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Regardless of the method used to acquire
a pearl, the process usually takes several years. Mussels
must reach a mature age, which can take up to 3 years, and
then be implanted or naturally receive an irritant. Once the
irritant is in place, it can take up to another 3 years for
the pearl to reach its full size. Often, the irritant may
be rejected, the pearl will be terrifically misshapen, or
the oyster may simply die from disease or countless other
complications. By the end of a 5 to 10 year cycle, only 50%
of the oysters will have survived. And of the pearls produced,
only approximately 5% are of substantial quality for top jewelry
makers. From the outset, a pearl farmer can figure on spending
over $100 for every oyster that is farmed, of which many will
produce nothing or die.
Imitation pearls are a different story
altogether. In most cases, a glass bead is dipped into a solution
made from fish scales. This coating is thin and may eventually
wear off. One can usually tell an imitation by biting on it.
Fake pearls glide across your teeth, while the layers of nacre
on real pearls feel gritty. The Island of Mallorca is known
for its imitation pearl industry.
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