Since the beginning of time pearls and pearl jewellery have always been
revered as one of the most beautiful and magical gems known to man. Pearls
are unlike any other gemstones. Most other gemstones have to be mined from
the earth and then cut and polished to bring out their natural beauty.
Pearls, on the contrary are made naturally and need no cutting or polishing,
they are born perfect. During the natural process Pearls are created when a
foreign object enters the shell of an oyster or other mollusc.

The next step in this process is that the mollusc cannot expel the foreign
object and so must protect itself against it. The creature does this by
secreting a smooth hard crystalline substance known as nacre. As long as
the foreign object stays within the mollusc the creature continues to coat
it and a pearl is born. This is how natural pearls are created. Cultured
pearls are no different expect for the first
step. In order to speed up the
process and ensure results man has stepped in and pearl manufacturers
introduce foreign objects into oyster and mollusc and wait!

Every year pearl manufacturers implant millions of oysters and molluscs, but
not all live to bear an illustrious pearl. On average about 50% of the
harvest will perish. Of the remaining 50%, about 20% of these will bear
saleable pearls.

So although cultured pearls are not in the same price league as natural
pearls they still are valuable and high valued. Pearls are ideal for
classic jewellery such as necklaces and chokers and can be traditional
bridal jewellery. Pearls also make excellent earrings with the choice of
stud earrings or drop styles. Pearls are also manufactured into rings and
bracelets. It's good to see that pearls are no longer though of as old
fashioned. With the rise of south sea pearls and Chinese and Japanese
cultured pearls in an array of colours, never has there been as much choice.