Pearl Guide: How Pearls Are Created, Harvested, and Crafted into Jewelry

Pearls are a timeless gift. From classic white Akoyas to dramatic Tahitian and Freshwater pearls, they never seem to go out of style. Perfect for June birthdays, graduations, weddings, and anniversaries, pearls are enduring symbols of love, pride, accomplishment, and new beginnings.

How are pearls created?

Pearls form in the soft mantle tissue or gonad of a living shelled mollusk. Cultured pearls form when a mollusk secretes nacre over an implanted shell bead or piece of tissue. The color of the shell's interior — the mother-of-pearl — determines the pearl's color, while pearl size is determined by both the size of the mollusk and the size of the shell bead.

Are cultured pearls sustainably harvested?

Yes — pearl farming was developed specifically as a sustainable alternative to natural pearl harvesting, which had depleted pearl beds around the world. Today, pearl farming enhances the effectiveness of locally managed marine areas while creating meaningful employment and income-generating opportunities for coastal communities. Because mollusks are filter feeders, pearl farms also help keep aquatic environments clean and positively impact coral reef restoration.

How is pearl jewelry made?

No two pearls are ever alike — each is as unique as a fingerprint. Creating matched pearl jewelry sets is a meticulous undertaking. Our experts carefully sort every pearl by size, surface quality, shape, and color before a single piece is crafted.

Creating a matched pair of earrings or a pearl strand requires pearls that are nearly identical in appearance. Our pearl experts have developed heightened visual acuity through years of experience, allowing them to identify and match pearls with remarkable precision. This process demands time, dedication, and an exceptional eye for detail.

Maui Divers Jewelry proudly creates pearl jewelry using pearls from farmers who sustainably harvest every gem. When you purchase from us, you support the jewelry industry, the local communities where pearls are produced, and the health of our marine ecosystems.