The price-value anomaly is obvious to consumers as they hasten to buy Chinese freshwater bargains. Indeed, pearls from freshwater mussels lie at the center of the liveliest activity in pearling today.

Chinese pearls came mainly from freshwater rivers and ponds, whereas Japanese pearls were found near the coast in salt water. Nearly all the pearls in commerce originated from those few sources.

The largest Scottish freshwater pearl found in living memory is being ... with bids also accepted online. Ruth Davis, Lyon and Turnbull head of jewellery, said: “The Cairncross Collection ...

Baroque pearls take centre stage in the hands of Mary MacGill, who suspends freshwater pearls on delicate, hammered gold wire. Japanese brand The 'Vit sources its pearls in Japan, pairing them with ...