Pearls
The most popular organic gems are pearls and they are produced in the soft tissue of a mollusk. Freshwater pearls have been harvested from rivers and lakes and saltwater pearls have been harvested from coastal ocean beds since ancient times. Only a small portion of the pearls harvested each year were of a shape, color and quality to be used in jewelry.

During the last century, pearl cultivation techniques have been revolutionized and now gem-quality pearls are produced in huge quantities. Technology also allows for the coloring of pearls to pink, blue, gray, green, golden, or chocolate, in order to keep up with—or design—the latest fashion. This gem that was once available only to royal and wealthy families has now become a favorite for affordable jewelry.