay exactly as you are.
- So you always have us right there with you.
Allow roomWriting happens in the cart, across three fields: Greeting, Message and Signature. Together, these hold around 150 characters. That leaves about 100 characters for the message itself.
Frequently asked questions about freshwater pearls
What are freshwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls form in mussels that live in lakes, rivers or ponds. Unlike saltwater pearls, they're often slightly irregular in shape and come in more colour tones, ranging from white through rosé and lavender to peach.
How can I tell real freshwater pearls?
By four things: small irregularities on the surface, a soft lustre rather than a plasticky shine, a slightly sandy feel in the tooth test, and a somewhat higher weight than plastic pearls.
How do I care for pearl jewellery properly?
Pearls go on last and come off first, because perfume, make-up and hairspray attack the surface. After wearing, wipe briefly with a soft cloth, don't store them in water, and keep them stored separately somewhere air-permeable.
Why does every pearl look different?
Because it grows rather than being manufactured. Shape, surface and colour tone form inside the mussel, so no two freshwater pearls are ever completely identical.
Is the pearl the birthstone for June?
Internationally, yes. In our birthstone range, a pale amethyst represents June instead, because a pearl can't be rendered cleanly in this range and would be more delicate than the other birthstones. You'll find real pearls in our pearl collection, though.
How much does your pearl jewellery cost?
The bracelets are in the 50 to 80 euro range, and the pearl necklace with card is priced above that. Engraving is included in each case.
Can I wear pearl jewellery every day?
Yes, and it's actually good for the pearls, since the moisture from your skin keeps them supple. You should only take them off for showering, swimming and sport.
How long does it take to make?
Allow 3 working days for processing, plus shipping time. Everything is made and engraved by us in Hamburg.
You'll find all pieces in the Pearl Collection. Which other real gemstones we work with is covered in the Gemstone Guide, and gifts sorted by recipient are in the Gift Guide.
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