Natural vs. Cultured Pearls: What You Need to Know?

Pearls are the only natural gemstones that are made by an organism. These are reared from the shells of mollusks. Pearl stone have been cherished and admired for centuries. 

These are admired the most for their beauty and elegance. But whenever one goes out for shopping pearl gems they get confused about which one to buy. One can get natural ones and cultured ones in the market.

Thus, in this blog, we are going to discuss natural and cultured pearls; and what you have to know regarding the two. We will understand how they are formed. And why there is a cost difference between the two, and everything else which may change your decision to buy one.

Also Read: Top 5 Gems For the Month of Halloween

How are Pearls Made?

Natural pearls are formed. These pearls are inside the shells of oysters. The mollusks secrete a substance called nacre when something enters the shell from outside. This process is a defense system of the organism.

But this natural process leads to formation of the beautiful natural pearls over time. The pearls formed in this process are natural and rare as they are not controlled by humans thus takes a lot of time to form pearls of different sizes.

Whereas cultured pearls are produced because of human interference in the natural process. These are formed by the same process but the irritant is introduced by humans to start the production of nacre in the shell.

This process can be carried on in freshwater and saltwater. Due to human interference the quantity of pearl production increases in this type of pearls. Humans can even control the size of the pearls by allowing a limited time for the mollusk its formation.

Still confused and want to know more about real pearl stones? Then have a look at 10 Awesome Facts About Opal Gemstones.

Features of Natural and Cultured Pearls

Natural and cultured pearls have some more differences:

• Shape and Size

Natural pearls have irregular shapes and sizes, which are mostly asymmetrical. It is because of the random nature in which these pearls are created.

However, cultured pearls can be cultivated in a form that will be as round or drop-shaped as desired.

• Nacre Quality

Natural pearls do have a richer and thicker layer of nacre, which is what gives them their special luster.

Whereas the nacre thickness of cultured pearls varies because they do not get the natural settings. But better pearl farming techniques have made cultured pearls of higher quality.

Pearl provides various options in colors as compared to cultured pearls. Other beautiful gemstones that have similar properties are Opal Stone or Moonstone.

Cost Differences between Natural and Cultured Pearls

Natural pearls are reared from pearl oysters that are very rare and hard to harvest. Most of the natural pearls sold today are antiques. Fresh ones are extremely rare and can cost you thousands of dollars, even millions of dollars, depending upon shape, size, and good quality.

Cultured pearls are cheaper just because they are made in mass production. The controlled farming process ensures a steady supply, which means they are more accessible to the masses.

The prices of cultured pearls vary quite widely; they are far cheaper than natural pearls. That is why it can be found in many jewels.

Environmental Impact

Natural pearl fishing destroys a marine environment. The over-fishing and pollution that have resulted in the reduction of mollusks producing natural pearls also contribute to their relative scarcity.

Cultured pearl farming is generally less destructive to the environment. Pearl farms are operated in such a way as not to cause environmental degradation. It is also a source of employment and a contribution to local economies and the preservation of marine resources.

Conclusion

Both the gemstones are beautiful as both are formed by the mollusks in shells. But the natural ones are still valued more because of their rarity. One can buy any of the two and get that missing elegance in their life with these.

This is all about natural and cultured pearls; what you need to know.

Happy shopping