Cultured pearls are raised in pearl farms – saltwater or freshwater operations where the mollusks are cleaned, protected from predators and eventually harvested. The mollusk covers the irritant with nacre, just like a natural pearl. Technicians implant a piece of mantle tissue alone (common for freshwater cultured pearls) or with a mother-of-pearl shell bead (all saltwater) into a host mollusk. Cultured pearls are a product of human intervention. Natural pearls form when the mollusk secretes a substance called nacre around an irritant such as a piece of sand or a parasite that has invaded its shell. Pearls are organic gems that grow inside the tissue of a living saltwater or freshwater mollusk (either an oyster or a mussel). Christopher Columbus and his contemporaries thought that mollusks formed pearls from dew drops. The Chinese fancied that the June birthstone came from the brain of a dragon. ![]() Ancients from the Middle East believed that pearls were teardrops fallen from heaven. The origin of pearls fascinated our forebears. It is a timeless wardrobe staple, beloved by women of all ages. ![]() ![]() This enchanting June birthstone originates from oceans, lakes and rivers around the world. Applied Jewelry Professional ™ Online Diploma
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