Freshwater pearls

Make your own jewellery with freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls – or cultured pearls that many like to call them – hide in the centre of freshwater mussels. The pearls are a product of the mussel’s natural defence mechanism. When a foreign object sneaks into the mussel and sticks to the shell wall, the mussel begins to produce a mother of pearl, which encapsulates the foreign object and prevents it from making further damage to the shell of the mussel.

With beautiful, genuine freshwater pearls, you can easily make jewellery for yourself, your children, and loved ones that looks professional and elegant – even with just a few tools. Jewellery made using cultured freshwater pearls is timeless. That's why you can go to any jewellery store and find several different pieces of jewellery in various price classes that will include freshwater pearls.

Therefore, here at Creativ Company, we have also made sure to have a selection of freshwater pearls in different sizes, shapes, and even in different colours. Of course, we also have all the equipment you need to start your own little jewellery workshop at home, or maybe in your school’s hobby room. You will also find all the tools, ear hooks , brass wire, cutting nippers, flat-nose pliers, etc. that you need.

On this page you can also read about everything you might need when making freshwater pearl jewellery. Among other things, we will tell you what you can use the sought-after pearls for, what you need to make your first piece of jewellery, and then we will give you examples of the 'instructions’ you can find in our catalogue of ideas  for handmade jewellery here in the shop.

What can I do with freshwater pearls?

Freshwater pearls have an undeniably elegant sheen that exudes exclusivity and is timeless. They also have the unique ability to work beautifully with both gold and silver. So no matter what precious metal you prefer to wear, there are endless possibilities for what you can do with freshwater pearls.

Here are just a few examples to start with:

• Knotted bracelets with freshwater pearls.
• Hanging earrings
• Stud Earrings
• Pearl bracelet
• Complete, matching jewellery set with earrings, bracelet and necklace.

There are countless creative, exciting, and both easy and complex combinations available when working with freshwater pearls. Wear them alone, with glass beads, or with different purchased or homemade charms. In addition, you can combine several different sizes and colours, for example the classic white culture of freshwater pearls and colourful pearls.

It is super cosy and satisfying when you can put on jewellery that you have made yourself. Plus, they can double as great gifts for your loved ones.

What do I need?

There is no single answer for what you need to make jewellery from freshwater pearls. Of course, a number of basic equipment and tools will be required. Then the materials depend on what you want to make. For example, you don't need the same materials for a pair of earrings that you need for a knotted bracelet.

If you have never tried to make your own jewellery before, the best way to start is to find inspiration in our catalogue of ideas. In the catalogue, you can just click on what you want to try. On the page you are directed to, you will receive thorough instructions with pictures and text, as well as a list that shows you exactly what you need for this specific piece of jewellery.

For earrings, you must use either ear hooks or ear studs, while a bracelet may require end caps, wire, etc. Here, a jewellery making starter kit can be very practical, as it gives you all the basic bits and pieces that needed for making well-functioning jewellery with a beautiful finish.

Do you want to make a beautiful pearl necklace using mother of pearl? Then, besides wire and tools, you also need wire clamps, knot concealers and locks. You can see an example of a step-by-step guide .

In addition, it is quite popular to combine natural freshwater pearls with either glass beads, other jewellery charms, or gold/silver beads. Take a look at these bracelets, where several different kinds of pretty pearls have been combined.

Please a loved one

Jewellery making is a modern activity that can be learned by everyone. For example, when you feel ready, try a small jewellery-making workshop with your friends. It can also be a fun activity for a birthday, a children’s birthday, a bachelorette birthday, a bachelorette weekend, and as a way to spend time on an ordinary Sunday.

Delight your loved ones with homemade jewellery or by inviting them to make some with you. We love jewellery making. That’s why the handmade jewellery section is so big in our catalogue of ideas.

You could also give a jewellery starter kit to someone you think would love to express their creative abilities in that direction. It is a gift that brings joy to children, young people, and the elderly. There is nothing like wearing a piece of jewellery, garment, or bag that one has made oneself.

Freshwater pearl facts – cultured pearls

In conclusion, here are some facts about what cultured freshwater pearls are. Freshwater pearls naturally occur in the ocean in freshwater mussels, as we also mentioned at the beginning of this post. Cultured pearls are also genuine and created in mussels but, unlike the naturally occurring ones, cultured pearls are raised and bred in mussel arms in China and elsewhere. This creates genuine, beautiful freshwater pearls that are perfect for contemporary jewellery designs.

Don't forget to take good care of your freshwater pearls. They are natural, accessible, and therefore also susceptible to external influences. In order to keep their beautiful shine, it is therefore a good idea to keep them away from products such as perfume and hairspray. You can also keep them beautiful by cleaning them regularly. To do this, wipe them with a torn cloth with lukewarm water. This helps to maintain the pearlescent shine of the pearls.

We hope you’ve got the courage to get started. We wish you a heartfelt and happy crafting of your own unique freshwater pearl jewellery.