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There was a time when wearing pearls was almost synonymous with protocol, royal weddings, or family heirlooms. Today, that time has changed. Pearls have returned, yes, but with a new attitude. They are freer, more expressive, more organic. And among them, freshwater pearls best embody this new era.
Their shape, sometimes irregular. Their luster, always soft. Their history, millennia-old. Freshwater pearls appear in minimalist necklaces, sculptural rings, or earrings that speak without saying a word. They adapt as well to a formal guest look as to a casual outfit with a white shirt and jeans.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about them: the types that exist, how they differ from saltwater pearls, why baroque pearls are everywhere, how to care for these delicate jewels, and of course, how Salvatore Plata interprets their power in collections like Helenica, where the pearl becomes a small work of contemporary art.
Ready to leave preconceived ideas behind? Freshwater pearls are back, and they come with attitude.
What exactly are freshwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls are organic gems formed inside mollusks that live in rivers, lakes, or lagoons, mainly in Asia. Unlike saltwater pearls, which usually develop in oysters in seawater, freshwater pearls are cultivated in freshwater mollusks.
What’s most interesting is that, although they also exist naturally, most freshwater pearls used in jewelry are cultured, meaning they are created with human intervention while respecting the natural formation process. This allows for a greater variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them an accessible option without compromising beauty or authenticity.
Additionally, unlike saltwater pearls—which produce only one pearl per mollusk—freshwater mollusks can generate several pearls at once, affecting both value and availability.
The result? A living, changing gem with slight imperfections that give it character… and it’s more on-trend than ever.
Types of freshwater pearls
One of the greatest virtues of freshwater pearls is their immense diversity. Unlike saltwater pearls, which tend to follow a stricter roundness standard, cultured freshwater pearls can take many forms, opening a huge creative range for contemporary jewelry. According to their shape, we find:
Round: the most classic and valued, although hard to find flawless in freshwater pearls. They are often used in elegant necklaces or stud earrings.
Oval or teardrop-shaped: highly valued for long earrings or pendants due to their natural drape.
Semi-round: they maintain some symmetry, but with a more organic, contemporary profile. Perfect for designs seeking a balance between tradition and modernity.
- Baroque: irregular, unique, and whimsically shaped. They are favorites in the most avant-garde designs for their artistic character. At Salvatore Plata, the Helenica collection pays tribute to this type of pearl with jewelry that celebrates imperfection and nature.
- Button pearls: flattened on one side, ideal for bezel-set earrings or rings with contemporary designs.
Why are baroque pearls usually larger?
The explanation lies in their growth process. Since they are not constrained by a perfectly round shape, baroque pearls have more freedom to develop inside the mollusk, allowing them to reach larger sizes. Additionally, being less manipulated, they retain a thicker layer of nacre, enhancing their luster and visual depth.
Advantages of freshwater cultured pearls in contemporary jewelry
Pearls have fascinated humanity for millennia, but freshwater cultured pearls have carved out their own place in the world of fine jewelry thanks to a unique combination of versatility, accessibility, and natural beauty. Here are some of their main virtues:
Diversity of shapes and styles
Freshwater pearls offer a creative freedom that makes them ideal for modern jewelry. From classic designs to sculptural and avant-garde pieces, their variety of shapes (round, baroque, oval, etc.) allows for endless possibilities without sacrificing elegance.
More accessible, equally sophisticated
Unlike saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are more abundant and therefore more accessible without compromising luxury. This makes them a perfect choice for those seeking a special, soulful piece of jewelry without letting price be a barrier.
Range of natural colors
While white remains the star color, freshwater pearls can be found in shades of pink, lavender, peach, or cream, giving them a contemporary and personal touch. This warm, soft, organic hue is especially appreciated in pieces like necklaces or button-style earrings.
Imperfect beauty. Uniqueness is in trend
At a time when fashion celebrates the natural, the asymmetrical, and the authentic, baroque pearls shine. Each pearl is distinct, with unique curves and reliefs, turning every piece of jewelry into a one-of-a-kind creation.
