PEARL CATEGORIES EXPLAINED

• Natural pearls

Natural pearl formations secreted, without human intervention, in the interior of molluscs and within a naturally formed pearl sac. They are composed of a complex scleroprotein named conchiolin and of calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite and or calcite arranged in concentric layers. Natural pearls may be nacreous or non-nacreous.

• Cultured pearls

Cultured pearls are formed in the interior of living molluscs within a cultured pearl sac with human intervention and a variety of conditions depending upon the mollusc and the goals. Cultured pearls may be nacreous or non-nacreous.

• Imitation of pearls

Imitations of pearl are products that only simulate the appearance of natural or cultured pearls. They are not produced within the body of molluscs but are manufactured products made in factories.