Biwa Pearl

Biwa pearls are freshwater pearls from Lake Biwa in Japan, known for their quality and luster.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: Biwa pearls refer to a specific type of freshwater pearls that were traditionally cultivated in Lake Biwa, a large freshwater lake near Kyoto, Japan. These pearls gained international recognition for their exceptional quality, lustrous sheen, and wide variety of shapes and colors. Unlike saltwater pearls, Biwa pearls come in unique shapes, such as stick or baroque, making them highly sought after for innovative jewelry designs. However, due to pollution issues, true Biwa pearls have become increasingly rare, making them valuable and collectible. The term 'Biwa pearl' is now sometimes generically used to describe freshwater pearls similar in quality and appearance even if they are not sourced from Lake Biwa.