How Pearls are Made
The formation of a pearl is a rather interesting process with the end result being something of beauty and value.
Here's how a pearl is born: a natural pearl is formed when an 'accidental intruder' enters a mollusk's shell. So the mollusk can defend itself, layer after layer of a substance called nacre grows and forms like onion skins around this 'intruder'. These semi-opaque layers consist of calcium carbonate which makes up the pearl and becomes a coat for the particle. Pearls can vary in shape, size and price due to this natural process.
With advances in science, a process has been developed by man that imitates the process of natural pearl formation. Pearls developed this way are known as "cultured." Cultured pearls are sold by their size in millimeters. Like natural pearls, cultured pearls grow inside of a mollusk, but with human intervention. Here, shells are carefully opened by man, and different shapes of beads are inserted within. Over time the inserted beads become coated with nacre, which makes a pearl appear creamy and smooth and gives it a beautiful shine. |
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