The pearl oysters have
stayed comfortably inside special culture cages known as "Pocket Nets". These are
just like Condominiums to the pearl
oysters: they have plenty of room for themselves, a nice view of
the bay and all the food and nutrients they need.
This way we are
assured that our oysters grow fast and healthy. This is
very important, since healthy oysters living in a healthy
environment will produce
beautiful pearls.
Pearl harvest takes place within a year and a half (18 months) or over two years (32 months) after the organism was subjected to the pearl grafting operation. The harvest is performed in springtime, when the waters of the Gulf of California are just starting to warm up after the cold winter.
The oysters are brought to the dock, cleaned and harvested. From each oyster we obtain many products: loose pearls, mabe, mother-of-pearl shell (to make buttons or sell as souvenirs), as well as a few natural pearls, and also a tasty meat product known locally as "callo" (locals consider it to be an aphrodisiac).
As you can see, nothing ever goes to waste.
Copyright 1998-2007 Perlas Únicas S.A. de C.V.
Last Updated 02/2005
All Page Design, text, photos and content by Douglas McLaurin.