The Birth Of A Pearl

OVERVIEW

Become thoroughly immersed in the world of pearls by visiting a flourishing oyster farm and laboratory where these lustrous gems are produced to exacting standards. After a short drive along the Sea of Cortez, where native pearls have been harvested for centuries, you will arrive at Perlas de La Paz, a company that cultivates oysters using the latest technologies and science. Besides learning about the origins of local pearling, you watch artisans demonstrate the delicate process of grafting in the lab to produce pearls from oysters. The pearls are used in exquisite jewelry – which you will find in the on-site store – and even crushed into powder for cosmetics. The iridescent inner oyster shell or mother of pearl is used as ornamentation on everything from jewelry to guitars. For a deeper dive into pearls, you can join a marine biologist for a swim in the oyster beds and an up-close look at these bi-valves in the natural habitat.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Perlas de la Paz, a company that cultivates oysters to produce lustrous pearls.
• Watch artisans graft oysters in a laboratory to initiate the process.
• Browse some of the company’s exquisite jewelry in the on-site store.
• Gain insight into the many uses of pearls beyond jewelry.
• Take an optional swim in the oyster beds to observe the bivalves in their natural habitat.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.