Freshwater pearls form when an irritant such as a grain of sand or piece of shell becomes lodged inside the mantle tissue of a freshwater mussel. To protect itself, the mollusk secretes nacre (also known as mother-of-pearl) around the irritating object. Over time, layers and layers of nacre coat the irritant in forming a pearl.

Freshwater pearls are found in freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds and creeks that have mussels living in them.

Freshwater pearls are not completely impervious to water. The nacre of the pearl is an organic substance, so while it might appear strong and durable, it will deteriorate over time due to exposure to chemicals in tap water. This can cause the nacre to degrade and peel away from the surface of your pearls.

No, you can not wear your freshwater pearl jewelry in the shower. They are too delicate to withstand the harsh chemicals and temperatures of a shower, therefore they will deteriorate faster than other pearl types. Pearls are also very sensitive to pressure, so it's important not to sleep in your pearl jewelry as well.

Also, you want to avoid exposing freshwater pearls to lotions and perfumes. These substances contain chemicals that will change the surface of pearl jewelry rendering it matte or tacky. Also, avoid wearing them in chlorinated water since they are not chlorine-resistant.

If your pearls do get wet, make sure you pat them dry with a clean, soft fabric and allow them to air dry before storing them away.

To preserve their beauty for as long as possible, store your pearls away from other gemstones that might scratch them. Keep your pearl jewelry wrapped in silk or plastic and place them in a compartmentalized jewelry box.

You should wear freshwater pearls only when you plan to remove them at the end of the day, this should minimize their exposure to chemicals and prolong their life.

A good method to clean your freshwater pearls is straightforward. After each usage, use a gentle jewelry cleaning cloth to wipe the pearls down. This will help maintain their luster and reduce dirt build-up. If you notice that they look particularly dirty, try using a damp cloth and leaving them out to dry before storing them back in their proper place.

The primary distinction between saltwater and freshwater pearls is that they form in distinct environments. Freshwater pearls cultivate within freshwater mussels, whereas Japanese Akoya pearls develop inside of Akoya oysters that live in saltwater. Although the process of producing a pearl is somewhat distinct, it consists of the same defensive reaction, in which nacre emits to cover an object.

However, another noticeable difference between Akoya and freshwater pearls is their shape and overall appearance. Japanese Akoya pearls are smoother and more spherical, thus producing a nearly ideal ball form. Freshwater pearls, however, are quite unique since each bead forms somewhat differently and has a bit of a puckered look about it.

Can you wear freshwater pearls in the shower? No, freshwater pearl jewelry is more sensitive to dirt and chemicals. They are also very fragile so take them off at night or when you shower/swim. If they do get wet, be sure to pat them dry with a clean, soft fabric and allow them to air dry before storing them away.