Freshwater Pearls are produced not by oysters but rather by mussels.  China is the primary producer of cultured freshwater pearls.  While previously thought of as inferior, new and improved techniques of cultivation have produced freshwater pearls that easily rival thier saltwater counterparts at a fraction of the cost.  Freshwater pearls are priced well below saltwater pearls because often several pearls can be produced in each mussel cultivation cycle, production costs in China are lower and various market forces are working to the consumer's benefit at this time. 

Being virtually solid nacre, freshwater pearls offer high luster and durability.  Of course as with all pearls some are better than others.  The few best of a harvest command the highest prices but very beautiful freshwater pearls are available at surprisingly affordable prices.

It is our view that freshwater pearls represent the best value in pearls today.  We are convinced that as the public re-evaluates and subsequently modifies its preconceptions about Chinese freshwater pearls, we will see prices rise over the coming years, but for right now, these pearls are a wonderful bargain.