Description

Bracelet, Biwa Pearl with Blue Calcite and beaded gemstones on a Drawstring Cord.

Biwa pearls are freshwater cultured pearls originally produced in Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, located in Shiga Prefecture. These pearls became renowned in the mid-20th century for their unique shapes, vibrant luster, and high quality, distinguishing them from traditional saltwater pearls like Akoya, Tahitian, or South Sea pearls.

Unlike perfectly round saltwater pearls, Biwa pearls are often baroque (irregularly shaped), giving them a natural and artistic appearance. They are typically formed in hybrid freshwater mussels without a bead nucleus, resulting in pearls made almost entirely of nacre, which gives them deep, rich luster and excellent durability. Colors can vary from white and pink to lavender, gold, and even bluish hues, depending on the mussel and environmental conditions.

Biwa pearl production began in the 1920s and peaked in the 1970s. However, pollution and environmental degradation of Lake Biwa led to a sharp decline in mussel populations and pearl farming activity by the 1980s. Today, the term “Biwa pearls” is often used more broadly to describe high-quality Japanese freshwater pearls, even if they’re no longer from Lake Biwa itself.

Biwa pearls remain highly prized by jewelers and collectors for their organic beauty, artistic forms, and rarity, especially true vintage pearls from the original lake source.

Bracelet, Wood and Hematite on a Drawstring Cord

Bracelet with Biwa Pearl and Calcite