The harvesting of pearls, particularly in Mie, Japan, involves meticulous care and precision. Mie Prefecture, renowned for its pearl cultivation, follows traditional methods alongside modern techniques to ensure high-quality pearl production (CNY Diamond, n.d.). The process begins with the careful insertion of a small bead or piece of mantle tissue into the oyster, encouraging the formation of a pearl (Russell, 2019). The oysters are then returned to the sea, where they are nurtured in controlled environments, often for several years (Matsuda, 2020). During this period, the oysters are regularly monitored, cleaned, and protected from predators and diseases to ensure the pearls develop properly. When the pearls are ready for harvesting, skilled divers or technicians carefully retrieve the oysters from their underwater habitats. The harvested pearls are then extracted from the oysters with precision to avoid damaging the delicate nacre layers that give the pearls their luster and value (Kondo, 2018). This meticulous harvesting process is crucial to maintaining the quality and value of the pearls.
Once harvested, the pearls undergo a series of post-harvest processes to prepare them for the market. The initial step involves cleaning the pearls to remove any organic material or residue from their surfaces (Strack, 2006). This is followed by sorting the pearls based on size, shape, color, and quality, ensuring that only the finest pearls reach the market (Scarratt, 1992). To enhance their appearance, the sorted pearls may then be treated through various methods. Common treatments include polishing, bleaching, or dyeing to achieve the desired color and shine (Kunz & Stevenson, 1908). After treatment, the pearls are drilled and matched into strands or sets according to their attributes (Webster, 1994). Each strand or set is meticulously inspected to ensure uniformity and quality. Finally, the processed pearls are packaged and shipped to jewelry manufacturers and retailers worldwide. These steps ensure that the pearls maintain their beauty and value, making them suitable for high-end jewelry production and appealing to discerning consumers (Strack, 2006; Scarratt, 1992; Kunz & Stevenson, 1908). The thorough post-harvest processing guarantees that only the best pearls make it to the market, reflecting the high standards of Japanese pearl cultivation.
