20 fun facts that showcase why pearls are the most unique and intriguing gemstone.(1)

• 1 Pearls: The Only Gem from a Living CreatureUnlike other gemstones, pearls are organic and formed by living organisms. They are produced by mollusks like oysters and mussels, and in some cases, the host mollusk continues living even after the pearl is harvested, making them truly a gift from the sea.

• 2 Pearls: The Oldest GemstonesThe oldest known pearl, dating back over 7,500 years, was discovered in the U.A.E. during the Neolithic era. This shows that pearls have been cherished since ancient times.

• 3 Freshwater vs. Saltwater PearlsWhile oysters are well-known for producing saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls come from mussels. Other mollusks, such as clams, abalones, and queen conchs, also produce pearls.

• 4 The First Cultured PearlAkoya pearls were the first type to be successfully cultured in Japan. Before this, pearl divers faced dangerous underwater environments and creatures like sharks, with only about half surviving their perilous work.

• 5 Each Pearl is One-of-a-KindNo two pearls are identical. Each has its own unique "fingerprint," which includes its surface features like bumps, blemishes, and small imperfections, making every pearl special.

  
  

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• 6 Interesting Oyster FactDid you know that all oysters are born male and transform into females at around three years of age? An interesting biological fact about these pearl-producing creatures!

• 7 Freshwater Pearls Dominate the MarketOver 95% of the pearls harvested today are freshwater pearls. Due to their abundance, they tend to be more affordable than their saltwater counterparts.

• 8 The Rarity of Natural PearlsAlmost all pearls available on the market today are cultured. Finding natural pearls is extremely rare, and they command very high prices due to their scarcity.

• 9 A Wide Range of SizesPearls can vary greatly in size, ranging from as small as 1.0mm to as large as 20.0mm. The larger the pearl, the more valuable it becomes, all else being equal.

• 10 South Sea Pearls: The Largest and RarestSouth Sea pearls, known for their large size, are the rarest and most valuable nacreous pearls. These pearls are cultured in very specific environments, meaning they cannot be produced just anywhere.

At Aurora International, we directly supply cultured pearls from our pearl farms, offering competitive prices on freshwater, Edison, Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls. Through our expertise and dedication, we bring the beauty of pearls to you at lower costs.