Rare and beautiful
Mississippi River Pearls

Hidden within the depths of the Mississippi River, certain clams create exquisite natural pearls. These one-of-a-kind treasures were often stumbled upon by clam diggers working in the pearl button industry. Each pearl’s shape, hue, and brilliance is a masterpiece of nature, unlike any cultured gem.

Natural Mississippi river pearls are rare and unique gemstones that can be used to create stunning custom jewelry designs. Unlike cultured pearls, which are created by implanting an irritant into a mussel, natural river pearls form organically when a mussel deposits layers of nacre around a piece of grit. This natural process results in pearls with a variety of beautiful shapes, colors, and lusters, making each piece one-of-a-kind.

In 1884, a German immigrant named J.F. Boepple established the Mississippi River pearl button industry. Leveraging his expertise from his homeland, he capitalized on the region’s abundant mussel supply. By 1890, Muscatine had become internationally recognized as the “Pearl Button Capital of the World,” boasting 43 button-related businesses that employed a workforce of 2,500.

The dwindling mussel population in the Mississippi River has made natural pearls from the river an increasingly rare and coveted treasure. Their scarcity contributes to their exceptional value and desirability among collectors. If you seek a truly unique and timeless piece of jewelry, a custom design featuring a natural Mississippi River pearl offers unparalleled beauty and a captivating story.

Lake Pepin (a natural widening of the Mississippi river) harbor clams that produce a natural pearl both unique and beautiful. Each pearl purchased from local clammers has an individual hue, shape and luster not found in cultured pearls. Mounted in rings, pendants, and earrings of your choice, Lake Pepin Pearls will become treasured keepsakes.