Pearl Beads – The Bead Traders
Elevate your designs with the timeless elegance of pearl beads. Explore our exquisite collection for a touch of sophistication and beauty.
The Bead Traders — We carry an expert-curated inventory of wholesale beads and jewelry supplies that reflect an attention to quality, trends and style.
History of Cultured Freshwater PearlsAt one time, Scotland was famous for freshwater pearl necklaces, but the Holarctic of mussels that produced them are almost extinct. Japan was the first country to cultivate freshwater pearls, but the species of mussel they were using began to die off. There were attempts to reinvigorate the industry using other mussel hybrids. In the United States, John Latendresse began to produce pearls in Tennessee for a time, but all that remains of that venture is a tourist attraction. China currently has a corner on the market. They originally used the cockscomb pearl mussel (Cristaria plicata), which produced large numbers of small, low quality pearls often referred to as “Rice Krispie Pearls.” About ten years ago, the Chinese pearl producers began using the triangle shell mussel (Hyriopsis cumingii), a species that produces fewer pearls but of much better quality.
Pearl FarmingAt a freshwater pearl farm, the mussels are grafted, or surgically implanted with pearl-producing mantle tissue. The mussel forms a sac at each graft point and the cells in this area begin to secrete nacre, a calcium carbonate compound that builds up over time to produce a pearl. Each mussel produced 24 to 32 pearls, and it takes 6 or 7 years for the pearls to be ready to harvest.
Processing the PearlsFreshwater pearls are usually purchased as a lot before they are harvested. After harvest, the pearls are cleaned and sorted and separated by size and shape. Then they are shipped to a factory where they are treated in warm and cold chemical baths in preparation for dyeing or bleaching. Finally, the pearls are drilled and polished and strung onto strands. The strands are matched into groups of 5 to 10 known as hanks, which are then ready for shipping.
Sizes, Shapes and ColorsFreshwater pearls are famous for their whimsical shapes and their beautiful colors. They are available in many shapes, including potato (almost round), coin, oval, button, biwa (stick), baroque, oval, square, round, rice and melon seed or pear shape. Some freshwater pearls are naturally colored pastels, but they can also be dyed beautiful colors like red, salmon, peacock, lavender, purple, blue, green and various metallics. Copper freshwater pearls look particularly striking when strung with large, chunky nuggets of earthy jasper or chrysoprase. Pale pink pearls together with red garnets or dark pink rhondonite would make beautiful freshwater pearl necklaces.
Best ValueWe at the Bead Traders know the bead business and quality, and after ten years as an online bead seller, we definitely know value. We pledge to provide you with the best beads available while saving you money. Let the Bead Traders stock you up on freshwater pearls and other bead-making supplies.
Great Value Set - Our pearl beads for craft come with 2100 pieces pearl beads with holes in 28 vivid colors include 7 gradient colors and 21 pure
2100 Pcs 6MM Pearl Beads for Jewelry Making, 28 Colors ABS Round Faux Mermaid Pearls Beads with Hole Handcrafted Loose Spacer Beads for DIY Craft
Dark Navy Silver Off Round Large Hole Freshwater Pearl Beads – The
2100 Pcs 6MM Pearl Beads for Jewelry Making, 28 Colors
Back In Stock – The Bead Traders
Pearl Beads – The Bead Traders
ARRICRAFT About 120 Pcs 20mm Large Pearl Beads, Acrylic Round Creamy White
Great Value Set - Our pearl beads for craft come with 2100 pieces pearl beads with holes in 28 vivid colors include 7 gradient colors and 21 pure
2100 Pcs 6MM Pearl Beads for Jewelry Making, 28 Colors ABS Round Faux Mermaid Pearls Beads with Hole Handcrafted Loose Spacer Beads for DIY Craft
Back In Stock – The Bead Traders
20 Three Strand Graduated Navajo Pearls Sterling Silver Necklace by R
2100 Pcs 6MM Pearl Beads for Jewelry Making, 28 Colors
