What type of pearls are rice pearls specifically categorized under?

Rice pearls are specifically categorized as freshwater cultured pearls. These pearls are produced by freshwater mollusks, primarily mussels, and are characterized by their small, rounded shape, resembling grains of rice, which gives them their name.

Freshwater cultured pearls are created through the cultivation of pearl-producing mollusks, typically in lakes, rivers, and other bodies of freshwater. Unlike saltwater pearls, which come from oysters and usually have a more rounded shape, rice pearls are often more irregular and a bit smaller. This is due to the specific harvesting and culturing processes employed in freshwater environments.

When distinguishing rice pearls from other types, it’s important to note that they are distinct from natural pearls, which develop without human intervention, and saltwater pearls, which are cultivated in ocean environments. Hybrid pearls, although mentioned in the options, do not pertain to rice pearls, as rice pearls are exclusively linked to the freshwater cultured category.