What is the difference between natural pearls and cultured pearls?

When someone says the word “pearl”, it is envisioned as a luxurious and ethereal-looking element. The perfectly round gem adorning a necklace, earring, or ring can give you the feeling of sophistication blended with elegance. However, it will be fascinating to know that not all pearls are created the same.

There are different ways that pearl gemstones are created, and with that, they have two different names – natural and cultured pearls. Both of the categories create stunning, elegant pieces when made into jewellery, but the formation of both types of pearls is a different biological process. One is a natural process and one is with man’s intervention. Trusting authentic pearl specialists like Heidi Kjeldsen to offer you a choice of pearls which may grace you with elegance and luxury.

In this blog, let’s dive into the world of pearls to understand how natural pearls are different from cultured pearls. Moreover, at the end of the blog, the striking features of why one should choose either of them are revealed.

The Biological Marvel: The Process of Pearl Formation

Natural and cultured pearls are created when any kind of irritant, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters into a mollusc, which is generally an oyster or a mussel. In its response, the mollusc secretes nacre. It is known as the mother of pearls, which is a perfect combination of aragonite and conchiolin. These layers further build up to create a pearl over time.

Natural Pearls

In this kind of pearl, the pearl formation process happens naturally, as the name suggests, “natural” pearls. The mollusc gets the irritant by accident, and the process of formation starts from there organically. This formation has no human intervention. The rarity of cases results in natural pearls being extremely valuable.

They are found in the wild and mainly in regions like the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Persian Gulf. Most natural pearls available commercially are not desirable due to their lack of lustre, shape and size. Natural pearls of quality are so rare today that we can only realistically view gem quality in museums.

Cultured Pearls

On the other hand, cultured pearls are a pearl formation process that results from human intervention. The farmers of pearls implant a small mother of pearl bead or piece of mantle tissue into the mollusc to humanely simulate the mollusc’s nacre secretion. Over time, the mollusc coats this simulated irritant with layers of nacre and leads to the formation of a pearl.

Even when the whole process is initiated by humans, the pearl is formed naturally within the mollusc. Cultured pearls are also authentic and genuine pearls that are naturally produced by an oyster or mollusc. It involves some kind of human intervention, but the complete process is done naturally. It’s a commercial manner of pearl formation that mitigates the issue of the rarity of cases of natural pearl formation. Heidi Kjeldsen offers exceptionally authentic and curated pearls that can make your basic jewellery into something magical.

Furthermore, there are two types of cultured pearls – saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls.

Saltwater pearls – These pearls are grown across regions of Australia and Asia. Saltwater pearls are known to be more valuable than freshwater pearls because of the longer duration of the cultivation process. The saltwater pearls are produced only a single pearl at a time and have a thicker nacre than freshwater pearls. These pearls have a beautiful colour and lustre. Furthermore, the saltwater pearls are again divided into three kinds – South Sea pearls, Akoya pearls, and Tahitian pearls.
Freshwater pearls – These freshwater pearls are grown in river bodies, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. Most freshwater pearls originated in China. Freshwater pearls are comparatively less lustrous and are of a homogeneous structure, so not layered as saltwater pearls are.

Unlike the formation of saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls can be generally produced as multiple pearls at a single time and can be cultured in a shorter span of time. They are less premium than saltwater pearls. However, it is important to know that freshwater pearls may be gem quality with a high lustre and smooth skin, akin to saltwater.

Key Differences Between Natural and Cultured Pearls

Basis	Natural Pearls	Cultured Pearls
Formation	Natural formation without any kind of human intervention.	The formation is initiated by human practices but the rest of the formation is a natural occurrence.
Occurrence	Extremely rare cases	More common as it involves controlled pearl farming techniques.
Shape and size	Generally irregular size and rare case of perfectly round shape	Due to the controlled intervention and conditions, the pearls are more uniform in shape.
Value	Naturally occurring pearls due to their rare cases of occurrence are highly valuable and are more expensive.	Cultured pearls are comparatively more affordable. In some cases, premium quality cultured pearls can be expensive as well.
Nacre formation	As it takes a longer time to develop layers, therefore, the nacre formed is generally thicker.	The duration of farming varies the nacre formation and thickness.

The Better Pearl: Natural vs Cultured Pearls

The debate of choosing natural pearls or cultured pearls is long overdue and has never been confirmed on a single basis. It depends on various factors like:

Budget
Taste and preferences
Occasion
Personal investment or gifting purposes

If Natural pearls, why?

Natural pearls are known to be a collector’s dream due to the rarity in their formation and extensive history. If you seek a premium and exclusive piece that has a natural authenticity, then spending on the natural pearls is worth it.

If cultured pearls, why?

Even though the formation of cultured pearls has involved human initiations, it offers stunning beauty at a comparatively more affordable price. The choice of cultured pearls is suitable for sophisticated and elegant jewellery options. These are perfect for gifting your loved ones.

Cultured pearls for the win?

If you are someone who does conscious shopping in terms of sustainability and chooses to be environment-friendly, then cultured pearls can be your preferred choice as they are farmed without disturbing wild oyster populations. Purchasing authentic pearl jewellery from Heidi Kjeldsen can be desirable along with accepting sustainability.

The Beauty of Pearls That Never Left Behind – Conclusion

Whether it is natural pearls, you have chosen to source or to invest in or the finest quality cultured pearls. The joy that pearls bring, with their beauty and luminosity are unmatched. Understanding their origins helps you make an informed choice. Whilst the UK is not a major producer of pearls, it has a historical significance with freshwater pearls. The connection lies with the River Tay in Scotland where fresh water mussels produce natural pearls to this day.

Therefore, in the UK, you can source high-quality pearls from renowned jewellery houses such as Heidi Kjeldsen. Also, reputable pearl specialists online can offer you authentic natural and cultured options according to your choices. You will appreciate your purchase when you have the real aura of pearls adorned around your neck, wrist or hand to add beauty and elegance.

Are you ready to approach pearls with a fresh eye to fashion? Choose reputable pearl jewellers like Heidi Kjeldsen to offer you authentic pearls, bringing you a modern, elegant and fashionable style.