Freshwater Pearl Necklaces - A Variety Of Color, Shape, And Size
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by: MichaelScott
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Commonly, freshwater pearl necklaces come in size between 6 and 11 mm. In addition, they come in a number of colors, like pink, white, black, lavender, off white, cream, silver, and gray.
They have very good quality, and due to the large scale production of cultured freshwater pearls, the costs of necklaces and other pearl jewelry has turn out to be much more affordable than previously.
Freshwater pearls are a form of cultured pearls that are derived from freshwater mussels. They are available in numerous shapes including rice shapes, flat flakes, round, and button. They are noted for having great quality and shine.
As the name hints, freshwater pearls are sourced from fresh waters, while saltwater pearls are sourced from salt waters. The pearls are actually a concretion which is produced from the shiny substance which lines many mollusk shells. This substance is referred to as nacre, or mother-of-pearl.
Nacre is composed of a form of calcium carbonate, and this is deposited in layers which are interspersed with organic material. The iridescence and the luster of mother-of-pearl arises from a diffraction of light through these layers.
Today China is the principal commercial producer of freshwater pearls, although they are also produced on a limited scale in Japan and the United States.
Commencing with the period of the discovery of the New World and on through the nineteenth century, the U.S. was also a chief source for natural freshwater pearls but then the intense harvesting, in addition to growing amounts of pollution, bit by bit diminished the number of pearl-forming mussels which were available.
The French and English explorers of North America discovered native Americans who wore pearls, and also discovered freshwater pearls in rivers such as the the Ohio and Mississippi.
Freshwater pearl necklaces offer a more affordable alternative to the more expensive saltwater pearls, while still being a genuine pearl, and they can make a truly welcome gift.
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You can find a varied selection of Freshwater Pearl Necklaces as well as other fine Discount Fashion Jewelry at JewelryOnOffer.com.
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