Bead Wish List: Freshwater Pearls

Is there anything more lovely than a strand of pearls? Thanks to a little help from science and nature, beaders can enjoy the natural beauty of pearls on almost any budget. Virtually all pearls on the market today are cultured - grown with a little help from humans - but the most varied and abundant are the freshwater pearls. They come in a wide variety of shapes, and are dyed in the most appealing colors.

Did you know that many freshwater pearls come from small, family run rice farms? They provide an extra source of income, as well as lovely beads. Although the mussels used to grow pearls today are selectively bred, and materials must be introduced to start the pearl making process, freshwater pearls are all natural in content.

I recently treated myself to a few strands of freshwater pearls, and they are so pretty, they make me wish I wasn’t such a bead snob. My favorite quality is their weight, as if they are hiding something underneath that shiny surface. If I could buy pearls all the time, I might choose some of these…

Turquoise Green Coin Pearls
From Artbeads.com



Peacock Potato Pearls
From Beads You Need



Peridot Zebra Top Drilled Pearls
From Auntie’s Beads



Bright Pink Potato Pearls
From House of Beads



Lime Green Leaf Drilled Nuggets
From FusionBeads.com



Metallic Jeweltones Lined Potato Pearls
From Happy Mango Beads



Fuchsia Biwa Shaped Stick Pearls
From Beadaholique



Meadow Green Nugget Pearls
From SilverSense



Plum Purple Rice Pearls
From Lima Beads

Do you have a favorite pearl shape?

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