is it harmful or cruel to grow or collect pearls

It is not cruel to collect pearls. Many people collect gemstones and have large collections of pearls. Your typical pearl necklace or bracelet requires dozens of pearls.

On the other hand, growing your own pearls may be considered cruel since the oyster or mussel could end up being killed when the pearl is removed. However, modern technology has made it possible for mussels and oysters to be re-implanted with an irritant that will grow a pearl. In addition, advances in biology has taught pearl farmers to take care of their animals, monitor them for diseases, clean them regularly and adjust their depth in the water so that they do not become ill and die. Plus, farmers now understand that the mussel or oyster only needs to be opened slightly to remove the pearl, not broken in half and killed. This has eliminated the cruelty towards animals that used to accompany the growing of pearls and has also raised their lifespan from 24 months to as long as 4 four 5 years.

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