Natural freshwater pearls occur in mussels for the same reason saltwater pearls occur in oysters.  To cultivate a pearl, the farmer slits the the mussel and inserts a small piece of live tissue form another mussel.  Foreign matter inside a mussel cannot be expelled.  To reduce irritation, the mollusc coats the intruder with the same secretion it uses for shell-building, nacre.

Being an organic gem, grooves, pits or dents are expected. Very common are the natural lines which form around the pearl.  These are known as growth rings or "love lines".  Freshwater pearls are popular for their colors -- white, silver white, cream white, pink, red, copper, brown, lavender, purple/lavender, green, blue and yellow.  The most popular are the whites, pastel pinks, roses, lavender and purples.  Color comes from the mussel species and water quality.  Generally pearls assume the color of the shell in which they form, but permanent dyes are used today for some colors as well. Freshwater pearls come in many shapes and the most rarest pearl shape is the round as it is the most difficult to culture. Other shapes include droplet, button. oval, Baroque and circled. Almost all of the pearl earrings we have on sale are known as mabe/button, which means it has a flat back and round front.

Pearl Symbolism -- Purity, peace and protection, representing the Moon, winter and cold, White is often associated with humility, innocence and modesty.  Pearl is the accepted gem stone for 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries and is thought to strengthen love relationships. Pearl with a yellow luster brings wealth. A reddish pearl makes one intelligent. White Pearl bestows fame and the Pearl with blue hue is the giver of good fortune.