Natural pearls are extremely rare. In fact, only about 1 in
10,000 oysters will produce a pearl. Of these, only a small
percentage will achieve the size, shape, and color of a
desirable gemstone. In addition, about 9 to 11 pounds of natural
pearls are discovered for every 2,000 tons of freshwater mussel
shells harvested to be used as nuclei in the cultured pearl
market. It is estimated that one to two out of 1000 natural
pearls will be round, in contrast to one in 10-50 bead nucleated
cultured pearls. Throughout history, the pearl has been one of
the most highly prized sought-after gems. The ancient Egyptians
prized pearls so much they were buried with them. Cleopatra
reportedly dissolved single pearls in a glass of wine and drank
it, simply to win a wager with Mark Antony that she could
consume the wealth of an entire nation in just one meal. In
ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of
wealth and social standing. The Renaissance saw the Royal Courts
of Europe awash in pearls. Because pearl