Halong Bay Vietnam 2016 4xPiP

Fishing village with pearl farming in Halong Bay

One of the last stops on our fishing village exploration is a village with pearl farming.
Almost all pearls used in jewellery making today are cultured.
First the shells are "inoculated" with a small ball of mother-of-pearl.
Implanting ("inoculating") pearls involves surgical skill as well as science. It requires utmost accuracy, good tools and the right approach.
After six years of careful maintenance and care, the pearls are ready for harvesting. If climatic, water and all other conditions allow, the "oysters" have produced some beautiful jewels.