What are cultured pearls?

Cultured pearls are generated by oysters in an artificial environment, which induces the pearl generating process. In pearl production, a bead is inserted into the oyster, which later coats it with minerals and protein. There are two general types of cultured pearls used in pearl jewelry: saltwater cultured pearls are grown in oysters, with one pearl per oyster, while freshwater cultured pearls are grown inside of mussels, they are smaller and tend to have an oblong shape. Saltwater cultured pearls are most commonly used in pearl jewelry.

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Cultured pearls are nucleated and non-nucleated pearls, in which the formation of the pearl in artificially induced in a pearl oyster. Cultured pearls can be distinguished from natural pearls by X-rays, which reveals the differences in internal structure between natural and cultured pearls. In order to induce pearl formation, pre-formed beads are inserted into the oyster, causing it to secrete a layers of nacre that coat the bead and harden. The cultured pearl is removed from its oyster after six months or more, polished, then made into beautiful pearl jewelry.

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