After this "surgery," the oysters convalesce in a "hospital" for four to six weeks. They are then transferred to cages between seven and ten feet under water. Here, they continue to grow for one to six years. The cultivation period depends on the farm conditions, the mollusk species, and the desired pearl result.

While all mollusks, including oysters, mussels, and clams can technically make pearls, only some saltwater clams and freshwater mussels are used to commercially grow cultured gem-grade pearls.Since the farming process is so effective, cultured pearls are more widely available than their natural counterparts. So, instead of rarity, their value comes from their symmetry and shine. Overtones: Some pink pearls may also exhibit a secondary color, or “overtone,” visible on the surface of the pearl. This can add depth and complexity to the pearl’s color.

Another sign of a cheap dye job is blemishes on the pearl where the dye collected and hardened unevenly. Today, with advancements in pearl farming techniques, pink pearls are more readily available, although still considered precious gems due to their exceptional coloration and lustrous appearance. Origin and Cultivation Techniques Conch pearls are another extremely rare pearl, though like Melo Melo pearls they are non-nacreous. They have not been successfully cultivated and it is estimated that only one in every ten thousand queen conch sea snails will produce a pearl, with only around one in a hundred being gem quality. Try to look for the presence of overtone or orient the next time you look for fine quality pearls. And be very careful with those that are artificially coloured to mimic some of the high value colours mentioned above. Pearls with dye treatments are worth less than those with natural colours. What Is The Most Valuable Pearl Shape? Cultured pearls can be distinguished from naturals by an X-ray examination at a gemological laboratory. This can reveal the seed used to start the formation of nacre layers. (It might also be possible to see the seed if a pearl has a drill hole, so use your judgement before having an X-ray test). Pearls from a pearl farm, Rangiroa, Tuamotu-Gambier, French Polynesia. Photo by Olivier Bruchez. Licensed under CC By-SA 2.0. Faux PearlsPink pearl is not typically associated with any specific zodiac sign. However, pearls in general, have been associated with the zodiac signs Cancer and Gemini. In ancient Rome, pink pearls were considered a symbol of love and fertility, while in China they represented wisdom and knowledge. Throughout history, natural pink pearls were extremely rare and could only be found in limited quantities. This scarcity contributed to their high value and made them desirable among the elite.

Despite their huge price difference, both cultured and natural pearls are real pearls. They are grown from pearl-bearing oysters in either saltwater or freshwater. The pearl formation process is exactly the same for both natural and cultured pearls. Sea of Cortez pearls are the rarest cultured pearls globally. These pearls come in a unique variety of colors not found in any other pearl.

Different Pearl Colors That You Can Find Today

They are thought to promote feelings of love, empathy, and understanding towards oneself and others. Pink pearls are also said to help heal emotional wounds and foster a sense of harmony within relationships.