Biwi & Keishi Fresh Water Pearls

Sometimes called the Biwa Pearl, Biwi Baroque Fresh Water Pearls are one of Japan’s six types of pearls. The Biwi Fresh Water Pearls formed when Japanese pearl farmers experimented with freshwater mussels in Lake Biwi—near Kyoto, Japan. Crops of Biwi Baroque Fresh Water Pearls began appearing in the 1930s. Back then, the lake produced large quantities of the highly sought after, all-nacre Biwi Coin Pearls and Keishi Pearls.

Forming in unique and glorious colors not seen to that date, the Biwi Coin Pearls and Keishi Pearls had a luster and luminescence that appealed to the masses. The Biwi pearl became so popular, that until the past decade or so, all freshwater pearls were referred to as Biwi Pearls.

But in the U.S., referring to non-Biwi pearls as authentic Biwi is now illegal. That’s why when you order wholesale Biwi Fresh Water Pearls from A Grain of Sand, you know you’re getting authentic Biwi Pearls unless stated otherwise.

Browse our selection of wholesale Biwi Fresh Water Pearls below. Order today!