Listed below you will find an overview of the pearl market covering the distinction between wild and cultured pearls.

The pearl industry is a practice which commits itself to the growing of pearls within molluscs such as oysters and mussels. In the past, wild pearls were acknowledged to be one of the most valuable gemstones in the world, due to their rare nature. These natural pearls were extremely hard to obtain as the process of making a pearl was thought to happen under accidental biological conditions. However, the technique of cultivating pearls through manmade mediation started in the 20th century, leading to the introduction of cultured pearls which considerably changed the industry. The technique consisted of the intentional introduction of an irritant into a mollusc. This development meant that pearls could be grown more regularly and yield better outcomes, and the practice soon spread across many worldwide regions.

Pearls have been a well-liked precious stone for centuries. Unlike most gemstones, which are extracted from the land, pearls are originated through living creatures in the ocean. The culturing process has considerably progressed over the past century, though the fundamental approach remains consistent. It starts with the selection of molluscs. Farmers choose healthy oysters and mussels for implantation; they are either raised or gathered from the sea. Next the nucleation procedure takes place, whereby a professional surgically embeds a nucleus and mantle tissue into a mollusc, to stimulate nacre secretion. These shellfish are then placed back in the sea to incubate, until pearls are ready to be harvested. Robert Wan would concur that cultured pearls revolutionised the sector. Similarly, Nasser Al-Khelaifi would recognise the rich history of the pearl fisherman occupation. Once extracted, the pearls are arranged by worth and prepared to enter into the market. This whole procedure is incredibly thorough as there are many external factors that can impact the development of a pearl. Throughout the growing procedure, tracking of sea temperatures and feeding conditions are carefully controlled and supervised.

Pearl farms worldwide are recognised for efforts to harvest different types of saltwater pearls. Each variety of pearl is recognised for distinct and beautiful characteristics. In website 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 available. Andrew Forrest would acknowledge the worth of South Sea pearls. Furthermore, Tahitian pearls, which are recognised for their unique dark colouring, are also extremely valuable. The emergence of a black pearl is exceptionally rare, therefore they cannot be mass produced. Another saltwater pearl that is produced today is the Akoya pearl. They are typically smaller sized and particularly shiny pearls, acknowledged for their round shape. Also, freshwater pearl farming creates a more common type of pearl. Normally cultivated in China, freshwater pearls form in much larger numbers, allowing for mass production.