Pearls - are the only gemstones in the world to be extracted from live animals. A visit to the pearl farm is well worth a visit. You can see the complicated process of farmed oysters, in which a pearl "grows". One of the richest sources of business from this part of the world is the harvest of pearls. Here you can see the harvesting and preparation o the pearls, they do before your beloved can wear a shiny pearl necklace around her neck.
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The cultivation of pearls depends largely on the environment of the sea. A polluted environment always leads to certain failures. Other elements also come into consideration, such as the salt content and the depth of the water. The production also depends on the different types of oysters.
Under the right circumstances, it will take at least five years before the oyster is mature enough that a pearl can be harvested. For pearls over 10mm can be up to seven or even ten years. Here is also cultivated the special Tahitian Black Pearl.
The success rate for a normal pearl is about 40 percent, only a small percentage has a very good quality and that's the reason, why someone has to pay a high price. |
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There are in Halong Bay two pearl farms which you can visit. The farms in the floating village, where they are located, was founded in 1995 by Japanese experts. They were for some years in charge, but it is now owned by a Vietnamese company.
While some oysters die, after the pearl is removed from the shell, others oysters remain alive. You will not believe it, but the harvesting of pearls is already 4000 years old.
You learn about the exhausting process and the years that you have to wait before a pearl can be harvested. The oyster is taken up and cleaned. You'll see a worker opening the oyster and how he removes the real gem. A lady will learn you to appreciate the genuine pearls.
Tourists who visit the pearl farm, have the opportunity here to buy pearls or buy another jewel.
Pearls
Most of the junks which make a cruise through Halong Bay, sail along these floating villages. They probably make a short stop at a fish farm or a pearl farm and then you can get an idea how a pearl is grown. You might also get a glimpse into the basic needs of the villagers. Some locals come to pick you up with their sampan to give you a glimpse into their village.
Pearl and oyster in the shell
The impressive towering islands of Ha Long Bay makes the cruise so special, but there is on the inside of the islands someting special: beautiful caves.
"It was good to learn about the pearls but the tour lady needs to be more enthusiastic. I understand she does dozens a day but they could certainly try a bit harder.
Also you might think the large pearl shop would be slightly cheaper as it is right next to the pearl farm but no still very expensive."
