Freshwater Pearl Magic

Cultured pearls remain a hot topic in the jewelry design and editorial world. Rising stars continue to find new favor with the oft-considered-matronly gem, setting it into modern styles for a new generation of collectors. And while the producer community abroad has its own challenges, demand still soars for pearls in finished goods.

Jewelry makers continue to capitalize on their popularity, particularly in cultured freshwater pearls. These are largely grown in lakes and rivers in China and are the only cultured pearls that can be found in joyful natural colors like pink, purple, and peach (as well as white). Freshwater pearls require less growing time than saltwater pearls and are therefore less costly for growers and more affordable for consumers.

Royal Chain

For spring, many jewelry manufacturers are leaning into the femininity of pearls in colors, silhouettes, and motifs.

Consider the newest collection from the Royal Chain Group: bow-accented jewels with freshwater pearls.

“We found these two design elements were not only trending but complementary to each other–this created a uniquely feminine look that’s playful while still sophisticated,” says Phillip Gabriel Maroof, creative director and designer.

White pearls are the most traditional and speak to themes of purity and renewal. These reasons are likely why nearly every woman in the world has a strand of white pearls and why retailers continue to order them in short strands as well as in “fashion items that combine gold with pearl, such as pendants and earrings,” continues Maroof. “Freshwater pearls are our best-selling type of cultured pearl jewelry we offer—we believe its classic color and shape is a highly versatile element in our designs.”

        Mastoloni Pearls

Another feminine look in pearls beyond color and paired motifs lies in jewelry proportions; lighter weight and smaller numbers with negative space are another way to interest female shoppers and keep costs down in pricier karat gold designs these days. This is the recent direction for Mastoloni Pearls which released modest, airy styles with small cultured white pearls and diamond accents. Several new pairs of earrings feature these components for retail prices well under $1,000.

“Pearl stud earrings are a tried-and-true gift because of their timeless elegance, versatility, and universal appeal,” says Fran Mastoloni, principal, Mastoloni Pearls. “They complement any outfit, from casual to formal, they never go out of style, and there is a stud look for everyone, making them the go-to choice for gifting.”

And perhaps the most feminine pearl gift of all is the one that is pink! Imperial Pearl has this in abundance. Many of its new styles are priced to move, like Mastoloni’s merchandise, at price points that hover just under and over the $500 retail mark.

Imperial

“This year we are debuting our jumbo pink pearl and sterling silver collection,” explains Kathy Grenier, vice president of business development at Imperial. “Pink is always a popular and important color, and 2025 finds pink hotter than ever. This lovely hue is found in fashion, textiles, weddings and home decor. Our designs are bold and easy to wear, and sterling silver keeps them affordable while catering to the rising popularity of silver. The large, natural-color freshwater cultured pearls have a beautiful luster and a pretty presence that make a fabulous gift for anyone.”