A pearl is a calcium carbonate deposit that has collected and been formed within the soft tissue of a shelled mollusk, such as an oyster, clam or mussel. The most sought after pearls are nacreous pearls, which are produced by molluscan bivalves or clams. These come from both the sea or from freshwater lakes.
The rarity of the pearl, which is why pearls have been so valued over the centuries, has been due to the fact that fine pearls are so rarely produced in the wild, and it took the killing of many mollusks before one was found. This resulted in the creation of a method to artificially introduce an 'irritating' core or nucleus that would encourage the development of a new "cultured" pearl.
Where do pearls come from?
China is today the largest producer of akoya pearls, once dominated by Japan. Japan today does not produce akoya pearls smaller than 8 mm and it remains a large processor of China's akoya pearls. South Sea pearls are primarily sourced from Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Black pearls are found in Tahiti and are very rare.
Thank you for using the Fashion Industry Network. Have you helped another member today? Answer questions in the forum. It brings good luck.