The various types of pearls differ in their luster. Their varied colors depend on the kind of oysters that grew them and the environmental setting in the areas where they are grown. The wide availability of cultured pearls has brought the prices down. Most are affordable except for rare pieces that are collected by actually diving into the deep sea waters.

Freshwater pearl earrings are fashioned from pearls cultured in fresh waters using a special kind of host oyster. Freshwater pearls may be button shaped, rice shaped or a perfect sphere. Most are cultured in the freshwater locations in China. Every color is available because they have a process of introducing dye into the oyster. They all look pretty, but most people will prefer the naturally grown freshwater pearl in white, pink or lavender.