Implant the Nucleus
Technicians
open the live pearl oysters or mollusk gently, then surgically implant a small shell bead
(mother of pearl) along with a tiny piece of mantle tissue (commonly for
saltwater pearls) or only a tiny piece of mantle tissue (commonly for freshwater
pearls). This bead or mantle tissue is the nucleus around which
the oyster or mollusk secretes layers of nacre (the substance that
forms the pearl). Culturing process requires skill
and precision - especially for akoya pearl culturing process. It takes months
even years to master the process. Technicians need exact tools to make precise
operation.
Back to Water
The nucleated oysters or mollusks are quickly returned to the natural water such
as sea (saltwater pearls) or lake/river (freshwater pearls), housed in suspended individual mesh
pockets. The oysters or mollusks feed and grow in
water bodies rich in natural nutrients. As time goes by, the oysters or mollusks secrete
layers of nacre around the implanted nucleus.
Caring Oysters
Oysters have to be lifted from the sea for cleaning and
health care and treated with compounds to prevent parasites from injuring the oysters
periodically. These oysters have to be protected from every threat such as
typhoons, red tides and predators to ensure best harvest of pearls.
Harvesting Pearls
The pearl farmers bring the oysters or mollusks back to shore to harvest.
Comparing with freshwater pearls, akoya pearls have much lower successful rate.
Only a tiny fraction of them produce high grade pearls. Less than five
percent of the harvested pearls are considered fine quality. The few marketable pearls are then cleaned,
soaked, and sorted.
