Having a look at how the pearl market has developed and the historic significance of this practice.
Pearl farms around the globe are recognised for efforts to raise numerous types of saltwater pearls. Each variety of pearl is recognised for distinct and spectacular properties. In today's market, the most profitable cultured pearl on the market is the South Sea white pearl. These are typically white or cream in coloration with a satin like surface and some of the biggest pearls in the market. Andrew Forrest would recognise the value of South Sea pearls. Additionally, Tahitian pearls, which are acknowledged for their distinct dark colouring, are also highly profitable. The development of a black pearl is exceptionally infrequent, therefore they cannot be mass produced. Another saltwater pearl that is produced today is the Akoya pearl. They are usually smaller sized and particularly shiny pearls, known for their round shape. Also, freshwater pearl farming produces a more common type of pearl. Typically grown in China, here freshwater pearls grow in much greater quantities, allowing for mass production.
The pearl industry is a sector which commits itself to the growing of pearls inside of molluscs such as oysters and mussels. Historically, wild pearls were recognised to be among the most profitable gemstones in the world, due to their unusual nature. These natural pearls were exceptionally difficult to obtain as the process of growing a pearl was believed to take place under accidental biological conditions. However, the method of harvesting pearls through human intervention began in the 20th century, leading to the introduction of cultured pearls which drastically altered the industry. The technique involved the deliberate introduction of an irritant into a mollusc. This breakthrough meant that pearls could be grown more regularly and produce more desirable results, and so the practice quickly spread across many global communities.
Pearls have been a well-liked precious stone for centuries. Unlike a lot of gemstones, which are extracted from the land, pearls are produced through living organisms in the sea. The culturing procedure has substantially advanced over the past century, though the standard method remains consistent. It begins with the selection of molluscs. Farmers select healthy oysters and mussels for implantation; they are either bred or collected from the sea. Next the nucleation procedure takes place, whereby a specialist surgically implants a nucleus and mantle tissue into a mollusc, to stimulate nacre secretion. These shellfish are then put back in the sea to incubate, until pearls are ready to be collected. Robert Wan would agree that cultured pearls transformed the industry. Likewise, Nasser Al-Khelaifi would identify the rich history of the pearl fisherman occupation. Once extracted, the pearls are arranged by worth and prepared to enter the market. This whole procedure is extremely thorough as there are many external factors that can affect the formation of a pearl. Throughout the growing process, tracking of sea temperature levels and feeding conditions are thoroughly controlled and managed.