Why Do Clams Have Pearls?

Are clams able to produce pearls? This is a common question among people as they are left thinking if it is possible to find the gem while consuming clams. Well, clams are capable of producing pearls, but the phenomenon is not as common as one would hope. It is possible to naturally produce a pearl in one out of every 10,000 clams.

The use of pearls as jewelry dates back thousands of years. They are found in mollusks, clams, and oysters. Traditionally, they were found in the ocean. 

However, this has always been rare, so marine pearls are always more costly. 

However, in recent times, with the rise in pearl farms, cultured pearls have made it possible to cater to the increasing demand. 

Pearls are usually formed when a foreign particle or irritant enters the shells of the clams, oysters, or mollusks and lodges themselves there. The species then secretes a layer of calcium carbonate to surround the particle. These layers are called nacre. After a lot of years have passed by, the pearl is formed. The thicker the nacre layer, the bigger the pearl is and the more time it takes to be developed.

How Rare Is A Pearl In A Clam?

The pearls of a clam are the result of its natural defense mechanism to protect itself from irritants entering its shell. This leads to the clam-secreting layers of calcium carbonate or nacre around the particle, forming a pearl. This phenomenon, when occurring naturally, is scarce. However, with cultured practices in the fray, producing pearls has become more common and easier to cater to the rising demand for these jewels. So finding a pearl in your clams is rare and almost impossible. So if you will be eating brunch, lunch, or dinner and gorging on some clams hoping to find a pearl, it is likely that you will not.

However, recently at a feast, a couple did find one. But again, it is like one in 10,000 cases. And chances are you will most likely not find one. But you can buy freshwater pearls at wholesale prices in bulk from the Beads of Cambay website. Eat the clams because you like them, and shop for your pearls in size from us!

Are Pearls Found in Clams?

Yes, pearls can be found in clams. These gemstones are found in clams, mollusks, and oysters. They can be found in these species in marine waters and freshwater bodies such as rivers, ponds, lakes, etc. However, naturally occurring pearls are a rarity, and hoping to discover some yourself will most likely not lead to any results. 

However, you can go through the Beads of Cambay website instead. We specialize in various pearls, from baroque pearls to large holes, coins, and even Keshi ones. You will indeed find the pearls that will fit your choices perfectly!

What Does It Mean When You Find A Pearl In A Clam?

Well, if you are part of the rare occurrence, which is finding a pearl in your clams, then first of all, congratulations! You must know this is an extremely rare occurrence, and you are fortunate enough to find one!

Spiritually, this signifies that something good is in store for you and will happen for you soon. It will open you up to new realms and levels of accomplishments you probably never had an idea about.

And the next thing you can opt to do is going to have a jeweler have a look at it to determine its worth. And then, you can decide what you want to do with the pearl if you're going to keep it, convert it into a jewelry piece, or sell it.

How Long Does It Take For A Clam To Make A Pearl?

The process of forming pearls can take anywhere between a few months to years. Once the nacre layers start to develop around the irritant that has entered the clam's shell, it needs time to make it a pearl. The entire pearl-making process requires a lot of patience. Also, the longer the nacre layers have taken, the more the layers have enveloped the irritant. The more nacre layers, the thicker and more significant the pearl. And if you do not know already, the larger the pearl and the more perfectly round it is, the more pricey it is. You can get large hole pearls and other varieties of these jewels on the Beads of Cambay website.

Why Do Clams Have Pearls?

Pearls are formed more in oysters and mollusks than in clams. However, that does not entirely rule out clams' pearl formation. In fact, clams can form pearls, even though this is rare. The reason for the pearl formation is the same across all species. 

It is how they react to foreign particles entering their unique environment, which is what they do to protect themselves from it. Pearls are essentially a product of a clam, oyster, or mollusk's natural defense mechanism. This is what makes the entire pearl formation process so magical and divine. If you are looking to add these magical gemstones to your jewelry wardrobe, then make sure you check out the Beads of Cambay website for our large variety and choices for you. 

