Beading and Jewelry Links

Freshwater Pearl Sources

• Cultured Pearl Information Center  The Cultured Pearl Information Center is a non-profit organization devoted to the dissemination of accurate pearl and cultured pearl related information to the trade and consumer public.

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• Heart of Darkness - the black pearl  The Cook Islands has built a new and thriving industry out of this interest in the black pearl. The cyclone in Manihiki of November 1997 was a serious setback but the pearl companies have begun the process of reconstruction. Black pearls derive their lustrous color from the greyish-black nacre of the oyster shell. There are many different shades of black. Color is not usually a factor in determining price. Growing pearls is a highly skilled process.

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• Japan Pearl Exporters'Association  Approximately 100 years ago, Japan succeeded in cultivating Akoya pearls. Since that time, Akoya cultured pearls have been coveted, worn and loved by people of all ages not only in Japan but in countries throughout the world. Why is this? It is because Akoya cultured pearls have their own unique splendor. It is also the reason why we would like to promote anew these gems of the sea to pearl-loving people everywhere.

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• NOVA Online | The Perfect Pearl  Welcome to the companion Web site to "The Perfect Pearl." In the NOVA program we travel to exotic locations around the world where pearls are grown and harvested.

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• PERLES DE TAHITI  PERLES DE TAHITI is a non profit economic interest group created by French Polynesia Assembly decree n°93-076/AT on 3rd August 1993 for the promotion of the Tahiti Cultured Pearls world wide.

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• Sarkar Exports  We hope you will enjoy learning about Real Genuine Natural Pearls on this site. Sarkar family is committed to bring you the very Best services in the process of purchase and sale of Real Natural Pearls, the fruit of ocean & the Queen of Gems.

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• Tennessee River Pearls  Mussels are bringing up to $40 million a year into Tennessee, and the freshwater pearl has been, since 1979, the official state gem. The kind of serendipity experienced by Charles and James had happened before in Tennessee, and it would happen again. A few years earlier, near Lancaster, a fisherman found a pearl that eventually sold for $2,000 in New York. Later, a farmer idly picking up a mussel while his horse drank was paid $190 for the pearl inside.

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• U.S. Geological Survey - Pearls  Native Americans of the Atlantic Coastal areas and the Mississippi River Basin were the first to collect and use U.S. freshwater mussel pearls and shells. Pearl pendants and ear pendants were worn by both sexes and both pearl and shell were used for decorative purposes on articles of clothing. Some of the tribes used pearls as tributes, reportedly Powhattan (Pocahontas' father) had large stores of pearls received as tribute. Additionally, armlets, pendants, and gaming pieces were made from mussel shell.

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