Pearl jewelery, particularly necklaces, has been worn through the centuries. From chokers, to matinee length to pearl ropes, they have symbolized everything from class and elegance to formality and stateliness. Pearls are believed to have been worn for at least 6,000 years and they are as varied as the day is long.

Virtually any shelled mollusk can theoretically and naturally produce a pearl. However, not every pearl has value. Most would have no luster, they would not be attractive nor would they be desirable for use in jewelery. Cultured pearls are grown for use in jewelery. The freshwater pearls with which most people are familiar today have their history in Biwa pearls. Lake Biwa, near Kyoto, is Japan`s largest and oldest lake. Since the early 1900`s, Japanese pearl farmers have grown the cultured freshwater Biwa pearls in the mussels native to that lake.

To grow Biwa pearls, small squares of mother of pearl are inserted into the freshwater clams. These will eventually produce pearls, irregular in shape, that are lustrous and of beautiful color. It takes approximately three years of patience to be rewarded with a Biwa pearl.

Biwa pearls can be purchased as loose stones. They can be purchased in necklaces, earrings, rings virtually any piece of jewelery. Gemstone artists are inspired to combine Biwa pearls with other stones in fabulous settings. If you are drawn to pearl jewelery, you will be drawn to the beauty of Biwa pearls.