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The process of forming a pearl stone is of a great deal of uniqueness and distinction when compared to how other gemstones are, as pearls are born inside oysters and continue to grow inside them under the surface of the water until they are picked and obtained By divers, this process is accomplished on two levels: the level of individuals who pick them up, prepare and sell them themselves, and the commercial level, in which pearl stones are extracted on a large scale, whether from nature or from artificial ponds that mimic the environment of the original oyster and grow in a similar way . And pearls are not like other stones, as they are unique in their exciting properties, and this is that the rest of the gemstones are cut and polished to show their beauty. Pearls are born whole inside the oyster and are characterized by a soft, iridescent inner glow in terms of color that no other gemstone on earth can match. The pearls that are formed inside them are based on the type of oyster, and thus there are pearl oysters that spend their life cycle in fresh water and other types of salt water. As the types of pearls that grow in fresh water, the most famous of which is the so-called mussels, produces pearl stones in large numbers up to 02 Pearl While saltwater pearl oyster species produce a number ranging from one to three stones. It is interesting to note that the pearl stone formed by salt water oysters is used in the manufacture of pearl jewelry that you see in jewelry stores because of its high quality.
Thus, the pearl stone is formed in two main environments. The first environment is nature, in which finding pearls has become rare, especially in our modern age, due to the decline in its numbers after many individuals and amateurs went to extract it in an unorganized manner, which led to the deterioration of its numbers. . While the second environment is the ponds of artificially cultured pearl oysters, thanks to modern science, which has allowed man to artificially create many precious stones, including pearl stone. Thanks to this science, this cultured stone is similar to natural stone. With regard to the process of forming a pearl stone; Natural pearl stone consists entirely of calcium carbonate, and its formation and life cycle begins with the presence of an external organism such as parasites or as a piece of shell that accidentally inhabited the body of the inner soft oyster, where it cannot be disposed of outside the body of the oyster. as a reaction from oysters; He takes defensive measures and starts sorting a solid and smooth crystal around his nuisance in order to protect himself. And then that substance hardens, forming the pearl stone that we know.
The substance that forms inside the oyster and makes up the pearl stone is called “nacre” and it is also called in English “Nacre” and as long as the irritating or stimulating substance is present Inside the oyster it will continue to secrete mother-of-pearl around it, layer upon layer. Over time, this source will be completely covered with silky crystal mother-of-pearl. The result in the end is this beautiful, sparkling stone called pearl stone.
As for cultured pearl stone; It shares the same properties as natural stone, and most of the pearls in existence today are cultured. The only difference between them is that man intervenes in the formation of the cultured stone instead of leaving it entirely to chance and mother nature, and then steps aside and leaves the space for nature to do its job.
Natural pearl stone is made In types of oysters that grow in salt and fresh water
The formation of the nucleus of the pearl stone artificially
In a process referred to as nucleation, highly skilled technicians carefully and surgically open live oysters and make an incision in the oyster’s body. Then they put a small piece of “textile cover” from another shellfish ) in a relatively safe location. Then they put a small crust or kernel next to the cover they put
Cells develop and grow around the nucleus and form a sac that closes and begins the secretion and formation of mother-of-pearl. The core oysters are returned to the sea again in sheltered bays rich in nutrients to be fed and grown, and
they produce layers upon layers of shiny mother-of-pearl around the nucleus implanted inside them.
The growth of a pearl stone
Oysters receive the utmost care during their time in the water. A suitable environment must be provided for these oysters to produce pearl stones, so technicians check and check the water temperature and feeding conditions on a daily basis at different depths, and move the oysters up or down as needed. in addition to; Oysters are removed from the water periodically for cleaning and hygiene. Seaweed, plankton, and other marine organisms that may interfere with the shellfish feeding process are removed. The outer shells of oysters are also treated with medicinal compounds to reduce parasites.
Over time, the pearl stone is formed after (A period of up to thirty-eight to thirty-six months) of growth and care The oysters are ready for harvest. The oysters that have escaped the dangers of the sea are then brought to the shore and opened. All pearls are cleaned and washed to remove residues and odors. It is usually dropped into circular cylinders with salt during this process. It must be watched closely when dropped into the cylinders, otherwise some of the coincidences may disappear.
When all is well, the beautiful, precious, shining pearl appears sparkling, revealing the beauty of nature around it. Chinese freshwater pearls and Akoya pearls are often treated with chemicals after they are opened. This treatment has its effects and results as it works to lighten the color of the pearls and makes the color more clear and lustrous.
Sorting and matching process
After the pearl harvesting procedure is done, the retrieved jewels are sorted and the quality is determined. The experts’ sorting procedure takes a lot of work and is a very tough and time consuming task owing to the various pearls from each other since there are no parallels between one pearl and the other. Because this procedure involves hundreds of oysters, sorting must be done according to size, shape, colour, and glossiness. The pearls are exceedingly carefully cared after after sorting..After the sorting is finished, it is time for matching. This can be more difficult than sorting, when professionals analyse pearls that are comparable in size, shape, lustre, and colour, and seek for stones that are almost same, in order to be employed in the construction of harmonious and dazzling chains and necklaces. Every year, millions of oysters are harvested, however despite this high amount,
Only a few are left to create high-quality pearls. To explain, approximately 313% of the oysters in which the kernels are produced are marketable, and 458% are not. The remaining 25% will have several flaws, therefore obtaining an integrated pearl stone with no flaws is an uncommon and spectacular occurrence.
