Why Sohvii Chooses Freshwater Pearls: Story Behind Freshwater Pearls

The Beauty Within: Why Sohvii Chooses Freshwater Pearls

         

They are elegant, timeless, and carry the whispers of nature’s slow magic. Pearls have fascinated civilizations for centuries — adorning royals, poets, and now, the modern era too. At Sohvii, pearls are more than just gems. They’re a symbol of inner strength, quiet beauty, and refined ethics.

But how exactly are pearls formed? And why does Sohvii choose freshwater pearls over other types? Let’s dive into their story.

 How Are Pearls Formed?

     

Natural pearls are created when an irritant — like a grain of sand or a parasite — finds its way inside a mollusc (mollusks, specifically oysters). As a natural defence, the mollusc secretes layers of nacre (also called mother-of-pearl), slowly coating the intruder over months or even years. The result? A luminous, one-of-a-kind gem born of patience and protection.

 Types of Pearls: Real vs. Synthetic

1. Real Pearls are of two types, Natural and Cultured

 Natural Pearls:
Rare, formed entirely without human intervention in oceans or rivers. These are incredibly scarce today and mostly found in antique jewellery.

 Cultured Pearls:
"These are real pearls too" — formed in molluscs but with human assistance (an irritant is intentionally inserted). They’re the most common type used in fine jewellery today.

2. Synthetic Pearls:

Also called imitation pearls, these are man-made using glass, plastic, or resin. They may look similar but lack the depth, weight, and shimmer of the real thing — and do not hold long-term value.

 What Are Freshwater Pearls?

Freshwater pearls are cultured in rivers, lakes, and ponds — primarily in China, Japan and United States (Tennessee & Mississippi). They are known for their soft lustre, organic shapes, and wide variety of natural colours like white, ivory, pink, peach, and lavender.

Unlike saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls often don’t have a bead nucleus. This means they are made almost entirely of nacre — giving them a more solid and durable composition.

 Types of Freshwater Pearls Used in Jewellery:

• Button Pearls – Flat on one side, perfect for earrings
• Drop Pearls – Elegant teardrop shape, often used in pendants
• Round Pearls – The rarest and most sought-after freshwater shape
• Baroque Pearls – Irregular and free-form, loved for their uniqueness

                 

 Why Sohvii Chooses Freshwater Pearls

At Sohvii, we believe luxury should feel human — grounded in ethics, care, and artistry. Here’s why freshwater pearls are central to our collections:

• Rich in Variety – We celebrate natural imperfections and individuality.
•  Perfect for Modern Design – Their shapes complement both traditional and                          contemporary styles.
• Symbolic – A pearl is born from adversity — just like the resilient individuals for                    whom we design for
• Ethically Cultured – No harm to the environment or the mollusks.    
• Sustainable – Naturally regenerated, low-impact farming

Each Sohvii pearl piece is selected and tested on SSSLC criteria, ensuring what you wear is truly one of a kind.

 

🔗 Learn more about the SSSLC Quality Criteria for Pearl Selection
- A Collector's Guide to Pearl Quality: The SSSLC Standard

 Did You Know?

• It can take 6 months to 2 years to form a single freshwater pearl.
• No two freshwater pearls are exactly alike — that’s part of their magic.
• Real pearls feel cool to the touch and warm up against your skin.

 Final Thoughts

In a world full of fast fashion and fleeting trends, pearls remind us to slow down, value craftsmanship, and honour nature’s rhythm. At Sohvii, we’re proud to carry that legacy forward — creating jewellery that holds not just beauty, but meaning.