Freshwater pearl is pearl which has formed in the shells of freshwater mollusks, commonly mussels. Initially, freshwater pearls were not as highly prized as saltwater pearls, but advances in culturing techniques for pearls have led to a higher demand for freshwater pearls.
Freshwater pearl comes from mussels that are farmed in ponds, lakes and rivers. A freshwater pearl starts as a small 'seed' placed in the shell of a triangle shell mollusk. The majority of cultured freshwater pearls come from China, where techniques have led to cultured pearl which is almost indistinguishable from natural pearl.

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