A cultured pearl is a type of pearl created through an artificial process. Cultured pearls are formed when a small bead of a material such as mother of pearl, plastic or shell is implanted in an oyster or mussel. The oyster reacts to the bead by forming layers of nacre around the bead, resulting in a pearl. Cultured pearls typically have a higher luster and more consistent shape than wild pearls. They are also available in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a popular choice for jewelry.
