Mother of Pearl Beads

Mother of pearl beads are created from the inner layers of bivalve mollusks. These are currently being harvested largely in China, Madagascar, and Indonesia. The mollusks require up to 7 years to regenerate their shells. Therefore, when harvesting occurs at a higher rate than this regeneration can take place, the shellfish become extinct. Pearls were once considered to be tributes of love and were a precious gem cherished for their beauty and value.