Definition: A pearl that begins as a piece of grit or other fore in
substance that makes its way into the shell of a marine or freshwater
mollusk (oysters, clams). A defense mechanism kicks-in to coat the
particle with layer after layer of a substance called nacre, eventually
forming a pearl.
A natural pearl is a pearl that forms in nature with no human
intervention.
Natural pearls are 100% 'pearl' or nacre. It is thought that natural
pearls form under a set of accidental conditions when a microscopic
intruder or grain of sand enters an oyster (mollusk) and settles inside
the shell. The oyster, being irritated by the intruder, secretes the
pearl substance called nacre to cover the irritant. This process is
repeated for many years, thus producing a real pearl which may (or may
not) be found by man. For a natural pearl to form with a nice round or
oval shape, and be free of any flaws, is actually a real-life "miracle."
The odds of a perfect natural pearl are 1 in a million.
Natural pearls have always been deemed rare, and are universally costly.
They are most commonly sold by their carat weight, however, most of the
natural pearls on the market today are vintage pearls, as virtually
every pearl producer now relies on cultured pearls. Natural pearls are
simply too risky, rare, and expensive to find and sell.
It is recommended that if you do have the opportunity to buy a natural
pearl or thinking of buying a pearl of any kind make sure you ask some
one for information on the pearl itself. You should refrain from buying
it unless it comes with an official gemological x-ray certificate, which
proves that it is natural, and states its quality. For something so
rare, expensive, and beautiful, a little security is a must.