| What is a Pearl? | | | | become a regular activity in many parts of the |
| In simple terms, a pearl is essentially genetically | | | | world. Cultivation is done by the breeding of |
| spherical, hard item, which is created within the | | | | seawater ousters in a controlled environment. The |
| mantle or living tissue of a shelled mollusk. They | | | | harvested ones are used to manufacture |
| are similar in content to the shell as both of them | | | | exquisite and shiny jewelry for women. Stocks of |
| are produced from calcium carbonate. This calcium | | | | these are also stitched on clothes to give them a |
| carbonate is deposited in concentric layers that | | | | more regal look. |
| exhibit crystalline properties. | | | | Nevertheless, this practice was mostly popular in |
| They usually have a smooth texture apart from | | | | the past. Coming back to the present uses of |
| being perfect round in shape. However, they are | | | | these organic materials, crushed pearl is also used |
| available in wide number, which are known as | | | | in paint formulations, medicines and cosmetics. |
| baroque pearls. | | | | Why Pearl Farming? |
| Why Are Pearls so Expensive? | | | | The demand for these gems has increased |
| They are quite precious because they are | | | | tremendously over the past few decades. This |
| extremely rare. Most of these precious shelled | | | | has forced cultivators to come up with newer |
| mollusks can be found out there in the wild. They | | | | techniques of producing good quality gems in high |
| are used for commercial purposes as are derived | | | | numbers. Today this farming process has become |
| or farmed from oysters. Usually, the best quality | | | | a much more scientific procedure where a nucleus |
| is considered to be of great value as they are | | | | or core is placed within the oyster. It takes quite |
| used as gemstones. | | | | a few years time before these oysters are |
| Difference between Pearls from Saltwater | | | | harvested for retrieving the gem formed within |
| Oysters and Fresh Water Oysters | | | | their shell. |
| Not all oyster pearls have the same value in the | | | | Identification of Pearls |
| market. The ones produced by saltwater oysters | | | | Identification of authentic gemstones like pearls |
| are more valued than the ones formed by fresh | | | | has become extremely important. Gemstone |
| water oysters. Although there are some | | | | Identification is particularly important for |
| inexpensive artificial replacements of these, they | | | | distinguishing precious gemstones from |
| are not as spectacular as the real ones. Moreover, | | | | semi-precious gemstones. |
| they can be easily distinguished from original | | | | Gemologists use their analytical skills and market |
| seawater ones. | | | | experience to perform this task but some times |
| Oysters found in freshwater usually take two to | | | | even the best gemologists fail to identify the real |
| seven years to yield the gem while those found in | | | | gem. Most gemstones are synthetically enhanced |
| South Sea or Tahitian salt waters take about two | | | | to increase their market value. There are many |
| to four years. Once the pearl is obtained, it is | | | | websites in the internet which provide information |
| passes through some chemical processing before | | | | on these gems. They help users to identify the |
| being sent for use in commercial purposes. | | | | true content of the these mollusks apart from |
| How is Pearl Cultivation Done? | | | | enlightening them about the enhancement process |
| Over the years, the act of cultivation has | | | | used to create such pearls. |