In the saltwater pearl industry, innovations come far and few between. Yet, in freshwater industry, they fascinate us pretty often. Some though yet come and go. More than a decade ago, in 2010 a new kind of freshwater pearl stunned the market and opened up new possibilities. Named "Cultured Soufflé Pearls," these pearls are unlike any other variety we've seen before. They hail exclusively from Chinese freshwater mussels and have brought a unique aesthetic and weightless feel to the world of pearls.
The Origins
Around 2005-06, Chinese farmers began experimenting with a unique technique. Rather than implanting a mother-of-pearl or pearl nucleus into the existing pearl sac of the mussel, they opted for a ball of clay (or earthy matter). Jack Lynch of Sea Hunt Pearls in San Francisco coined the name "Cultured Soufflé Pearls" for these exceptional gems. The clay ball was inserted into the pre-existing pearl sacs, which led to the formation of a hollow pearl after harvest.
The Science Behind It
The intent behind the clay implant was multi-faceted. According to a blog post on Jewellery Net Asia, the clay substance was used to expand the pearl sacs. This is because clay has the capacity to absorb water, thereby increasing in size even before the first layers of nacre, or mother-of-pearl, start forming. This allows for a larger nucleus to be inserted into these expanded sacs post-harvest, potentially leading to even bigger pearls in the future.
Unique Characteristics
What sets Soufflé pearls apart is not just their unique formation process but also their final characteristics. These pearls are exceptionally large, often exceeding 15-16-20mm in diameter, and have a vivid luster and orient (the unique way light interacts with the layers of nacre). Once harvested, they are drilled, and the clay core is dissolved using a hydrogen peroxide solution, leaving behind a hollow, incredibly lightweight yet robust pearl.
Challenges and Rarity
Technically, Soufflé pearls are baroque pearls of random shapes, but they have been given their own designation due to their distinct growing technique and the unique visual impact they bring to freshwater pearls. However, cultivating commercially attractive specimens has proven to be a very challenging task. This difficulty has led to a significant decrease in their production, making these pearls a rare commodity now. The Soufflé of a commercial value is a rarity nowadays, but a truly high jewelry or gem quality Soufflé is an extremely elusive and exceptional find.
The world of Cultured Soufflé Pearls is a testament to the incredible ingenuity and experimentation that continues to define the pearl industry. Although they have become rarer over the years, their unique characteristics make them a remarkable addition to any jewelry collection, and they stand as a monumental achievement in pearl cultivation.
Marina Korneev Fine Pearls caries a very small collection of Soufflé pearls in stock. You can buy them here.