Pearl
Overview
Pearls form inside oysters and mussels when the animal coats an irritant with layer after layer of nacre, a mix of the mineral aragonite and an organic protein called conchiolin. Light moving through these thin layers creates the soft glow known as luster.
Natural pearls, formed without human help, are extremely rare today. Almost all pearls sold are cultured, which means a farmer starts the process and the mollusk does the rest.
Origins
Major cultured pearl types include Akoya pearls from Japan, black Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia, large South Sea pearls from Australia and Indonesia, and freshwater pearls, mainly from China.
The full pearl guide is being written by the Tavira Gems Editorial Team.
Last updated November 2, 2026 by the Tavira Gems Editorial Team.