Well according to the pearl factory where we stopped, a natural one is when a grain of sand enters the oyster and over a period of time a white, gold or black pearl is formed, often irregular in shape.
Then I’m shown a ‘naturally’ cultured pearl and how they are produced.
How interesting.. the membrane is cut and a small amount removed, anti bacterial chemical applied, then cut into tiny pieces.
Next a living oyster is prised open very slightly, the tiny piece of membrane is placed strategically inside the oysters flesh, followed by a piece of shell made into a tiny perfectly round pebble.
The result a cultured pearl.. or according to our pearl sales rep, “naturally cultured pearls” allowing them to charge exorbitant prices!
