They don’t call pearls the diamonds of the sea for nothing. That’s because, in fact, pearls do come from oysters and other mollusks.
Perhaps the better question might be: What’s the difference between natural pearls and man-induced pearls? And the answer is… not a whole lot. Let’s first take a look at how pearls are formed, then talk about the differences between natural and man-induced pearls.
A pearl occurs when some sort of irritant works its way into an oyster. Once the oyster recognizes a foreign element, it begins secreting a substance to surround that irritant to protect itself. It continues doing this, creating layer after layer, until the final result is a pearl.
Okay, so the difference between natural and man-induced pearls…
A natural pearl happens when the pearl-creating process occurs without any human intervention. That is, when an ocean current carries an irritant into an oyster. As such, a perfectly round or white natural pearl is extremely rare and priced as such. Like diamonds, natural pearls need perfect conditions to form on their own.
Man-induced pearls, also known as “cultured pearls,” on the other hand, can have the ideal conditions created. A cultured pearl is created when a person places the impediment–usually a mollusk shell called the “bead”–into the oyster or other mollusk. From there, the same process of pearl creation occurs as the oyster begins creating the secretion that eventually becomes the pearl.
Cultured pearls are created in large oyster farms, usually in Asia. In these conditions, the size of the pearl can be controlled because the time the pearl has had to grow can be measured. The more time an oyster has, the larger the pearl can grow. Because so many pearls can be created, “pearl farmers” can choose from the very best pearls for making jewelry like these 12mm Shell Pearl Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver.
SuperJeweler carries a fine selection of high-quality of pearl jewelry at amazing prices. Right now, it’s wedding season and pearl jewelry is one of the most popular bridal party gifts you can give. Check out SuperJeweler selection of bridal party jewelry today.