Cultured Pearls: A Little Human Intervention
Just as with the natural pearl, a cultured pearl is formed when some sort of small object or irritant
becomes embedded in the tissue of an oyster or bivalve mollusks. In response, the mollusk secretes nacre, which is a combination of
crystalline and organic substances but is primarily calcium carbonate. As the nacre builds up in layers, it surrounds the irritant and
eventually forms a pearl. In contrast to natural pearls, which form more or less by chance, cultured pearls are created with a human
helping hand. By actually inserting a foreign object into the tissue of an oyster or mollusk, pearl farmers can induce the creation of a
pearl. After the introduction of the foreign matter, the same natural process of pearl creation takes place. The only difference is that
in the one case, the process was begun accidentally; while in the other case, it was begun intentionally. In cultured pearls, the irritant
is typically a cut piece of the mantle epithelium, together with processed shell beads, the combination of which the animal accepts into its
body.
Culturing Pearls Begins in Japan
19th and 20th century cultured pearls are primarily the result of discoveries made by Japanese researchers, and can be attributed mainly
to the work of Kokichi Mikimoto. While it is true that some cultures had long been able to artificially stimulate
freshwater mollusks into producing a type of pearl, these pearls created in this way were generally
hemispherical mabes, as opposed to actual round pearls. Mikimoto discovered an exact procedure for inducing the creation of a round pearl
within the tissue of an oyster. This discovery revolutionized the pearl industry, because it allowed pearl farmers to accurately and reliably
farm large numbers of very high quality pearls.
Cultured Pearls: Easily Controlled With Nucleation
In contrast to natural pearls, which have widely varying shapes, sizes, and qualities, and which are
difficult to find, cultured pearls are easily designed from the start to be round and fairly flawless. This is because nucleated cultured
pearls tend to follow the shape of the implanted shell bead nucleus. Once the pre-formed beads are inserted into the oyster, it secretes from
a few layers to many layers of nacre around the outside surface of the implant before it is removed. The mollusks are monitored during the
nacre creation period, from six months to several years. This monitoring occurs while each pearl becomes fully formed, thus better insuring
their health and survival of the pearl and the mollusk. This technique accommodates pearls being grown by the tens of thousands in designated
pearl beds by pearl farmers. It should be acknowledged that Mikimoto’s revolutionary techniques took much of the chance, risk, and guesswork
out of the pearl industry. This allowed the pearl industry to become stable and predictable, and fostered its rapid growth over the past
century. Today the cultured pearl industry has successfully replaced the natural pearl industry, turning the natural gems of old into
collectors' pieces.
From the Land
From the Sea
Jeweled Fusion
Learn about the pearls, keshi pearl, gem, gemstones, and gold we use in our necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
We cordially invite you to Experience Jeweled Fusion of Land and Sea where we combine shimmering precious and semi-precious
gemstones with lustrous pearls and keshi pearls to create exquisit handmade designer jewelry.