Do Pearls Grow In Clams Or Oysters?

Pearls can grow in both oysters and clams. The procedure of making the pearls remains the same. Their defense reaction to a foreign particle has entered their personal space.

Which factors affect pearl value?

Multiple factors affect and determine the value of a pearl. First, are the two broad types of pearls cultured or natural? Natural pearls are far more costly than cultured ones. Second is the water they are made in. Saltwater pearls cost more than their freshwater counterparts. Then comes the color of the pearls. White is the most common, but there are various colors that are in the market now, especially in cultured pearls, such as blue freshwater pearls, green, pink, purple, yellow, champagne, orange, silver, black, etc. 

The size and shape of the pearls are also determining factors. The larger the pearl is and the more perfectly round it is, the more it costs. Meanwhile, more minor, irregularly-shaped pearls, such as keshi freshwater pearls, are cheaper to buy, even though they are just as gorgeous. 

And lastly, the luster. The healthier the shine of the pearl, the more costly it is.

Which types of pearls exist?

There is a large variety of pearls that exist, from large holes to Keshi, baroque, and even coin freshwater pearls; there is so much for you to choose from the Beads of Cambay website. These also come in gorgeous colors such as champagne, white, pink, purple, green, yellow, red, blue, silver, black, etc. And in different sizes as well. 

The Keshi pearls are formed in the outer lining of the clam, oyster, or mollusk. They are pretty tiny and are not evenly shaped. Coin pearls, on the other hand, are like buttons. They are flat. These work well for boho jewelry. 

Head to the Beads of Cambay website to purchase from a wide range of pearls in various shapes and sizes, and types.

How Often Do Clams Make Pearls?

It is said that clams will produce pearls several times in their lifetime. When the species finds an irritant in its environment, it secretes layers of nacre, also called calcium carbonate, around it. The clam will keep secreting the layers for years. And the entire product, as a result, is a pearl.

Which Clams Make Pearls?

Only clams that have nacre-lined shells can produce pearls. The most common mollusks that produce pearls are freshwater mussels, pearl oysters, and abalones. It is possible to find mollusks in both freshwater and marine environments on every continent.

The nacre layer forms around the irritant or parasite that enters their shells, which makes a pearl.

Do Oysters Have Pearls?

Yes, of course, oysters can make pearls. In fact, oysters are a common species used to form pearls in a cultured farm setting. An important point to know about oyster pearls is that the layer that is formed around the irritant is made of the same material as the outer shell of the oyster. However, it is soft enough to not harm the insides of the oyster and protect it from the irritant that has entered its personal space, preventing further harm.

How Is A Pearl Formed?

Pearls are a natural response to an irritant that enters the shells of a clam, oyster, or any other mollusk. The pearls secrete layers of nacre surrounding the irritant as a defense mechanism to protect themselves from foreign substances entering their environment. The product of this is called a pearl. Pearls cost more as their size and nacre layer increase. If you are looking for pearls at wholesale rates, then head over to the Beads of Cambay website. We specialize in selling gemstones in bulk at the best wholesale rates in the market, and our entire pearl collection is just marvelous. You will surely enjoy browsing through our catalog and adding gemstones to your wishlist after looking at the amazing deals on our website. We are already excited to have you as our customer!

Meaning of Pearls By Color

Pearls are known to have spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical, and mental effects on the person who wears them. 

Apart from these, even their various colors symbolize and signify certain things and help the person wearing the jewels work on related issues. 

For example, white pearls symbolize peace, humility, innocence, beauty, tranquility, calm, purity, and sincerity. 

Pink pearls are associated with femininity and symbolize love, romance, kindness, happiness, loyalty, and compassion. Blue pearls signify power, truth, courage, strength, and tranquility, while green freshwater pearls symbolize nature, renewal, growth, hope, and balance. These are perfect for those looking to start over. 

Yellow pearls symbolize happiness, optimism, creativity, clarity, and creativity. On the other hand, black pearls represent independence, strength, uniqueness, riches, and mystery. Purple pearls are for wisdom, creativity, artistry, nobility, and passion.

