Definition:
Like natural pearls, cultured pearls grow inside a living organism. However, they do not begin as accidental intruders to the shell. Instead, humans insert mother-of-pearl beads or other shapes into a mollusk. Over time they become coated with nacre. The depth of the nacre coating depends on how long the beads are left in place before being harvested.
Related Terms
• freshwater pearl
• natural pearl
• organic jewelry
Related Resources:
Organic Jewelry
Library of information about pearls and other organic jewelry.
