Pearls

January 1, 2002 — April 14, 2002

Closed

Cherished as symbols of purity and perfection, elegance and affluence, pearls are unusual gems, created inside living animals called mollusks. Occurring naturally in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors, pearls have long captured the attention of scientists as well as socialites.

Any mollusk that produces a shell can produce a pearl. Nevertheless, naturally occurring pearls are rare, found in perhaps one of every 10,000 animals. The cultured pearl industry, which has flourished since the early 20th century, has developed techniques to greatly improve these odds. Indeed, more pearls are produced now than at any time in human history.

Exhibition Highlights

What are Pearls? Obtaining Pearls Freshwater Pearls Marine Pearls Pearls in Human History Meet the Curators Behind the Scenes Sponsor

The American Museum of Natural History is most grateful to Tasaki Shinju, for its generous support of the Pearls exhibition.