Natural Pearls:
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Formation: Natural pearls are formed naturally inside oysters and other mollusks when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, gets trapped inside the mollusk's body. In response, the mollusk secretes nacre (a combination of calcium carbonate and protein) to coat the irritant, forming layers over time and creating a pearl.
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Rarity: Natural pearls are exceptionally rare and valuable because they occur spontaneously in nature and are not cultivated or farmed.
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Size and shape: Natural pearls are often smaller and can have irregular shapes due to the natural process of formation.
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Luster: They have a unique and exquisite luster due to the gradual and organic buildup of nacre layers.
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Colors: Natural pearls come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, black, grey, and more, depending on the type of mollusk and the environment in which they were formed.
Freshwater Pearls:
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Formation: Freshwater pearls are also formed inside mollusks, but unlike natural pearls, they are cultivated or farmed. Cultured freshwater pearls are created by inserting a piece of mantle tissue from one mussel into the mantle tissue of another mussel, stimulating the secretion of nacre and the formation of a pearl.
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Abundance: Freshwater pearls are more abundant than natural pearls because they are cultivated in large quantities.
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Size and shape: They can be larger than natural pearls and often have a more regular and consistent shape, as they are nucleated intentionally during the cultivation process.
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Luster: While freshwater pearls can have a good luster, it may not be as rich and deep as that of natural pearls.
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Colors: Freshwater pearls are known for their wide range of colors, including white, pink, lavender, and various pastel shades.
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Cost: Freshwater pearls are generally more affordable compared to natural pearls due to their availability and the farming process.
In summary, the main differences between natural pearls and freshwater pearls lie in their formation process, rarity, luster, size, shape, and cost. Natural pearls are rare and formed in nature without human intervention, while freshwater pearls are cultured and more abundant, making them more accessible and affordable to a broader market.