Abstract: The invention relates to a cultured bivalve mollusk (particularly quahog) pearl and a method of preparation thereof. The method includes implanting a nucleus material and a donor bivalve mollusk mantle tissue in the gonad or gut area of an anesthetized bivalve mollusk. An ideal bivalve mollusk or a quahog is four-years old or younger for rapid pearl production. The cultured pearl is harvested after a period ranging from six months to three years. Such cultured bivalve mollusk pearl is identical in appearance to the natural pearls.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for producing cultured pearls in gastropods, such as the queen conch, Strombus gigas, and other gastropod species (e.g., families Strombidae, Haliotididae and Volutidae), with high success rates. The subject invention also provides cultured pearls produced by the methods as described herein.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for producing cultured pearls in gastropods, such as the queen conch, Strombus gigas, and other gastropod species (e.g., families Strombidae, Haliotididae and Volutidae), with high success rates. The subject invention also provides cultured pearls produced by the methods as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleus covered or coated with a film including one or more PHA. The invention also relates to a PHA, characterized in that it is of the type PHB-V, a film and a composition including the PHA. The invention further relates to a film or a composition including a PHA and zosteric acid or a bioactive molecule. The invention moreover relates to a surface, preferably a nucleus, covered with the film of PHA, a method for production thereof, and methods for grafting a pearl oyster and producing a pearl using this nucleus. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for reducing graft failure and/or for improving the quality of the pearl using the nucleus according to the invention.

Abstract: A nucleus coated with a film includes one or more exopolysaccharides (EPS) and optionally one or more bioactive molecules such as bactericidal or bacteriostatic agents, cicatrizing agents and/or anti-inflammatory agents. A method for obtaining the nucleus, in order to inhibit graft rejection in pearl oysters is also described.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for producing cultured pearls in gastropods, such as the queen conch, Strombus gigas, and other gastropod species (e.g., families Strombidae, Haliotididae and Volutidae), with high success rates. The subject invention also provides cultured pearls produced by the methods as described herein.

Abstract: A pearl comprised of cremated remains surrounded by nacre. The cremated remains may be from any person or pet. The pearls containing cremated remains can be incorporated into fine jewelry to create ageless, beautiful keepsakes for the remembrance of deceased loved ones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a sculpted mabe pearl comprising: —a step of positioning, beneath the cover of a mollusk, a dome-shaped nucleus having a sculpted relief, and—a step of immersing the mollusk provided with its nucleus in sea water for a specific period. The invention is characterized in that the step of positioning is preceded by a step of sculpture modifying the relief of said nucleus, involving reducing the height of the relief on the zone or zones of the nucleus that have planar surfaces or concave surfaces to be accentuated.

Abstract: A method of culturing a pearl using a mollusk having mantle tissue that includes placing a first portion of a nucleus adjacent to the mantle tissue and allowing the mollusk to deposit nacre on this first portion of the nucleus; and repositioning the nucleus so a second portion of the nucleus is adjacent to the mantle tissue and allowing the mollusk to deposit nacre on this second portion of the nucleus. Also a cultured pearl produced by a method of placing a first portion of a nucleus adjacent to a mollusk's mantle tissue and allowing the mollusk to deposit nacre on this first portion of the nucleus; and repositioning the nucleus so a second portion of the nucleus is adjacent to the mantle tissue and allowing the mollusk to deposit nacre on this second portion of the nucleus.

Abstract: A pearl including a nucleus optionally including a gem and a nacre coating. The nacre coating partially coats but does not fully coat the nucleus thereby exposing at least a portion of the nucleus.

Abstract: A method for producing a cultured pearl, including the forming a green body from a calcium carbonate precursor powder, equilibrating the moisture content of the green body to a level of between about 5 weight percent and about 8 weight percent, partially densifying the green body and spheroidizing the green body to a produce calcium carbonate sphere, sintering the calcium carbonate sphere to produce a densified seed, tumbling the densified seed in fluidized calcite, placing the densified seed between the mantle lobe and the shell of a bivalve, growing a pearl around the seed, and harvesting the pearl from the bivalve. Preferably, the pearl is grown over a duration of between about 6 months about 36 months.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleus for the production of half or mabe pearls in molluscs. The nucleus comprises a first portion having an external surface adapted to define the shape of the half or mabe pearl to be produced and a second portion which defines a bridge between said first portion and the shell of the host mollusc. The half or mabe pearls so produced have a substantially even cross section of nacre formed over the nucleus, and a generally reduced time is required for the formation of the pearl.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a sufficiently large pearl in a short time without requiring a skilled person. Genes of mantle cells of a shellfish for forming a pearl layer are incorporated into genes of monads or ultramicro organisms that generate a viscous secretion, by which pearl generating organisms are prepared. By these pearl generating organisms, pearl constituents are formed from calcium ions or magnesium ions in seawater and carbonate ions. By the viscous secretion, the pearl constituents are made to adhere to and stack onto the outer peripheral surface of a core composed of a synthetic resin, shell, ceramic, wood, or metal, so that a pearl layer is formed up.

Abstract: An artificial nucleus made of a crystallized glass is provided for use in the production of a pearl. The crystallized glass has been produced using a batch having the following composition:SiO.sub.2 . . . 40-65 wt. %MgO . . . 3-16 wt. %MgF.sub.2 . . . 6.5-17 wt. %K.sub.2 O . . . 7.5-18 wt. %ZrO.sub.2 . . . 0.01-15 wt. %CaO . . . 0.1-20 wt. %P.sub.2 O.sub.5 . . . 0.1-20 wt. %BaO and/or SrO . . . 0.1-13 wt. %and has crystalline phases composed primarily of tetrasilicon fluormica and formed in a glass matrix phase.

Abstract: The process includes the step of forming an opening in the shell of a host mollusk, such as an abalone, at a location covering a soft tissue thereof, such as the mantle-covered gonadal tissue. A pearl nucleus is then inserted into the opening. The pearl nucleus comprises a nucleating portion, typically semispherical in configuration, and a nut portion. The pearl nucleus is either threaded or configured to provide a tight frictional fit with the peripheral edge of the opening. The pearl nucleus is inserted into the opening and then turned by means of the nut portion to provide a very tight fit in the opening. In another embodiment, a pearl nucleus is drawn into the abalone in the vicinity of the head region, or through an opening formed in the abalone shell, by means of a probe which is introduced into the abalone through another smaller opening. The pearl nucleus is pulled into the abalone until it is seated adjacent the smaller opening, where it is held by tissue pressure and glue.