Pearl Farming

How Does a Pearl Form?

A natural pearl forms when a foreign body such as a parasite or or other object lodges itself in the soft body of an oyster. The oyster attempts to protect itself by secreting pearl nacre, a smooth crystalline substance that surrounds and ultimately encases the object. As layer upon layer of nacre is added, the object becomes larger and a pearl is formed. Natural pearls - those for which the irritant finds its way into the oyster's shell solely by acts of nature - are extremely rare nowadays, due to ocean pollution and over-harvesting. When found, they are usually heirloom pieces commanding extraordinarily high prices.

South Sea Pearls

Pearl Cultivation

A little human intervention, however, enables a more controlled method of pearl formation. The results are cultured pearls and represent nearly all pearls on the market today. Pearl cultivation dates back to the turn of the twelfth century. Cultured pearls are formed when a pearl technician inserts a particle called a bead nucleus (usually a small round piece of shell) into an oyster. The pearl oyster is then returned to its habitat and nurtured for up to three or five years, depending on the oyster species.

Pearl Nucleation - A Skilled Profession

Oysters are particularly sensitive creatures, and only about 20% of pearl cultivation results in marketable pearls (Anandia Pearls only markets pearls culled from the top 1 - 2% of production.) The skill of the pearl technician is reflected in the quality and quantity of pearls produced - the painstaking procedure of implanting the nucleus requires talent and precision. Depending on the health and age of an oyster, it may undergo cultivation up to three times.