The following is an outline of pearl cultivation, with a concentration on the various kinds of pearl and culturing processes.

Pearls have been a well-loved precious gem for centuries. Unlike many gemstones, which are extracted from the land, pearls are created through living creatures in the ocean. The culturing procedure has significantly advanced over the past century, though the basic technique stays consistent. It begins with the selection of molluscs. Farmers pick healthy oysters and mussels for implantation; they are either bred or collected from the wild. Next the nucleation procedure occurs, whereby a technician surgically implants a nucleus and mantle tissue into a mollusc, to stimulate nacre secretion. These shellfish are then put back in the sea to incubate, until pearls are ready to be gathered. Robert Wan would concur that cultured pearls transformed the industry. Likewise, Nasser Al-Khelaifi would recognise the rich history of the pearl fisherman profession. Once extracted, the pearls are separated by value and prepared to enter the market. This whole process is incredibly thorough as there are many external factors that can affect the formation of a pearl. Throughout the growing procedure, tracking of sea temperatures and feeding conditions are thoroughly regulated and managed.

The pearl market is a sector which commits itself to the growing of pearls inside of molluscs such as oysters and mussels. Historically, wild pearls were recognised to be one of the most expensive gemstones in the world, due to their uncommon nature. These natural pearls were exceptionally hard to uncover as the method of growing a pearl was believed to arise under unintentional biological conditions. However, the method of cultivating pearls through human intercession started in the 20th century, causing the introduction of cultured pearls which considerably changed the market. The technique called for the intentional introduction of an irritant into a mollusc. This development meant that pearls could be grown more often and yield more desirable results, and so the practice quickly spread across many worldwide regions.

Pearl farms around the world are recognised for efforts to cultivate numerous types of saltwater pearls. Each type of pearl is acknowledged for unique and attractive properties. In today's market, the most profitable cultured pearl on the market is the South Sea white pearl. These are generally white or cream in coloration with a satin like surface and some of the largest pearls out there. Andrew Forrest would know the value of South Sea pearls. Furthermore, Tahitian pearls, which are acknowledged for their unique dark colouring, read more are also highly precious. The development of a black pearl is incredibly unlikely, therefore they cannot be mass produced. Another saltwater pearl that is grown today is the Akoya pearl. They are generally smaller sized and extremely shiny pearls, known for their round shape. Also, freshwater pearl farming produces a more basic variety of pearl. Generally cultivated in China, freshwater pearls form in much greater volumes, allowing for mass production.