About Pearls

There are different categories of freshwater pearls based on cultivation methods. What are the current classifications standards? Let's take a look.
Freshwater pearls can be divided into two major types - nucleated and non-nucleated pearls.

Nucleated pearls refer to pearls formed by implanting a nucleus bead into the mussel and culturing pearl sac around it. Edison pearls grown with a single spherical nucleus are the predominant category. There are also shaped nucleated and attached pearls.

Non-nucleated pearls are produced by inserting mantle tissue instead of a bead nucleus. They can yield multiple pearls per mussel but with lower uniformity.

Additionally, irregularly shaped pearls are classified as baroque pearls. Despite the imperfect shapes, baroque pearls have their own appeal.

In summary, the three main categories of freshwater pearls are Edison, non-nucleated and baroque pearls. Cultivation techniques will continue advancing to improve all types.