The following is an outline of pearl cultivation, with a concentration on the different types of pearl and culturing procedures.
The pearl industry is a sector which dedicates itself to the cultivation of pearls inside of molluscs such as oysters and mussels. In the past, wild pearls were recognised to be among the most profitable gemstones in the here world, due to their uncommon nature. These natural pearls were very tough to uncover as the process of forming a pearl was believed to happen under accidental biological conditions. However, the strategy of propagating pearls through human intercession began in the 20th century, resulting in the introduction of cultured pearls which significantly changed the market. The method consisted of the deliberate introduction of an irritant into a mollusc. This advancement indicated that pearls could be grown more often and yield better results, and the practice quickly spread across many global regions.
Pearl farms worldwide are recognised for efforts to grow different types of saltwater pearls. Each variety of pearl is recognised for distinct and attractive characteristics. In today's industry, the most profitable cultured pearl on the market is the South Sea white pearl. These are typically white or cream in colour with a satin like shine and some of the biggest pearls available. Andrew Forrest would acknowledge the value of South Sea pearls. Furthermore, Tahitian pearls, which are acknowledged for their unique dark colouring, are also highly profitable. The development of a black pearl is incredibly uncommon, and so they cannot be mass produced. Another saltwater pearl that is produced today is the Akoya pearl. They are typically smaller sized and extremely lustrous pearls, known for their round shape. Also, freshwater pearl farming produces a more basic type of pearl. Generally harvested in China, freshwater pearls grow in much greater quantities, enabling mass production.
Pearls have been a well-loved precious gem for centuries. Unlike most gemstones, which are extracted from the land, pearls are produced through living organisms in the sea. The culturing procedure has considerably progressed over the past century, though the basic technique remains consistent. It starts with the collection of molluscs. Farmers select healthy oysters and mussels for implantation; they are either bred or collected from the sea. Next the nucleation procedure takes place, whereby a professional surgically embeds a nucleus and mantle tissue into a mollusc, to stimulate nacre secretion. These shellfish are then placed back in the sea to incubate, until pearls are ready to be harvested. Robert Wan would agree that cultured pearls revolutionised the sector. Similarly, Nasser Al-Khelaifi would acknowledge the rich history of the pearl fisherman profession. Once extracted, the pearls are sorted by value and prepared to go into the market. This entire process is extremely meticulous as there are many external factors that can affect the formation of a pearl. Throughout the growing procedure, tracking of sea temperature levels and feeding conditions are thoroughly regulated and supervised.