It's rare to find a pearl in the wild.If you visit an area known for its commercial pearls, it can be done.If you want to increase your odds of finding a pearl, take a guided diving tour.
Step 1: There are oysters to be ordered.
Oysters are a good way to find pearls.It is rare to find a high value pearl in a restaurant oyster.Though it can be done, the odds are against you.Oysters produce a different type of "pearl" than pearl oysters, but true pearls have occasionally been found by diners.You can also order oysters on the half shell.Any dish with oysters is fair game.You can buy oysters at the fish market.If you want to shuck an oyster at home, place the slit face up.Place a table knife in one end of the slit and move it across the opening.The oyster needs to be pulled open to see a pearl.You can still eat the oyster if it doesn't have one.
Step 2: Know what to look for
pearls found in oysters aren't worth much.They are usually very hard.You should be on the lookout for round pearls.It can be worth more if it is colorful.There are many colors of pearls, such as blue, purple, orange, white, pink, green, and black.They are round, oblong, egg-shaped, or irregularly shaped.Oysters can produce something closer to a pebble than a pearl.
Step 3: Don't bite.
Don't eat oysters if you feel like it.Most pearls found in oysters are very hard and can crack one of your teeth.You don't want to eat it.Take it out of your mouth.If it is round, smooth, and lustrous, you should have it looked at by a jeweler.
Step 4: Purchase pearl oysters.
Pearls can be shipped directly to your home.These companies guarantee that you will get an oyster with a pearl.
Step 5: You can find a guided diving tour.
It's a good idea to use a guided tour if you've never dived before.You can find it through a travel agency.You can dive for naturally grown pearls.Some are in a farming operation.You won't get as much diving time if you find pearls with farming operations.Some companies will give you a pearl or not.
Step 6: Be a good swimmer.
You will need to be able to swim to go pearl diving.In some places you won't be able to use scuba gear.You need to be able to swim.If you don't know how to swim, you can take swimming lessons from your local parks and recreation department or YMCA.
Step 7: Don't wear the wrong attire.
Where you are will determine the proper attire.You have to wear long flowing white pants and a matching top in the company's place of business.The idea is to protect you from stinging insects.Ask the company if it's appropriate for you to dive with.
Step 8: Take a dive.
You can take a boat to the diving area.You will need to be able to dive 10 to 15 feet.Sometimes the company will give you a weight to help you sink quicker.You might be gathering loose oysters or untying strings of oysters from a farm.
Step 9: Remove the shell from the oysters.
A technician will help you shuck the oysters at the end.They may use a machine to help open the oyster.After the pearl is removed, the oyster will return to the ocean.
Step 10: Natural pearls are found in a state.
You can find freshwater pearls in Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River in Tennessee.Hawaii is the main option for saltwater pearls.These are the main states for pearls that are commercially viable.
Step 11: Pay the fee.
You will have to pay a fee for a permit in most areas.The license fees in Tennessee are based on whether you are a commercial in-state resident or commercial out-of- state resident.You may be able to get a license as a wholesaler.
Step 12: There is a diver's down flag.
A diver's flag is usually used when you are in the water.There is a flag in the water.The law in Tennessee states that no boat can go within 50 feet of the flag.Only the boat used to dive from can be within 50 feet.
Step 13: Go for pearls.
If you are diving for saltwater pearls, you will need to take a boat to the diving area.There are many freshwater mussels in the stream beds.You don't need to walk along the river to find freshwater pearls.The sand and silt at the bottom of the river make it difficult to find mingles.There are mussels in shallow water.You can find sandy areas in rivers, lakes, and streams.The fisherman wades into the river to collect the mussels.It is possible to wade into the middle of shallow water and feel the steam in the bottom of the water for mussels.You can use similar methods of feeling for mussels in lakes, but you may need basic diving equipment.If the water is clear, you'll be able to see the mussels in the sand.
Step 14: Don't eat your mussels.
To shuck an oyster, use a dull knife.Place it on a hard surface with the opening up and insert the knife on one side into the slit on top.As you go, push across the slit.Once you pull it open, you should be able to find your pearl.You can burn your pearl with table salt and a soft cloth.
Step 15: Follow local rules.
The size of the mussels you take depends on the situation.They put out the size for each species in Tennessee.The easiest way to measure your mussels is to use a ring with an interior that is the size you want.You don't know if the mussel passes through or not.The mussels have to be 4 inches in diameter.ebonies and monkey faces need to be 2 1/2 inches in diameter.