Following seeding, the oysters are returned to the ocean and suspended at a pearl farm, where the majority of pearl formation occurs unseen. Over a period of approximately two years, the pearl sac deposits successive microscopic layers of nacre around the nucleus.
Nacre deposition is a slow, continuous biological process. Thousands of layers accumulate over time, with the thickness and uniformity of these layers determining the pearl’s lustre, durability and depth of appearance.
Maintaining the oysters in optimum health is key to the production of high quality pearls. Throughout the 2-3 year husbandry period, the oysters are individually cleaned every ten to fourteen days to remove marine growth that would compromise health or nacre production. This regular husbandry supports optimal physiological conditions and reduces stress on the oyster.
Environmental variables such as water temperature, plankton availability, and climate and ocean conditions remain outside human control. Pearling, even when scientifically informed, remains a collaboration with nature.
Bijoux
