Have you ever wondered how these gems are harvested? The process of harvesting pearls is surprisingly intricate and requires a great deal of skill and knowledge. Understanding how pearls are harvested can help us appreciate them even more, as it reveals the painstaking lengths taken to ensure these precious gems are carefully cultivated. Let’s take a closer look at how pearls are harvested and what makes them so special.
How are Pearls Harvested
Nowadays, pearls are cultivated all over the world, but pearl oysters can only survive under good weather and environmental conditions in both saltwater and freshwater.
Cultured pearls take anywhere from six months to four years to form. During that time, the mollusk's mantle deposits layers of calcium carbonate, forming a nacre of the pearl.
Once the pearls are mature, the oysters are taken to harvesting locations. Then, the harvesters delicately open the mollusks and extract the pearls with the help of specialized tools.
After the harvesting is done, the pearls then proceed to the next step, which is the cleaning process. This process involves immersing pearls in a cleansing solution to remove dirt and odors. The pearls are then sorted by being poured into sieves that divide them according to their size. Afterward, they are evaluated and categorized based on their distinct characteristics, such as shape, color, quality of surface, orient, and luster.