Pearls are created by inserting a round piece of shell called a “nucleus” into an Akoya oyster. The oyster then forms layers of nacre around that nucleus, eventually creating a pearl.
Incidentally, pearls without a nucleus, made only of nacre, are called Keshi pearls.
In this video, I will show you part of the process of how shell is transformed into a pearl nucleus.
The person who kindly helped me with this video is the president of a pearl nucleus factory who has taken great care of me since the days when I worked for a pearl company.
Even after I left the pearl industry, we have remained in contact.
He is the second-generation owner of the factory. His son wanted to take over the business, but he chose not to pass the nucleus factory on to him.
Demand for pearl nuclei has been declining year by year, and it seems that he did not want his son to enter an industry whose future remains uncertain.
From Mother-of-Pearl Shell to Pearl Nucleus
The pearl nucleus manufacturing process shown in the video can be roughly divided into six steps.
- Cut the shell lengthwise into long strips
- Cut the strips crosswise into small cube-like pieces
- Roughly grind the pieces of shell
- Grind the roughly shaped nuclei until they become perfectly round
- Polish the nuclei further
- Inspect them for scratches and defects
Polishing Until Perfectly Round
This video focuses on the fourth step: polishing the roughly polished nuclei until they become perfectly round. It offers a close look at the work carried out inside a nucleus manufacturing plant.
To see how a finished nucleus is used in Akoya pearl farming, read this.
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