Pearls and Cultured Pearls:
Cultured Pearls Defined
A cultured pearl is any pearl grown with the influence of human intervention. Whereas natural pearls are formed by chance, the formation of cultured pearls is induced. By inserting a foreign object into an oyster or mollusk, pearl farmers can induce the creation of a pearl. From there, the same process of natural pearl creation takes place.
Natural Pearls vs. Cultured Pearls
A pearl is formed when a small irritant or parasite penetrates and lodges in the mantle tissue of a mollusk. In response, a substance called nacre is secreted, and the creation of a pearl begins. Nacre is a combination of crystalline and organic substances. The nacre builds up in layers, as it surrounds the irritant to protect the mollusk, and after a few years, this build up of nacre forms a pearl. It is this nacre, surrounding this irritant that gives pearls their characteristic beautiful luster that makes them so unique and desirable.
To create a cultured pearl, a pearl farmer will insert a small irritant into the oyster or mollusk, thereby provoking it's natural response to surround it with layer after layer of nacre. The process is identical to that of naturally made Pearls, the only difference is how the irritant was introduced. Creating a cultured pearl can take from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the type and size of pearl, and it requires both constant care and clean, pure water. Naturally made pearls are less abundant than many gemstones, because of the specific conditions they require to form. Cultured Pearls have the same composition, characteristics, and properties and therefore offer the same beauty and prestige. However because they can be farmed in greater numbers, they're often much more affordable. It's because of this that the majority of pearls today are cultured.
Types of Pearls
Cultured pearls can be either freshwater or saltwater, depending on the type of oyster or mollusk and on the climate in which they were created.
Freshwater pearls are more common than most other types of pearls, and therefore are less expensive. Available in many different shapes, freshwater pearls also come in many different shades of colors, and are sometimes also dyed to create bright and vivid hues.
Saltwater pearls are sought-after more than freshwater pearls, and are also slightly more expensive, as they are not as numerous. In addition, there are several different types of Saltwater Pearls, each varying from one another both in appearance and origin. Akoya pearls are the most popular saltwater pearls. They are round and white, sometimes with a light rose tint, and are commonly used for the classic string of pearls and pearl earrings. The larger and more valuable Tahitian pearls and South Sea pearls are also popular saltwater pearls, and come in a wide range of colors including peacock, golden, black, and white.
Mother of Pearl is made from the inside shell of a pearl producing oyster or mollusk. Despite actually being a shell, Mother of Pearl is made of nacre, the same substance which oysters or mollusks build up in layers to produce pearls.
