HOW CULTURED PEARLS ARE GROWN
Early pearl cultivation involved planting a nucleus in wild oysters. While some seek to jump-start the natural process by
implanting a tiny piece of pearl mantle inside the oyster, others use beads designed to create a larger pearl in the shortest
period of time and help to control its shape. Along the way, Japanese scientists identified strains of oysters with the best pearlbearing qualities and focused on using them to produce pearls of high luster and clear, uniform color.
THE CULTURING PROCESS
Technicians open the live pearl oysters then gently surgically implant a small shell bead along with a tiny piece of mantle
tissue. This bead is the nucleus around which the oyster secretes layer after layer of nacre, the substance that forms the pearl.
This step of the culturing process requires tremendous skill and precision. The oysters will only allow their shells to be pried
open 2 to 3 centimeters or they will reject the nucleus. Experienced technicians use exacting tools to make the tiny incisions.
The nucleated oysters are quickly returned to the sea, housed in individual mesh pockets that are suspended from floating
rafts. The oysters feed and grow in sheltered bays rich in natural nutrients. As time passes, the oysters secrete lustrous layers
of nacre around the implanted bead. In winter, the oysters are moved to warmer waters. Pearl technicians monitor water
temperatures and feeding conditions daily at various water depths and move the oysters to take advantage of the best growing
conditions.
Periodically, the pearl-bearing oysters are lifted from the sea for cleaning and health care. Seaweed, barnacles and other
growths are removed from their shells and they are treated with compounds to prevent parasites from injuring the tender flesh
of the oysters. These precious oysters are meticulously protected from every conceivable threat to ensure the finest resulting
pearls. However, typhoons, red tides of plankton and predators all take their toll before the pearls are ready to be harvested.
Once the oysters are brought back to shore, the pearl farmers take inventory of the long-anticipated harvest. Of the millions of
oysters nucleated every year, only a tiny fraction of them produce high grade pearls. On average, about half of the nucleated
oysters do not even survive to bear pearls. Less than five percent of the survivors yield pearls of the ideal shape, luster, and
color to be considered fine quality. The few pearls that make the cut are then cleaned, soaked and sorted.
THE HARVEST
The newest crop of pearls goes through a series of gentle treatments to prepare them for jewelry. The pearls are first soaked
for several days in a mild cleaning solution, under intense fluorescent light, to remove any deposits and odours they may have
accumulated during their days in the ocean. The pearls are then bathed in a wooden vat of finely crushed walnut shells. The
natural oils from the shells provide a soft, gentle polish without harming the integrity of the pearl's surface. After they receive
their luscious spa treatments, these pearls are painstakingly matched.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PEARLS
Pearls are porous and, therefore, caring for your pearls is very important. Without the right care, the natural beauty and value
of your pearls may be diminished.
When wearing pearls, these necessary precautions should be adopted:

Apply your makeup and perfume before you put on your pearls.
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Wipe pearls down after wearing with a warm, damp soft cloth to remove any residual body oil, makeup or perfume.

Use mild soapy water to clean your pearls before leaving them to dry on a soft cloth.
Avoid:
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Situations which will scratch or damage the pearl's nacre.
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Dehydration by storing your pearls in air-tight/moisture free environments.
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Subjecting pearls to excessive heat and/or strong sunlight.
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Exposing pearls to acids such as vinegar or cleaning agents containing ammonia or chlorine, bleaching agents or inks.
Source: Rawpearls.com