Pearls have been adored by people throughout the world for thousands of years, even before the Roman Empire. Not only are these exquisite jewels beautiful and captivating but they are also a globally-recognized symbol of taste, class, and elegance. However, given the environmental crisis the world is facing, we have to make sure we do our part by purchasing environmentally-responsible pearls. After all, they come from mollusks that play an important role in the ecology of the ocean floors and river bottoms.

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Pearl Farming

For a long period of time, pearls were only found in the wild. Since not all oysters produced pearls, thousands usually got wasted just to find a handful. As a result, the population had been depleting over time, harming the biodiversity needed for a thriving marine ecosystem. As the demand for pearls continued to grow, scientists, in the early 20^th century, discovered a method to produce cultured pearls. This put an end to the large-scale pearl hunting and marked the beginning of more eco-friendly pearl farming.

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Here are three steps you can follow to make sure the stunning pearl necklaces and rings you buy are environmentally responsible.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

1.Buy Pearls Online

Avoid being pressured into buying pearl jewelry at a brick-and-mortar retail store. The best way to purchase it is through a trusted online retailer. By buying online, you give yourself the time and the freedom to find the perfect piece, make sure the retailer is reputable, research how they acquire the pearls, and figure out whether the jewelry is eco-friendly.
To ensure a retailer is legitimate, you should read customer reviews, check whether the website is secure as well as registered with the Better Business Bureau. In addition, almost all trustworthy retailers have customer service. If any questions come up, we suggest calling them to speak with a representative who will provide you with all of the information you’re after.
 

2.Find Out How the Pearls Were Acquired

Before you call the retailer, browse through their website. Most companies have a page dedicated to pearl education. As you are reading, pay attention to whether they sell wild or cultured pearls. You should be able to find information about the types of these gems, their sizes, and grades. All of that can come to play when choosing what purchase to make.
 

3.Consider Going for Black Saltwater Pearls

Black saltwater pearls are exclusive to two regions: the coast of Mexico and waters of French Polynesia. These gems are renowned for their gorgeous colors that are nothing like those of the typical white pearls. Instead, they are available in a rich assortment of darker hues, ranging from gray to green, blue, purple, and black. That makes Sea of Cortez and Tahitian black pearls, as they are called, extremely rare and sought-after. Another very important aspect about these pearls is that they are harvested using some of the most sustainable farming practices.

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Eco-Friendly Black Saltwater Pearl Farming

By the late 1800s, after years of unsustainable picking, the oysters that produce Sea of Cortez pearls were on the brink of extinction. That prompted a ban in 1939 to protect these species. In 1996, pearl farming was introduced to the area, and a local farm, Perlas del Mar de Cortez, came to the forefront. Not only did this farm make Sea of Cortez pearls available to consumers once again, but more importantly, they helped repopulate these oysters in the local waters.
Similar practices have made Tahitian black pearls an environmentally friendly choice. During breeding season the Kamoka Pearl Farm in Tahiti catches baby oysters and gives them a safe place to grow. Once the oyster is mature enough to produce a pearl, precision tools are used for nucleation. That helps to ensure that the oyster will stay healthy. Both of these farms are terrific examples of how pearls can be environmentally sustainable.
 
Do you choose or plan to choose environmentally-responsible pearls?
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