Where Our Pearls Come From
While living in Shanghai, China, we learned that the nearby city of Suzhou is famous for culturing freshwater pearls. We visited the pearl markets in Suzhou, and procured the pearls that we are now offering through Aurora Avery Arts as Remembrance Pearls and other products. Here's a quick run-down of how the process works.
01
Farming the Mussels
Mussel farmers leverage the dozens of lakes in the Suzhou area for propagating and raising the mussels that produce the pearls. Unlike oysters in saltwater, freshwater mussels can produce pearls in much harsher conditions than oysters.
02
Seeding and Harvesting
Unlike oysters, mussels are large, averaging around 9 inches long. Each mussel is surgically implanted with 24 to 32 tiny pieces of mantle tissue, a process known as nucleation, which eventually turn into lustrous pearls and harvested later.
03
Off to the Markets
Nearby markets, which resemble malls in the US, contain hundreds of independent stalls where owners take the pearls from the farmers and make them into beads, necklaces, earrings and more.
04
Relaxing
After a long day of haggling with pearl vendors for the best prices, we take in some scenery, meet the locals and enjoy incredible Suzhou cuisine!
