fresh water pearls are not salty ;)

and fresh water pearls are a bit more expensive too..very delicate and what I know about pearls of any kind is to keep them clean and do not spray perfumes directly on them. Last item to put on and first item to take off :)

If you are lucky enough to have them..enjoy..one day I will own my first [URL removed]

LOL at Rogersstuff! Love your answer! Cubanitatb, that is true with any jewelry, fine or costume. Perfume has destroyed many a beautiful rhinestone and also the plating on many costume pieces. I can’t imagine what it would do to ivory or any other porous stone.

Thanks jazzi, we appreciate you with the info

Haha, Jazz! Yes, the price are much better here!

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that saltwater pearls are usually considered the more prized and are usually more expensive.

And, aside from perfume, any “air pollutants” can stick to pearls and “gum them up.” This includes hairspray and any other spray. Good to keep pearls in a box or drawer where they’re not so exposed. You can wash gently with mild soapy water and pat/air dry (use a soft cloth), but too much moisture can weaken the string.

I am answering my own question to get info out here that I find helpful to buyers.

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Difference between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls and Saltwater pearls differ in the type of luster, first of all. In appearance Freshwater pearls are noted for a softer luster, a glow that comes from deep within the pearl. Saltwater pearls include Akoya pearls, which may be a similar size to Freshwater pearls but have a more brilliant superficial luster. The difference is due to the type of mollusc used to produce the pearls and the thickness of the nacre.

You should go read the rest if you want more info. This is just an excerpt from [URL removed] which is a nice site but if you look around the prices are MUCH better here!!!

If I am reading this correctly, and correct me if I’m wrong, fresh water pearls are better. That’s very interesting!

Fresh water pearls watch Nascar, Salt water ones watch Ellen. : )

I’m not a pearl expert, but can share some useful information here.

The best quality freshwater pearls had less ‘depth’ and were softer (more likely to scratch or peel) than salt water pearls. Depth here refers to being able to look into the pearl and both see ‘inside’ the pearl as well as see a reflection of yourself and the room around you.

However, scientists have now developed their own ‘clam spit’ chemicals that can be coated onto a piece of plastic or shell to create Mother-of-Pearl necre beads and all those unusual shapes and sizes we now see.

I have not researched the scientific identification of different pearls. That should be interesting.

I have natural salt water pearls and salt water cultured pearls that are worth hundreds or more per pearl. They have now become ‘estate jewelry’ with gemstone encrusted gold clasps. Not much market for them at this time.

We have good to excellent quality cultured pearls and MOP Pearls in more popular price ranges from $20 to about $100. Will be adding them to our store here over the next weeks and months.

Paul