Freshwater Rice Pearls

Freshwater Pearls are less lustrous than saltwater pearls and tend to be less expensive.  They differ from other cultured pearls in that they are not bead nucleated but a small piece of mantle tissue from another oyster is used.  The result is a pearl composed of solid nacre, making them quite durable, resisting chipping, wear and degeneration.

Sold as temporary strung 36-40cm 14-16 inches (approx) strands.  PLEASE NOTE:  The beading hole sizes for pearls is traditionally much smaller than for gemstone/semiprecious beads as the most popular traditional stringing method is to use silk thread.  Holes are approx. between 0.3-0.5mm.  The industry standard for measuring pearls is in millimetres through their round diameter - perpendicular to the axis of the drill hole. 

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