Difference between Natural Pearls and Cultured Pearls

The mesmerizing beauty of Pearls

Pearls are nature’s one of the most valuable gifts that are cherished around the world as a symbol of wealth, peace, and good luck. For centuries, Pearls have been a symbol of beauty and purity and are regarded as both classic and contemporary. Pearls are broadly classified as Natural Pearls and Cultured Pearls and they are further classified into various categories. Read along to find out more about Natural Pearls vs Cultured Pearls.

Natural Pearls: Explained in Detail

Natural pearls are rare and highly valued gemstones formed inside the shells of certain mollusks, such as oysters and mussels, without human intervention. These pearls are the result of a biological process wherein an irritant, like a parasite or a piece of shell, becomes trapped inside the mollusk. In response, the mollusk secretes layers of nacre—a combination of aragonite (a form of calcium carbonate) and conchiolin (an organic protein)— around the irritant to protect its soft tissues. Over time, these layers accumulate, forming a pearl.

Natural pearls are typically irregular in shape and come in various colors, depending on the type of mollusk and environmental factors. The formation process can take several years, contributing to their rarity and high market value. Unlike cultured pearls, which are intentionally seeded with an irritant by humans, natural pearls occur spontaneously and are thus much less common. Their unique formation process and rarity make them highly sought after in the jewelry industry.

Cultured Pearls: Explained in Detail

Cultured pearls are gemstones produced through human intervention in pearl farms. The process begins by surgically implanting a small bead or piece of tissue, called a nucleus, into the mantle tissue of a mollusk, such as an oyster or mussel. The mollusk then secretes layers of nacre— a mixture of calcium carbonate and conchiolin— over the nucleus, forming a pearl. This process typically takes six months to several years, depending on the desired size and type of pearl.

There are two main types of cultured pearls: saltwater and freshwater. Saltwater pearls include Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls, each known for their distinctive sizes, colors, and luster. Freshwater pearls, primarily produced in China, are cultivated in freshwater mussels and are known for their variety of shapes and colors.

In-Depth Comparison of Cultured and Natural Pearl

Natural pearls and cultured pearls differ primarily in their formation processes and rarity:

Formation Process Differences

• Natural Pearls: Form without human intervention when an irritant, such as a parasite or a piece of shell, becomes trapped inside a mollusk. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre over the irritant to protect its soft tissues, eventually forming a pearl. This process occurs spontaneously in nature and is exceedingly rare.
• Cultured Pearls: Created through human intervention in pearl farms. A small bead or piece of tissue, known as a nucleus, is surgically implanted into the mollusk's mantle. The mollusk then secretes nacre layers over the nucleus, forming a pearl. This process is carefully managed and controlled to ensure consistent production.

Rarity and Value:

• Natural Pearls: Extremely rare and thus highly valuable. Their formation's spontaneous and unpredictable nature makes them scarce, contributing to their high market price. Each natural pearl is unique in shape, size, and color.
• Cultured Pearls: More common and widely available due to the controlled farming process. They are generally more affordable than natural pearls, though high-quality cultured pearls can still command significant prices. The predictability of the cultivation process allows for more uniform shapes and sizes.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

• Natural Pearls: Because of their rarity and the difficulty in sourcing them without harming the mollusks and the environment, there are significant conservation concerns.
• Cultured Pearls: Generally considered more sustainable as pearl farms can be managed to ensure environmental balance and mollusk health. However, ethical farming practices are essential to avoid environmental degradation.

Cultured Pearls vs Natural Pearls - What Sets Us Apart?

In the Pearl universe, there are mainly two primary types, namely Natural Pearls and Cultured Pearls. The amazing part about these two is that both of them are real. The main difference b/w natural pearls vs cultured pearls is the way they are formed and obtained.

Natural Pearls are formed when an unwanted object/irritant enters the oyster’s shell and is unknowingly stuck in the process of Pearl formation. This irritant in the form of seawater sand or dust, activates the oyster’s defense mechanism, causing it to produce layers of secretion. The secretion, also known as nacre slowly develops into a Natural Pearl. The nacre's quality determines the Natural Pearl's quality and value. The same formation goes for the Cultured Pearl, but here, the object/irritant is placed inside the creature with human assistance. Further, there are two types of Cultured Pearls - Cultured Freshwater Pearls and Saltwater Pearls. Akoya Pearls are a variety of Saltwater Pearls and come in a perfect and symmetrical round shape.

