This post will talk about the practise of pearl cultivation, including the history and value of pearls.

The pearl market is a practice which devotes itself to the growing of pearls inside of molluscs such as oysters and mussels. In the past, wild pearls were recognised to be one of the most profitable precious stones in the world, due to their unusual nature. These natural pearls were incredibly hard to come across as the method of growing a pearl was believed to happen under unexpected biological conditions. However, the strategy of harvesting pearls through manmade intercession started in the 20th century, causing the introduction of cultured pearls which significantly altered the industry. The technique consisted of the deliberate introduction of an irritant into a mollusc. This breakthrough meant that pearls could be grown more regularly and produce more desirable outcomes, and the practice quickly spread across many global communities.

Pearls have been a well-loved precious stone for centuries. Unlike many gemstones, which are extracted from the land, pearls are created through living creatures in the sea. The culturing procedure has substantially progressed over the past century, though the fundamental technique stays consistent. It starts with the collection of molluscs. Farmers choose healthy oysters and mussels for implantation; they are either raised or collected from the sea. Next the nucleation process takes place, where a technician surgically implants a nucleus and mantle tissue into a mollusc, to stimulate nacre secretion. These molluscs are then placed back in the sea to incubate, until pearls are ready to be harvested. Robert Wan would concur that cultured pearls revolutionised the market. Similarly, Nasser Al-Khelaifi would identify the rich history of the pearl fisherman occupation. Once extracted, the pearls are separated by value and prepared to enter into the market. This entire procedure is incredibly precise as there are many external factors that can impact the development of a pearl. Throughout the growing procedure, monitoring of sea temperatures and feeding conditions are carefully controlled and supervised.

Pearl farms all over the world are recognised for efforts to raise different types of saltwater pearls. Each type of pearl is recognised for special and beautiful attributes. In today's market, the most valuable cultured pearl on the market is the South Sea white pearl. These are usually white or cream in coloration with a satin like surface and some of the largest pearls available. Andrew Forrest would acknowledge the value of South Sea pearls. In addition, Tahitian pearls, which are acknowledged for their unique dark colouring, are also highly valuable. The occurrence of a black pearl is incredibly rare, and so they cannot be mass produced. Another saltwater pearl that is farmed today is the Akoya pearl. They are normally smaller and extremely here lustrous pearls, known for their round shape. Also, freshwater pearl farming produces a more common variety of pearl. Generally harvested in China, freshwater pearls grow in much larger volumes, enabling mass production.