Pearl formation is a biological process within certain mollusks. When an irritant enters the shell, the mollusk secretes layers of nacre, a substance composed of calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite crystals held together by an organic matrix, around the irritant. These concentric layers accumulate over time, eventually forming a pearl.
The duration of this process is influenced by several factors, including the type of mollusk, water temperature, the mollusk’s overall health, and the size of the initial irritant. Cultured pearl farmers leverage this natural process to cultivate pearls of desirable size and quality within a controlled environment. The time investment is significant, often spanning multiple seasons to years. Historically, naturally occurring pearls were rare and highly prized, making them symbols of wealth and status.