Dark color are most likely treated, but some factories treat lighter colors in order to strengthen them.

NACRE THICKNESS
Nacre thickness is not as important of a factor in cultured freshwater pearls as it is in saltwater pearls This is because most freshwater pearls do not have a shell nucleus. When one is present, the nacre is usually

thicker than in Akoya pearls. One of the biggest selling points of freshwater pearls is that they usually havt a higher percentage of pearl nacre than their saltwater counterparts.

Freshwater pearls typically cost less than saltwater pearls. Low prices, though, don't necessarily mea low quality. Some $20 strands of Chinese freshwater pearls have a better luster, more orient and a highe percentage of pearl nacre than the majority of cultured saltwater pearls on the market today. Therefore don't Therefore don't just judge pearls by their price tag. Consider their luster, their color, their uniqueness. If you do, you'll discover that freshwater pearls offer great variety, beauty and value.