Freshwater Pearls

[Cappy Z.]

`Pearls are formed in shellfish. A piece of grit or irritant is slowly coated with a liquid sunstance called aragonite but known as nacre. Layer after layer the pearl grows in size and shape. Like snow flakes, no two are exactly the same. Pearls have a hardness of only 3 on the MOH's scale. This is why they really take a beating when worn as a ring. Washing dishes dissolves the layers over time. They also lose their luster.

Pearls according to legend were once thought to be the tears of the gods.

Here is a nice strand of pearls strewn together to form a beautiful necklace. I bought one just like it for only $5.00 at a second hand store. With a little silver cleaner and gentle cleaning..the wife loves it.

 

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[TimC]

I lived at the Mississippi River for 10 years, untill recently. I saw a few good pearls come in off the river with the clammers. Recent restrictions on clamming reduced the allure.

Nice string.

TimC

 

[Shortstack]

Look for freshwater mussels. They produce pearls, too.

 

[Cappy Z.]

Look for freshwater mussels. They produce pearls, too.

Alot of people used to look down on fresh water pearls. But salt water pearls have the same rating of 3 on the MOH's scale and really are NOT more beautiful than any other given fresh water pearl. I think it has to do with artistic expression, innate beauty, and marketing. If Tiffany's started marketed freshwater pearls..people would buy them on name recognition alone. Anyway, my wife LOVES pearls!