Since the beginning of time cultured pearls and pearl jewelery 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 cultured 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.