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"Home Grown Pearls" - Find out where 

USA Grown Cultured Pearls

In 1963 a freshwater cultured pearl farm in the USA was started in Tennessee. Mr. John Latendresse set up this experimental effort founded on his 30-plus years of research and development in the industry.

Since the first experimental pearl farms were established in the 1960's the production of freshwater pearls and mother of pearl shells has increased and are now in operation in 31 of states of the USA.

Although most of the U.S. pearls are grown in the warmer waters of Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, and Louisiana, there are also productive farms in other states including: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Twelve Pearls Display at recent Pearl Show 

The USA Pearl Trade 

Learn More about USA grown pearls

In the early 1990's the freshwater pearl gained attention as more than just a by product of the shell industry, and came into it's own as a valued "natural" gem for the jewelry and fashion industry.

During this time the US export of mussel shell to Japan became big business, and is still profits several million per year, although it has been in gradual decline.

Shop Twelve Pearls

An elegant selection of styles and colors in pearl jewelry for the most discriminating tastes, and for every occasion.

Pearl Classifications by Origin: Natural or Cultured, Freshwater or Saltwater 

Natural Pearls occur when a particle naturally, or accidentally becomes lodged in a mollusk's shell. Nature causes layers of nacre to coat and cover the particle. The shape of natural pearls will vary, depending on the shape of the original particle that is being coated.

Natural pearls are the most rare and generally most expensive. Natural pearls are typically sold by carat weight. Most of the natural pearls that are available in these times would be considered vintage pearls.

Cultured Pearl also grow inside of a mollusk. The difference come from the fact that the particle is placed in the shell by humans. The shell is carefully opened and the pear farmer places an object into the shell. The shapes of the final pearl is determined by the shape of the particle that was placed within the shell. In this way, certain desired shapes can be planned.

Over time the creature continues to cover the particle with more layers of nacre. The length of time that the particle remains within the shell, the kind of water where it lives, and the actual type of mollusk that "grows" the pearl are determining factors in the size and quality of the final harvested cultured pearl.

Saltwater Pearls originate from within a saltwater mollusk. Saltwater pearls may be either natural or cultured.

Freshwater Pearls are those that are grown inside of a freshwater mollusks, living in waters of a river or lake.

Pearl Classifications by Shape 

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Spherical Pearls are the round, more traditional and most desirable shape. The more perfect and round the shape of the pearl, the more valuable it is.

Symmetrical Pearls are in pear shapes and other shapes that have symmetry from one side to another. These are not the true round shape.

Baroque Pearls are the irregular shaped pearls. They generally are the less expensive category of pearls, but have a unique beauty that many prefer.

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Elegant Pearl Necklace by Twelve Pearls.net 

These necklaces are much like the classic design pearls... elegant but basic. Pearls are not just for formal wear. You can wear them for your daily outings and appointments.

Display at recent Twelve Pearls Jewelry Show 

Several classic style necklaces by Twelve Pearls 

These are in the classic style, but each are unique in personality. Some are coin pearls, some freshwater pearls, and some are saltwater pearls, a variety of colors.

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stephymouse I like your lens page. It is interesting. Posted October 02, 2007

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