Cultured Pearls

The process of creating cultured pearls was mastered by Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan in the 1890's. To culture a pearl, a small object, like a bead, is implanted inside an oyster. The oyster builds up layers of nacre coating is what gives pearls their luster. A fine pearl requires a cultivation period of two to three years. Cultured pearls exist in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes.