Pearls are unique among gem materials in that they are "manufactured" by mollusks. Possibly one of the oldest materials used as gems by man, pearls require no further attention by the human hand. They have been found in artifacts of Mesopotamia dating as early as c. 2300 BC.E. From freshwater to South Sea, from Baroque to coin shaped, nature creates pearls in an extraordinary array of shapes and colors. Design possibilities are endless and our sources for fabulous pearls are outstanding.