Formation of pearls – natural pearls are formed when a foreign object enters a mollusk’s shell. To defend it, layer after layer of a substance called nacre grow and form like onion skins around the particle. Those are semi-opaque layers that consist of the calcium carbonate. It makes up the pearl and becomes a coat for the particle. Inevitably, natural pearls vary in shape because the process depends on the shape of the piece being coated by the mollusk. They are very rare and expensive.

Therefore, a process has developed to imitate the process of natural pearl formation that produces pearls that are called “cultured”. Cultured pearls are sold by their sizes in millimeters. Like natural pearls, cultured pearls grow inside of a mollusk, but with human intervention. Our workers carefully open the shells and insert the different shapes of beads. Over time, the inserted beads become coated with nacre. It makes a pearl appear to glow inside and gives it a beautiful shine.

The Enchanting Journey of Pearl Formation

The enchanting journey of pearl formation begins when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters the soft tissue of a mollusk. In response, the mollusk secretes layers of nacre, a combination of calcium carbonate and proteins, to coat the irritant and protect itself. Over time, these layers build up and form a lustrous pearl.

As the layers of nacre accumulate, the pearl gradually takes shape within the mollusk’s shell. The process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the type of mollusk and environmental factors. Each pearl is unique, reflecting the specific conditions in which it was formed, from the temperature of the water to the diet of the mollusk.

Once the pearl is fully formed, our farmers will carefully harvest the pearls. That is to say, we clean, polish, and sort the pearls based on their size, shape, color, and luster. Some pearls may undergo additional treatments to enhance their beauty, such as bleaching or dyeing. The end result is a breathtaking gem that has been shaped by nature’s magical touch.