Glossary

Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are primarily cultivated in lakes and rivers. They come from freshwater mollusks and can be less lustrous than their saltwater counterparts although, in the past ten years, there have been marked improvements in the cultivating techniques. It is becoming more and more difficult to tell the difference between freshwater pearls and their saltwater cousins. These pearls appear in a wide variety of shapes and colors, and they tend to be less expensive than saltwater pearls, making them quite popular. Freshwater pearls are very durable, resisting chipping, wear, and degeneration.

Luster
Luster is a term to describe and qualify the reflective quality of the surface of a pearl. It is considered one of the most important factors determining pearl value. The more mirror-like the pearl surface, high luster, the higher the quality and value. Low luster pearls are white or chalky. Luster is related to the thickness and quality of the outer layers of nacre which capture and reflect light.