The formation process of natural pearls.

Natural pearls are believed to form due to injuries to the mantle tissue, which causes the mantle cells to displace. Just as humans have cells dedicated solely to bone formation, certain mantle tissue cells in pearl oysters are responsible for the biomineralization of the oyster (secreting calcium carbonate, the material that makes up both the shell and the pearl). These displaced mantle tissue cells can reorganize to form a "pearl sac" (a sac formed by cells that produce pearls, which expands as the pearl grows), and begin to form a pearl, gradually growing over time. This mantle tissue damage, which triggers the formation of natural pearls through cell displacement, can occur when, for example, pearl oysters are attacked by other organisms. All natural pearls are grown by the mantle tissue because it is the only organ that can secrete calcium carbonate, allowing pearls to form without human intervention.

The formation process of cultured pearls.

The cultivation of pearls requires human intervention and care. Today, most of the mollusks used in the cultivation process are specifically bred for this purpose, although some wild mollusks are still collected and used. To initiate this process, skilled technicians extract mantle tissue from a sacrificed mollusk of the same species. They then implant a shell bead along with a small piece of mantle tissue into the reproductive gland of the host mollusk, or they implant several pieces of mantle tissue without beads into the mantle of the host mollusk. If a bead is used, the mantle tissue grows and forms a sac around it, secreting nacre inward onto the bead, eventually forming a cultured pearl. If no bead is used, nacre forms around the individual piece of implanted mantle tissue. Workers care for the mollusks until they harvest the cultured pearls.

Four types of cultured pearls 

Akoya cultured pearls.
Akoya pearls are the most familiar type of saltwater cultured pearls in the United States and other Western markets. Many customers consider white or cream-colored Akoya pearls to be the classic pearls used in jewelry, especially for single-strand necklaces. Akoya pearls are produced in Japan and China.

South Sea cultured pearls.
Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are the main producers of these saltwater cultured pearls. The colors of South Sea cultured pearls can be white, silver, or golden, depending on the type of oyster. Due to their long growth period, large size, thick nacre, and limited growth conditions, they are considered valuable.

Tahitian cultured pearls.
They are primarily produced in the French Polynesian islands, with Tahiti being the most well-known. These saltwater cultured pearls are sometimes referred to as black pearls and come in a wide range of colors. They can be gray, black, or brown, and may also have hues of blue, green, purple, or pink.

Freshwater cultured pearls.
Freshwater cultured pearls are the most common pearls and one of the most beloved types among shoppers and jewelry designers. This is because they come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and are relatively affordable. Freshwater cultured pearls are typically grown in freshwater lakes and ponds, with multiple pearls often produced in a single mussel. China is a major producer of freshwater cultured pearls.

The history and application of pearls.

Pearls have a long history of being treasured and utilized by humans for thousands of years. As far back as ancient times, pearls were considered one of the most precious gemstones in jewelry, symbolizing wealth, status, and nobility. Cultures such as Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome imbued pearls with mystical and sacred symbolism, viewing them as objects of divine significance.

Over time, pearls became a focal point in the fashion world, widely used in jewelry design and fashion accessories. Today, both natural pearls and cultured pearls are extensively used in a variety of adornments such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Their elegance and beauty make them an ideal choice for various occasions, whether for everyday wear or special events, showcasing a woman's charm and taste.

In addition to their application in jewelry and fashion, pearls are also used in the fields of medicine and cosmetics. It is believed that pearls are beneficial to the skin, promoting skin cell regeneration and making the skin smoother and more elastic. Therefore, pearl powder and pearl extracts are commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products.