A pearl is the product of a partnership between nature and chance.

When a foreign object, such as a grain of sand, is trapped in an oyster or mussel, it is coated with layers of a smooth, crystalline substance known as nacre. Over time, this natural process produces the luminescent gem we know as a pearl.

Nearly all pearls sold today are cultured. That is to say, each one is created by deliberately inserting an irritant into the oyster's tissue. However, the quality of cultured pearls varies widely. Unlike diamonds, cultured pearls are not rated by an industry-wide grading system. As with diamonds, however, there are specific characteristics that do affect cultured pearl quality.

WHAT IS A PEARL

QUALITIES OF A PEARL

KINDS OF PEARLS

INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS