How are pearls made? “Sea diamonds” are a symbol of luxury, but they need time. Some people don’t wait

They look mysterious and elegant. Called “sea diamonds” because they are not mined from the depths of the earth, but come from the water. They are one of the most desirable minerals in the world. They are valued in both jewelry and cosmetics. They symbolize beauty, delicacy and abundance. How are they created?

How are pearls formed? “Underwater diamonds” can be created in just a few years

Pearls come from mollusks, and the process of their formation begins when a foreign body, such as a grain of sand, enters the interior of the mollusc. The mollusks try to defend themselves and produce substances called mucopolysaccharides, which are supposed to envelop the foreign body. This is how the pearl core is created. However, this process is not quick and may take from several months to several years.

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This is how natural pearls are created. In mussel cultures, a foreign body is introduced on purpose so that the molluscs start producing a pearl-forming substance. Cultured pearls differ in appearance from natural ones. They usually have a round shape, although much depends on the conditions in which they lived. Salinity and temperature also matter.

What are the types of pearls? The most expensive pearls in the world come from China and Japan

There are several types of pearls, which differ in terms of their cultivation, shape and color. Here are the most popular types. If you feel like it, vote in our poll below.

• Akoya pearls grown in Japan and China, they have a round shape and high gloss. Their maximum size is 10 mm. They are yellow, cream, pink and white. They reach the highest prices.
• Thaiti pearls come from . They reach a diameter of up to 18 mm and are dark to graphite in color.
• Pearls of the South Seas they come from Australian and Philippine farms. They are up to 16 mm in diameter and are extremely rare. They are silver and gold in color.
• Freshwater pearls They are grown in China, Japan and the USA. They have different shapes, and achieving a perfectly oval form is rare. They reach a diameter of 8 mm. These are the most commonly used pearls due to their low price.