Thai Pearls

fresh water = fresh water (as opposed to seawater)

I brought back a cultured pearl necklace from BKK. Is it true there are farms? What does the term "Fresh water" mean? Everyone around me has their own take. Thanks for your answers. L30

I know of a pearl farm on Koh-Nakha Noi, a tiny island off Phuket. There are no hotels there—just three luxury bungalows. The site is a protected nature reserve, and boats aren’t allowed without permission or to stray from the marked route to reach the island. The waters there are incredibly clear, and you often spot dolphins in the area. You can spend the day there—there’s just one lovely waterfront restaurant. You can visit the pearl cultivation center and even buy some at the small shop. Here’s a map to locate the spot (red arrow).

Thanks to Lepiaf and to you.

It seems the necklace I brought back is made of freshwater pearls, so not from a saltwater farm like on the little island near Phuket. A jeweler in BKK (not where I bought the necklace) told me that freshwater pearls were more expensive than the others. Is that accurate?

A jeweler in BKK (not the one where I bought the necklace) told me that freshwater pearls were more expensive than others. Is that true?

I don’t know, but I’m sure a VF expert in this field will answer your question.

Sorry you got scammed—these are the cheapest of cultured pearls because they’re less lustrous and less round than saltwater pearls. Most come from China, which says it all… To learn more: http://www.perles.tv/perles-eau-douce.html

The site you just sent me is really interesting. I skimmed through it because there’s a lot of stuff. I’ll print it out and take a closer look once I’ve finished my foie gras. Thanks a lot. L30

P.S. As for the famous necklace, even though it’s from China and made of freshwater pearls, I really like it. The pearls are even, a beautiful color, and even with a nice gold clasp, it didn’t cost me much. L30.

You're making me hungry with your foie gras—luckily, I've already stuffed myself... You're right, the only thing that really matters is the pleasure you get from your purchase, not just its monetary value ;)

In your case, it's a scammy "mot" (word/thing). In professional circles, "mot" means "free"—it's a more natural form of culture because they don’t force the oyster to produce a perfectly round or perfectly colored pearl. It’s a bit like battery-farmed chickens versus free-range ones that roam the ground. But in Bangkok, most pearls come from China, so it’s not easy to tell what’s what in this field. On the other hand, Myanmar occasionally produces real wild pearls, and that’s when you hit the jackpot!

I was surprised you hadn’t shared your opinion on this post. Well, here it is. As I told the Swiss traveler, even with freshwater pearls from China, I really like this necklace. However, could you explain the first three sentences of your post? I don’t understand what you mean. Thanks. L30

I think you’ve all corrected the big verb mistake by now. It’s definitely the verb *to have*, not *to be*. My apologies for that. L30

hi, I'm heading to Thailand next month and in my itinerary I'd like to visit a pearl farm, but around Ko Samui (Ko Mat Sum). I've been told there are permits required—where do you get them and how do you go about getting them?

Has anyone been to Ko Mat Sum pearl farm and can tell me more about it? Thanks in advance!

Hey,

If you're heading to Phuket, check out the map I posted a few messages up—it’s gorgeous, and what a beautiful beach too! On the other hand, I don’t know Koh-Mat at all.

Thanks for your reply, but I’m not going to Phuket—I’m heading to Koh Samui and Koh Madsum. Koh Madsum is just below Koh Samui, but maybe the pearl farm you mentioned isn’t far from Koh Phi Phi since I’ll be going there afterward.

Hi Bardot, I’d like to visit the pearl farm on Koh Nakha Noi. Do we need to book in advance, or can we just show up once we’re on the island? Is it easy to find?

Hi Bardot, I’d like to visit the pearl farm on Koh Nakha Noi. Do we need to book in advance, or can we just show up once we’re on the island? Is it easy to find?

. Hi there,

Actually, no—you can’t go on your own. The best way is to visit a travel agency and ask for a day-trip ticket, since this area is very protected and it’s really worth the visit.

At any agency, even one in Krabi? Is there a charge?

Hi there, starting from PHUKET (not Krabi), the island is less than 2 km from the coast. Check directly on the company's website - pearl farm: https://www.phuketpearl.com/

Thanks! It’s pretty expensive though!

hi Yes, but there’s a tasting at the end. Don’t forget to bring your lemon because it’s not included.

Well, no, they give you the lime too!!

Great question, and I see you’ve fallen into the same confusion as quite a few people after a trip to Asia—especially in Bangkok, where the markets are full of jewelry labeled "cultured pearls." I also brought back a cultured pearl necklace from there a few years ago, and I did some digging afterward because, like you, I was hearing all sorts of contradictory things.

Yes, pearl farms do exist in Thailand, particularly around Phuket and in the southern part of the country. They mostly produce freshwater pearls. It’s a real industry, even if Thailand isn’t the world’s biggest producer. In Asia, the leaders are still China (for freshwater pearls), Japan, and the Philippines (for Akoya and South Sea pearls).

The term "freshwater" literally means "eau douce"—these pearls come from mussels cultivated in lakes, rivers, or artificial ponds, unlike saltwater pearls, which are produced by oysters living in the sea. Freshwater pearls are generally more affordable, a bit less uniform in shape, but nowadays, some are truly stunning in quality. They’re often used for necklaces sold in Thailand because they allow for beautiful jewelry at more accessible prices.

What often confuses people is the term "cultured pearl," which can be misunderstood. A cultured pearl, whether freshwater or saltwater, is a real pearl—but it’s created with human intervention: a nucleus (or a piece of tissue for freshwater pearls) is inserted into the mollusk, which then produces nacre around it.

If your necklace is labeled "freshwater cultured pearls," it’s very likely from a farm, and that’s not an issue—so long as it’s well-made, the pearls are shiny, and there aren’t too many imperfections, it’s a fantastic souvenir.

You could also do a quick home test: rub two pearls together. If they catch a little, like "grains of sand," they’re real pearls. If it’s too smooth, watch out for plastic or glass imitations.

Anyway, keep your necklace safe—it’s probably a real cultured pearl necklace, and a lovely nod to your time in BKK! 😊