Here is an overview of pearl cultivation, with a concentration on the different kinds of pearl and culturing procedures.

Pearls have been a well-loved precious gem for centuries. Unlike a lot of gemstones, which are extracted from the land, pearls are originated through living organisms in the sea. The culturing process has considerably progressed over the past century, though the fundamental technique remains consistent. It begins with the collection of molluscs. Farmers select healthy oysters and mussels for implantation; they are either bred or collected from the wild. Next the nucleation procedure occurs, whereby a technician surgically embeds a nucleus and mantle tissue into a mollusc, to stimulate nacre secretion. These molluscs are then put back in the sea to incubate, until pearls are ready to be harvested. Robert Wan would agree that cultured pearls revolutionised the market. Similarly, Nasser Al-Khelaifi would recognise the rich history of the pearl fisherman vocation. Once extracted, the pearls are sorted by value and prepared to enter the market. This entire process is extremely meticulous as there are many external factors that can affect the formation of a pearl. Throughout the growing procedure, monitoring of sea temperature levels and feeding conditions are thoroughly regulated and supervised.

The pearl industry is a practice which commits itself to the cultivation of pearls inside of molluscs such as oysters and mussels. In the past, wild pearls were understood to be among the most prized precious stones in the world, due to their unusual nature. These natural pearls were incredibly difficult to uncover as the process of making a pearl was believed to take place under accidental biological conditions. However, the method of growing pearls through human intercession began in the 20th century, resulting in the introduction of cultured pearls which dramatically altered the market. The technique consisted of the intentional introduction of an irritant into a mollusc. This breakthrough meant that pearls could be grown more often and generate better results, and so the practice soon spread across many worldwide regions.

Pearl farms all over the world are recognised for efforts to raise different types of saltwater pearls. Each variety of pearl is acknowledged for special and beautiful characteristics. In today's market, the most valuable cultured pearl on the market is the South Sea white pearl. These are generally white or gold in colour with a satin like finish and some of the largest pearls out there. Andrew Forrest here would recognise the value of South Sea pearls. In addition, Tahitian pearls, which are acknowledged for their distinct dark colouring, are also highly precious. The development of a black pearl is extremely unlikely, therefore they cannot be mass produced. Another saltwater pearl that is produced today is the Akoya pearl. They are usually smaller sized and highly lustrous pearls, recognised for their round shape. Also, freshwater pearl farming produces a more common variety of pearl. Generally grown in China, freshwater pearls grow in much larger numbers, allowing for mass production.