Pearl Species

Pearls are cultured by inserting a small piece of mantle tissue from a donor oyster into the mantle tissue of a host oyster. The host oyster is then placed in a farm or lagoon, where it is carefully tended until the pearl has grown to maturity, which can take up to two years. The resulting pearl is then harvested and sorted based on its size, shape, colour, and quality. The process of culturing Saltwater pearls is more complex and time-consuming than other types of pearls, which contributes to their higher value.

The cultivation of saltwater pearls is typically considered to be sustainable and ethical. Pearl farms are often operated in harmony with the environment, using eco-friendly farming practices and contributing to the local economy. However, it is important to choose saltwater pearl jewellery from reputable sources that adhere to ethical and environmental standards, and to avoid purchasing pearls that have been obtained through illegal or unethical means.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating the quality of a pearl, including its lustre, surface quality, size, shape, and colour. High quality pearls will have a bright, reflective lustre and few surface imperfections. They will also be relatively uniform in size and shape, with a round or near-round shape being the most highly valued.