- Pearls fall into two main categories: those cultivated in freshwater, often found in lakes or rivers, and those cultivated in saltwater, the more common type found in oceans and seas.
- The relative value of a pearl is determined by its smoothness, luster, shape (more evenly round pearls are more valuable), color and size.
- Cultured pearls are produced by opening the shell of a mollusk slightly and placing a small bead onto its reproductive organ. Natural pearls are produced when sand or other particles enter the shell naturally.
- Pearls were traditionally collected along the coast of India and Japan. In ancient Rome and Egypt, pearls were the ultimate symbol of wealth and power.
- Freshwater pearls are more commonly irregularly shaped and typically silver, pink or copper in color, while saltwater pearls are rounder and come in a wide variety of colors.
