Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater Pearls

Pearls are classic gems loved throughout the world and history, with their earliest records going back to the most ancient civilisations of Greece, Egypt and China.

While many covet the rare and expensive pearls found in the ocean and other bodies of saltwater, their freshwater counterparts are arguably more interesting. 

Freshwater pearls are prized for their natural beauty, versatility and affordability, making them a popular choice for jewellery making and other crafting projects.

As their name suggests, freshwater pearl beads are small, round pearls that are produced by freshwater molluscs such as mussels and clams. They are found in rivers, lakes and other bodies of freshwater around the world and come in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes.

Our freshwater beads

Our comprehensive selection of freshwater beads for sale comes in various colours and shapes, perfect for making jewellery and other beaded trinkets or art pieces.

For the adventurous, we have our coloured pearls dyed with safe colour additives that tint them in unique and bold hues of vivid peaches, pinks, mint, fern-green, vibrant blues, fuschia and even lavender.

If you’d like to experiment, our freshwater beads are available as loose pearls in a mixed assortment of colours and styles. These are a great way to get a bit of everything and have fun with our beads.

For the more particular jewellery crafter, half-drilled pearl beads are the ideal choice. These beads can accommodate jewellery designers that want to attach pearls in a specific orientation. They can be fixed to a piece securely without compromising the integrity and appearance of the pearls.

You can also buy freshwater beads in economy strands. These strands feature more irregular shapes and colours, adding a unique touch to any piece.

Our collection of premium strands features freshwater beads in strings of matching highly valued colours, shapes and finishes.

These pearls are of a higher quality and are priced more accordingly. Moreover, they are rarer than regular freshwater pearls because — unlike saltwater pearls — very round and uniform freshwater pearls are extremely hard to find.

For those on a tighter budget, we also have wonderful faux pearls, glass pearl beads and mother-of-pearl pieces in our beads collection

Why we love freshwater beads

  • Freshwater pearls are affordable and accessible.
  • Because they are abundant and affordable, it is common for producers to enhance them by dyeing them in different colours.
  • Freshwater beads are more versatile than sea pearls, with a broad spectrum of natural shapes and colours. 
  • Freshwater pearls are more durable because they contain more nacre — the composite material molluscs produce.
  • Freshwzter pearls are also very easy to clean, requiring minimal upkeep to retain their attractive appearance.

The different uses of freshwater beads

Use our freshwater beads to create necklaces, earrings, bracelets — whatever your heart desires!

Before they were cultivated and farmed, pearls were extremely rare. Since they were so hard to come by, pearls were highly sought after as gifts and only worn by those of high status and wealth.

Fortunately, they’re more widely available in various styles now and can be used in multiple ways: sewn into clothing, made into jewellery and utilised as embellishments in arts and crafts, among others.

With our selection of freshwater beads for sale, you are only limited by your imagination!

How to care for freshwater beads

If you want to buy freshwater beads, it’s important you know how to care for them! Luckily, they are very durable and easy to maintain.

Just remember:

  • Clean them after each use by gently wiping them with a soft, damp cloth.
  • Store them in a proper container away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
  • Avoid spraying perfume while wearing them or exposing your pearls to chemicals that could damage them.

Easy, right? Just be sure to appropriately maintain any metal fixtures or other settings your freshwater pearls may have so that you can cherish the piece for a long time.

Buy freshwater beads at Beads N Crystals

Beads N Crystals has everything you need to bring your creativity and imagination to life.

Shop our freshwater beads for sale and enjoy their classic and unique charm in your arts and crafts! Make the most of our pearls by ordering wholesale and get the best value for your money. Need help selecting the right beads for your project? Just contact us — our team will be happy to assist.