Freshwater Pearls Explained
Buying guide
Freshwater pearls grow in mussels in lakes and rivers, and almost all on sale today are cultured. They come in many shapes and soft colours, have a gentle lustre and usually cost less than saltwater pearls, so they make an easy everyday pearl. Our Lulu collection pairs freshwater pearls with pearl-shaped beads of 18K yellow gold: the Lulu Pearl Choker is AED 4,000 and the Lulu Pearl Earrings AED 3,950 (November 2026).
Shop the Lulu Pearl Choker18K gold · Free delivery in the UAE · Pay in instalments with Tabby or Tamara (UAE and KSA) · Help on WhatsApp
By Lana Al Kamal
Founder and jewellery designer, GIA-trained, Dubai · Updated 13 November 2026
As featured in
Harper's Bazaar ArabiaEmirates WomanGrazia ArabiaJdeed MagazineKey takeaways
- Freshwater pearls grow in freshwater mussels; almost all sold today are cultured, with soft colours and varied shapes.
- They are softer than gemstones: wear them last, take them off first, and wipe them with a soft cloth.
- Our Lulu pieces pair freshwater pearls with 18K yellow gold beads, from AED 3,200 to AED 4,000 (November 2026).
Freshwater and saltwater pearls compared
| Freshwater | Saltwater (for example Akoya, South Sea) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where they grow | Mussels in lakes and rivers | Oysters in the sea |
| Shape | Often slightly off-round or baroque | More often round |
| Lustre | Soft, satiny | Often sharper and more mirror-like |
| Price | Usually lower | Usually higher |
General guide; quality varies within each type. The Gulf has a long history of natural saltwater pearl diving.
Pieces in this guide
Lulu Pearl ChokerAED 4,000Shop now
Lulu Pearl EarringsAED 3,950Shop now
Lulu Pearl AnkletAED 3,200Shop now
Our Lulu pearl pieces
| Piece | Pearl weight | Price (Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Lulu Pearl Anklet | 10.5 ct | AED 3,200 |
| Lulu Pearl Bracelet | 10.5 ct | AED 3,500 |
| Lulu Pearl Ring | 0.8 ct | AED 3,900 |
| Lulu Pearl Earrings | 1.7 ct | AED 3,950 |
| Lulu Pearl Choker | 26.13 ct | AED 4,000 |
How to care for pearls
- Last on, first off. Put pearls on after perfume, make-up and hairspray, and take them off before anything else.
- Wipe after wearing. A soft dry or slightly damp cloth removes skin oils. Never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
- Store them flat and apart. Pearls scratch easily, so keep them in a soft pouch away from diamonds and metal.
- Keep them out of water. Take them off for swimming, showers and the gym.
What to buyLulu Pearl Choker, AED 4,000Pearls or mother of pearl?
A pearl grows inside the shell; mother of pearl is the shiny lining of the shell itself, cut into shapes. Our mother of pearl guide explains the difference. For other natural materials, see our malachite guide, and for care of coloured gold pieces, our enamel care guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are freshwater pearls?
Pearls that grow in mussels in lakes and rivers. Almost all sold today are cultured.
Are freshwater pearls real pearls?
Yes. Cultured freshwater pearls are real pearls grown by a living mussel; they are not imitation.
Are freshwater pearls good quality?
They can be very good. They usually cost less than saltwater pearls and suit everyday wear.
How do I clean freshwater pearls?
Wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing. Avoid chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners and soaking.
How much are Lana Al Kamal pearl pieces?
From AED 3,200 for the Lulu Pearl Anklet to AED 4,000 for the Lulu Pearl Choker, in November 2026.
Not sure which one?
Send our team a photo or a question on WhatsApp and we will help you choose.
WhatsApp our teamKeep reading
Malachite Stone: Meaning, Properties and Care in Gold Jewellery
Mother of Pearl Jewellery: What It Is and How to Care for It
Enamel in Fine Jewellery: What It Is and How to Care for It
About Lana Al Kamal
Lana Al Kamal is an architect and jewellery designer who founded her Dubai-based fine jewellery brand in 2018. She studied at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and is a member of the Dubai Chamber jewellery designers group. Most pieces are made in 18K gold.