What Are Pearls | Devino Pearls

WHAT ARE PEARLS?

Natural Pearls

Natural pearls form completely naturally, without human involvement, when a mollusc coats a random irritant with layers of radiant nacre. Their rarity is extraordinary, with fewer than one in 10,000 wild oysters producing a gem-quality pearl.

Because of their exceptional scarcity, natural pearls are among the world's most valuable gems and are frequently traded through international auctions and private collections.

Cultured Pearls

A pearl is a living gem!

Unlike diamonds and other gemstones, which are mined from the earth, cultured pearls are created by living oysters and mussels, making them one of nature's most remarkable gems.

The pearl-growing process begins when a skilled technician carefully places a small piece of mantle tissue together with a polished, natural mother-of-pearl nucleus into a healthy, mature oyster. From this point onwards, the oyster creates the pearl naturally, using the same nacre-producing process found in natural pearls.

In response to the nucleus, the oyster secretes layer upon layer of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl. Over time, thousands of microscopic layers accumulate, forming a lustrous pearl. While the size of the implanted nucleus largely influences the eventual size of the pearl, the quality of the nacre determines its lustre, durability, and overall beauty.

Each oyster typically receives a single nucleus.

If the harvested pearl meets quality standards and the oyster remains healthy, a second nucleus, often larger than the original pearl, may be implanted to begin another growing cycle.

This process, known as a second operation or re-operation, can produce another beautiful pearl while maximising the oyster's potential.

For centuries, pearls were revered as some of the world's most precious treasures. Before pearl cultivation was developed in the early 1900s, natural pearls were extraordinarily rare and sought after, adorning royalty and the elite. The introduction of cultured pearls transformed the industry, making these beautiful gems more accessible while retaining the timeless elegance and fascination that have enchanted people for centuries. Today, almost all pearls sold worldwide are cultured pearls.

Imitation Pearls

Imitation pearls are man-made products typically created from glass, plastic, or shell materials coated to resemble a pearl's appearance. Unlike cultured or natural pearls, they contain no nacre and do not possess the same lustre, durability, or value.

Some of better known brands manufactures imitation pearls using man-made solid balls that are coated with a proprietary coating that is made in part from fish scales

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Pearl Variety

Pearl Quality

Sustainability

Choosing Pearls

Caring for Pearls

Let us help you source exceptional pearls with confidence

Our team carefully grades, sorts and matches each pearl to meet the specific requirements of our clients, ensuring consistency, beauty and value while upholding the reputation of pearls as one of the world's most precious gems.