No, they are different. Freshwater pearl refers to where the pearl came from originally and cultured pearl refers to an artistic technique that is done to the pearl in production.

Generally a natural pearl is more valuable than a cultured pearl of similar size because they are much rarer. These days nearly all pearl jewellery is made from cultured pearls from pearl farms in places like Darwin, Australia.

yes

Norine C. Reece has written:

'The cultured pearl' -- subject(s): Cultured pearls, Pearl industry and trade

Cultured pearls are pearls which are created by a pearl farmer. If you are looking for cultured pearl jewelry, which is much cheaper then natural pearl jewelry, you can find them at most jewelers, or even professionally appraised strands or earrings at your local Costco's jewelry department.