Natural freshwater pearls occur in mussels for the same reason that saltwater pearls occur in oysters. Foreign material, usually a sharp object or parasite, enters a mussel and cannot be expelled.
Pearls are made by marine oysters and freshwater mussels as a natural defence against an irritant such as a parasite entering their shell or damage to their fragile body. The oyster or mussel slowly ...
The dearth of akoyas has helped open the door for other kinds of pearls, such as Chinese freshwater and South Seas saltwater pearls, with a consequent loss of market share for the long-reigning ...
Most pearls come from oysters, which thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments ... In response, the mantle secretes layers of nacre, the same material that forms the oyster's shell, around ...
Van Scoy Diamonds offers a collection of Honora pearl necklaces, featuring freshwater pearls that exemplify quality and craftsmanship. Each piece showcases the natural beauty of pearls, which are ...
The largest Scottish freshwater pearl found in living memory is being auctioned, nearly six decades after its discovery. The Abernethy Pearl is expected to fetch between £40,000 and £60,000 when ...
A new colony of endangered freshwater pearl mussels has been discovered in north Highland. The rare species was uncovered during a watercourse survey being carried out before culvert replacement work.