Do Clams Die When The Pearl Is Taken?

Not necessarily; some clams can also be reused for the pearl formation process again. However, if the result is that they are consumed, then yes, they technically do die eventually when the pearl is taken out of them. And if you are present during the extremely rare occurrence of discovering a pearl while consuming a clam, the clams are already dead in the first place!

Clams use natural pearls as a defense mechanism and also an attraction. These jewels make the species less visible to parasites and predators as they are reflective and smooth. 

Clams can also continue to live for many years after losing a pearl. It will also usually grow another gemstone over time. However, it likely will not be as large as the first one. 

So if you do remove a pearl that the clam produced, it will not cause any harm to it unless you cut it into half with a knife while trying to retrieve the gem. If you do so carefully, without harming the mollusk, then it likely will produce more pearls over its lifespan in the future.

Is the value of pearls from clams worth anything?

Well, that is debatable. Some say natural pearls from clams are worthless, while others think these gemstones have a significant value. It really is only the type of clam, as well as the shape, size, and luster of the pearl, that determine the price. 

Clams such as abalone can create good quality and valuable pearls. These gemstones can also sell for thousands of dollars per piece. However, pearls formed in scallops are not extremely valuable.

Such gemstones are just worth a couple of dollars. So, if you are wondering if pearls found in clams are worth anything, then it just depends on what kind of a clam it was, and what the quality of the pearl will determine the worth of this gemstone. If you ever find such a pearl, take it to a jeweler, who will help you determine its worth.

But if you want to purchase some good quality and valuable pearls at wholesale rates and in bulk, head over to the Beads of Cambay website. We have the best pearl catalog, with the most amazing and hassle-free services. You will love shopping with us.

How do you clean your pearls?

Cleaning your pearls is a very important aspect of owning these gemstones. These are used in cooler, moist climates because they are formed underwater. So make sure you keep these pearls in a cool place, not a dry one. In the latter, the pearls can also develop cracks on the surface. Also, while storing your precious gemstones with your other jewelry pieces, keep them in a soft cloth or pouch and then keep them with your other jewelry. 

This will protect them from your other gemstones leaving scratches on your delicate pearls. And lastly, to remove dirt and dust, after each time you wear your pearls, make sure you clean them with a damp, soft microfiber cloth. Cleaning with a harsh cloth will also result in scratches on the surface of these pearls.

Ethics Of Taking Pearls From Clams

If you chance upon saltwater, you must think of a few things that may contain a natural pearl. First, is it really necessary that you take the pearl? If you are unsure if the clam has a pearl, then it is best to leave it alone. Opening the shells can help the organism inside them. 

If you attempt to remove a pearl too deeply inside the clam's flesh, you may damage or kill it. 

You can look for other sources to purchase pearls without trying to do it all yourself! Shop from the Beads of Cambay website if you want a wide variety of pearls. All our pearls are hand-picked by experts who know the value of these gemstones and everything else about them.

If you chance upon a pearl while consuming a clam, that is a different story and an extremely rare occurrence. But if you are actively looking for pearls in saltwater clams, you are just disturbing them or causing more harm than good.

Where Can you buy Pearls at the Best Price?

If you are purchasing pearls in bulk quantities, Beads of Cambay is the only place you should be checking out. All our pearls are at wholesale rates, and you will surely find the pearls you desire on our website. We have a vast portfolio of pearls for you to pick from. It includes pearls of every size, shape, color, and variety; whether it is saltwater or freshwater, we have it all! 

And the various options in these are keshi pearls, coin pearls, baroque, large hole pearls, etc. We have an exciting collection for you. We also have many renowned and upcoming jewelry brands and designers on our clients' list who trust us completely in sourcing these gemstones. You will absolutely love shopping with us.

We look forward to having you source these gemstones from us! Upgrade from ordinary pearls - explore our top collection of premium-quality pearls for extraordinary projects.