How do artificial pearls differ from cultured pearls in terms of manufacturing?

Artificial pearls and cultured pearls differ significantly in their manufacturing processes. Artificial pearls are primarily made from materials such as glass, plastic, or synthetic substances and are created through industrial methods. The process typically involves shaping and coating these materials to mimic the appearance of natural pearls, but they lack the organic composition and layers of nacre found in genuine pearls.

In contrast, cultured pearls are formed through a natural biological process involving live mollusks, specifically oysters or mussels. To cultivate these pearls, a small irritant, often a bead made from mother-of-pearl, is inserted into the mollusk. The animal then secretes layers of nacre around the irritant over time, resulting in the formation of a pearl. This process can take several years, and the pearls are considered genuine because they are formed by living organisms.

Thus, while artificial pearls are manufactured using non-organic materials and techniques, cultured pearls are the result of a natural developmental process that occurs in mollusks. This distinction influences not only their appearance and quality but also their value and market perception.