A bracelet is one jewelry that enhances a woman's beauty and self-confidence. It gives an added appeal to the lower arm and boosts the overall aura of a woman. And what better gem to use for this type of jewelry than the beautiful freshwater pearl. By its natural beauty alone, a pearl is a perfect symbol of serenity and timelessness which can be worn or given as a gift on any occasion.



Freshwater pearls are a real treasure being very rare and expensive these days. Although similar in appearance to the natural and seawater pearls, the edge of freshwater pearls lies in their luster and depth. They are also well known for their wide range of color. Apart from the standard white, these freshwater pearls are also available in pastel colors like pink, rose, purple, blue, cream lavender and yellow as well as silvery white, salmon, red, copper bronze, brown and green.

While they have different colors, freshwater pearls also come in a variety of shapes such as drops, eggs, pears, dome, rounds and baroques. The baroque type are further classified into various shapes like wings, hammers, twins, barrels round-a-circle, rosebuds, nuggets and dog tooth.

Where it all began

These freshwater pearls were first cultured in Japan notably in Lake Biwa near Kyoto. From 1950 to 1990, Japan was a leader in the cultured-pearl industry. Today, however, China has taken over being the biggest producer. And with the low cost of labor and materials in China, there's no reason why the pearl industry there will not sustain its momentum. China, has, in fact, employed modern technology in the processing of cultured pearls to make them stand out from the rest.

The U.S. has also been a major producer of freshwater cultured pearls since 1963 through the efforts of John Latendresse. Since that time, 31 states have claimed producing such pearls. And this increase in pearl production can be attributed to the growing popularity of freshwater pearls in jewelry making in the U.S.

Types of pearl bracelets

Freshwater pearls can be made into different styles and designs of bracelets and mixed with other precious gems for a unique but elegant appearance. They can be paired with gold, sterling silver or crystals of your preference. Some of these common styles are the chain and link, stretch, beaded and toggle.

Stretchy bracelet - With this type, pearls can be paired with gold beads using a stretchable nylon. Pearls are usually separated at the top and bottom by small 14k yellow gold beads. And being stretchable, you can just slip on this bracelet on your wrist to have that classic look.

Chain and link - This bracelet uses a sterling silver cable chain or gold that separates the pearls with the chain hanging on your wrist. This can have different types of clasps to secure the bracelet.

Bangles - A bangle can be created by using several strands of freshwater cultured pearls either in just one color or in a variety of colors. A silver clasp whatever the design can add beauty to the bracelet.

Woven - This kind of bracelet usually features two to five rows of pearls with the strands woven into eye-catching designs and secured at the end with a clasp.

Toggle - This type of bracelet can have just all pearls or pearls mixed with other gems with a round or heart-shaped toggle clasp in the end to secure the jewelry on your wrist.