Pearls have an amazing long history, in fact they are one of the most ancient documented gems with records of commercial harvesting going back over 2500 years. The natural occurrence of pearls is actually quite rare with only one in several million shellfish ever producing a pearl. Oysters are the best known source of pearls but abalone, clams, and muscles also produce pearls.

In order for a pearl to form an irritant has to get deep enough inside a shell. This irritant is usually a grain of sand. It must get deep enough so that the shellfish does not expel it. When the irritant gets deep in the shell, the shellfish's system begins coating the irritant with a shiny substance called nacre. Nacre is made up of the mineral aragonite, with an organic binder called conchiolin. The aragonite forms minute crystals. If you rub pearls against your teeth, you can feel the edges of these crystals. This is why the tooth test has long been used for identifying natural pearls. Natural pearls have a bit of a gritty feel.

Almost all imitation pearls will feel smooth. Because of over harvesting, during the late 1800s natural pearls almost became extinct. Even today, natural pearls are extremely rare and demand a huge price. The shortage of natural pearls and their high cost necessitated the need for man to intervene with a solution. Several enterprising Japanese developed methods of culturing pearls in oyster farms.

In 1910 cultured pearl production began producing more pearls and larger pearls. The process involves inserting a mother of pearl seed, along with a piece of tissue, known as the mantel, into the oyster. After surgery, the oysters convalesce in a "hospital" for four to six weeks. They are then transferred to cages between seven and ten feet under water. Here, they are allowed to grow for three to six years.

In 1928 freshwater pearl farms began in Lake Biwa, Japan. They have the advantages that up to thirty seeds can be inserted in a single clam and the production time is just three years. The shape of freshwater pearls is usually quite irregular, but has improved over the years and are beginning to rival their saltwater cousins in shape and luster.

Cultured pearls are the norm for most, with the odd person actually owning a natural set of pearls. There are even some pretty good simulated or imitation pearls on the market.

You can't go wrong wearing pearls! Pearls have always been popular for their sheer beauty and elegance.

About the Author

Sher Matsen has been actively involved in the Fashion & Jewelry Industry for 20 years. EJI provides costume jewelry for all occasions, as well as a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty. Please visit us at www.estatejewelryinternational.com.