What is a Freshwater Pearl?
Freshwater pearls are created by freshwater mussels in lakes, rivers, and ponds. Today, most freshwater pearls on the market come from rivers and lakes in China, although the USA and Japan have a small fraction of the market.
A freshwater mussel produces up to 50 pearls at a time (compared to the two to five pearls that saltwater oysters can contain).
Where Can I Buy Freshwater Pearls In South Africa?
Perles Par Rousseau – The Pearl Specialist Est 1990
Address: No.2, Le Coetzenburg, 15 Church St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5 pm
Phone: +27 82 658 0461
Seal the deal jewellery
Marios Jewellers
Address: Shop 158, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century Blvd, Century City, Cape Town, 7446, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 9 pm
Phone: +27 21 551 8636
Timeless Pearls
Address: 36 Lategan Street, Penzance Estate, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa
Phone: +27 82 686 9783
How much do real pearls cost in South Africa?
Natural pearls can range in price from around R500 right up to hundreds of thousands of rands for top quality South Sea pearls, for instance.
A natural pearl pendant once owned by Marie Antoinette recently fetched a mind-boggling 36 million US dollars at auction, or approximately 539 million Rand!
How long do freshwater pearls last?
These durable and dependable gemstones will last a lifetime if you take good care of them. Like all precious jewelry, it’s best to protect your freshwater pearls from water, sweat, harsh chemicals, and rough materials. You can clean them with a damp or dry microfiber cloth.