Pearts

Pearls are a type of gemstone produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk, such as an oyster or a mussel. They are formed as a natural defense mechanism against a foreign irritant, such as a parasite or a piece of sand, which the mollusk secrets layers of nacre around to protect its inner body. Over time, the layers of nacre, which are made up of calcium carbonate and a protein called conchiolin, build up around the irritant, forming a pearl.

Pearls can occur naturally in the wild, but the majority are cultivated in pearl farms around the world. Cultivated pearls are produced by inserting a small irritant, such as a shell bead or a piece of sand, into the mollusk's tissue, and then collecting the pearl as it forms.

Pearls come in a range of colors and shapes, including round, baroque, and drop-shaped. They can also be found in different materials, such as freshwater and saltwater mollusks, as well as in various types of fish. Pearls have been highly valued throughout history for their beauty and rarity, and have been used in jewelry for thousands of years.

The value of a pearl is determined by its luster, surface quality, and shape. Factors such as color, size, and type of mollusk used also contribute to a pearl's value. Popular types of pearls include Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls, each of which has its own unique characteristics and value. Pearls are a highly sought-after gemstone, and their beauty and rarity continue to make them a popular choice for jewelry enthusiasts around the world.