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Pearls Unlike gemstones, which are produced deep inside the Earth, pearls are created inside the soft tissue of living creatures called mollusks. Saltwater pearls come from oysters, while freshwater pearls are made in mussels. Both oysters and mussels live in marine and freshwater habitats, and any mollusk that produces a shell can produce a pearl. However, naturally occurring pearls are rare, and finding one is a one in 10,000 chance.  The cultured pearl industry, which has flourished since the early 20th century, has developed techniques to improve those odds. Cultured pearls are pre-formed beads that are inserted within the nucleus of the oyster. Approximately six months later, the pearl is extracted and then used within jewelry. This is common practice today.  Cultured pearls and imitation pearls can be distinguished from natural pearls by X-ray examination.  |
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