Compatibility with modern designs
Thanks to their lightness and durability, freshwater pearls integrate perfectly into innovative settings, whether in sterling silver or other metals.
At Salvatore Plata, many pieces combine pearls with zirconia, creating a contrast between organic and sparkling elements that complements sophisticated, contemporary looks.
Helenica: the collection of freshwater cultured pearl necklaces, earrings, and rings that are on-trend
If there’s a collection that proves freshwater pearls can be synonymous with modernity and style, it’s Helenica. Inspired by the cultural fusion of the Mediterranean and the imperfect beauty of nature, this Salvatore Plata line turns each piece into a signature creation—organic, powerful, and unique.
Baroque freshwater pearl necklaces: the new classic
The Helenica necklaces are crafted in sterling silver with matte gold plating and centered around a single large baroque cultured pearl. This choice is deliberate: each pearl is one-of-a-kind, and its free, voluminous shape allows for pieces with strong personality—capable of transforming a look with a single gesture. It’s the kind of necklace that commands attention without needing to impose itself; it simply flows.
Freshwater cultured pearl earrings with character and style
From button-style studs to dangling earrings, Helenica offers several ways to incorporate baroque pearls into jewelry. The organic shapes of each pearl add character, while the matte finishes on the silver bases soften the overall look. This collection is designed to complement both updos and loose hairstyles, adding a sophisticated touch without appearing overdone.
Freshwater cultured pearl rings that make a subtle statement
These freshwater pearl rings stand out for their sculptural design. Some pieces combine two types of pearls—a round one and a flat one—in open structures, while others focus on a single, standout volume. The setting, discreet yet well-crafted, allows the pearl to remain the focal point without compromising comfort or functionality. These rings are easy to wear every day, yet perfectly suited for special occasions.
Helenica is proof that freshwater cultured pearls are not a passing trend, but a timeless way to wear natural beauty with style
How to care for freshwater pearls: tips to maintain their beauty
Freshwater pearls are durable, but they require specific care to preserve their natural luster and flawless surface. Unlike other stones or materials, pearls are organic and sensitive to chemicals, cosmetics, or very dry environments.
A key tip that not everyone knows: wear them, don’t just store them.
Pearls live with you. Contact with the skin provides them with the hydration they need thanks to the body’s natural oils. They thrive on body warmth, and if left stored for too long, they can dry out and lose their characteristic shine. Follow these basic tips to care for your freshwater pearl jewelry:
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Avoid contact with perfumes, hairsprays, or creams. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry.
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Store pearls separately. They can scratch if they come into contact with harder pieces. Ideally, keep them in a soft fabric pouch or their original case.
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Clean them with a damp cloth (no soap) after each wear, especially if worn for hours or in warm climates.
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Do not immerse in water or use chemical cleaners. Even cultured, pearls remain delicate and can easily lose their luster or be damaged.
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Avoid very dry environments. Slightly humid conditions help prevent pearls from drying out or cracking.
If over time they lose some shine, you can visit an official Salvatore Plata distributor for a professional cleaning. This ensures every piece continues to sparkle like the first day.
More than a trend, freshwater pearls are a lasting choice
Freshwater pearls are not a fleeting fashion—they are a way to understand jewelry as personal expression, art, and legacy. Their irregular beauty, soft glow, and ability to interact with contemporary designs make them a conscious choice, full of style and story.
At Salvatore Plata, we work exclusively with carefully selected freshwater cultured pearls, mounted on 925 sterling silver with high-quality finishes. Each piece is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and a clear vision: to create jewelry that accompanies its wearer every day or on special occasions.
Want to learn more? Explore our Helenica collection in the online catalog, and find your nearest distributor. If you are a professional seeking a distinctive collection for your store, discover our conditions for distributors and custom manufacturing services.
Because pearl jewelry, like good memories, is made to last.