Pearls Stone Benefits

Pearls have astrological associations with the planet Venus and the Moon that protect the wearer from various problems. They activate the Solar Plexus Chakra. Known as the June birthstone and the gem for the third and thirtieth wedding anniversary. Pearls are linked with the Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces zodiac signs.

For best astrological and positive results, these valuable Pearls must be set in silver metal with one part of the Pearl touching your skin. They should be worn on Monday, in the morning before sunrise during Shukla Paksha. A Pearl ring should be worn on the little finger of the dominant hand. However, anyone can wear this lovely gemstone and avail the positive benefits associated with it.

According to astrology, if the moon is the weakest planet in your horoscope then, wearing a Pearl can be very advantageous. Pearl tends to calm and soothes the wearer. The moon is responsible for the mind and thoughts and therefore, having a weak moon may result in various problems. Pearl or Sucha Moti benefits people who are dealing with depression, leadership qualities, anxiety, emotional stress, and extreme anger issues. It is regarded as a stone that has a calming effect on the wearer and is popularly known as a stone of good luck. It also develops harmony between the couples by inducing love and faith in their mind and heart.

Natural Pearl and Cultured Pearl Price Per Carat

Natural Pearls are much rarer and more valuable than Cultured Pearls. The Natural Pearl cost depends on its shapes, colors, size, luster, surface, quality of nacre, and the certifications it carries. Based on the quality factors discussed above the Sucha Moti or real Pearls price can start from INR 20,000 ($ 270) per carat and goes up to INR 2,00,000 ($ 2,690) per carat. On the other hand, the price of Cultured Pearl can start from INR 400 ($ 5.5) and goes up to INR 4000 ($ 55). Akoya Pearls are one of the luxurious and the most expensive varieties of original pearl stone that starts from INR 1500 ($ 20.57) and goes up to thousands depending upon the quality combinations.

To ensure a fair purchase, it is advisable to buy Natural and Cultured Pearls with industry-wide Gem Lab Certifications that deduce the authenticity of the gemstones.

Why choose GemPundit?

GemPundit is a leading provider of 100% original gemstones and we always consult professional and authentic gemstone labs to deduce the authenticity of their gemstones and jewelry. At GemPundit, you will find an exquisite collection of the finest and most authentic gemstone jewelry made with 100% natural and original gemstones with an authentic and original gem lab certification.

Our team of expert astrologers recommends gemstones according to your birth chart with proper analysis of the planets in your birth chart. Our expert gem consultants provide 24x7 customer support to cater to the needs of the customer and aim to provide the best service. For quick and accurate astrological gem recommendations, get assistance through our Free Gem Recommendation Tool. Or Book our Astro Consultation Service now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How are natural pearls formed?

Completely natural pearls are formed when a foreign particle somehow ends up inside a mollusc which the mollusc sees as an irritant. In turn, the mollusc deposits layers of nacre around the irritant to protect itself, becoming a pearl. Nacre consists of conchiolin and aragonite, a tough insoluble protein and organic calcium carbonate.

Q. How are cultured pearls identified?

Identifying a cultured pearl is difficult since the cultured and completely natural varieties are externally made of the same material. One method is to check how rich the nacre deposition is since natural pearls have thick glossy nacre.

Q. Are cultured pearls considered real pearls?

Yes, cultured pearls are considered real pearls as they are made of the same material (nacre) as natural pearls and are produced by oysters or mollusks.

Q. Which is more valuable, natural pearls or cultured pearls?

Natural pearls are typically more valuable than cultured pearls due to their rarity and the time it takes for them to form naturally.

Q. How can you tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls?

Gemologists use advanced techniques such as X-rays to examine the internal structure of the pearl to determine if it is natural or cultured.

Also Read: Difference between Natural, Cultured and Lab Created Pearl, Healing with Pearls and Types of pearls