Cultured Pearl Museum

Learn all about the pearl culturing process

Cathy Cawood Jun 27, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Model of bamboo float with oyster nets suspended beneath</p>

<p>You can try standing on this bamboo float</p>

<p>The oysters are wedged open with pieces of wood to allow insertion of the pearl nucleus</p>

<p>Half-pearls, called mabes, formed on abalone shells</p>

<p>Abalone natural and cultured pearls</p>

<p>Mother of pearl buttons cut from a shell</p>

<p>Friendly assistant stands next to an audio-visual of the culturing process</p>

<p>Model of a boat with an ama diver</p>

<p>Saleable pearls above the line, and rejects below</p>

<p>Can you feel the difference between natural and cultured pearls?</p>

One of the attractions at Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba is a museum with displays that will take you through the process of culturing high quality pearls. Mikimoto is used to welcoming visitors from all over the world, and all of the exhibits have English explanations as well as Japanese. Make sure you see the antique jewelry exhibition nearby, and watch the Ama diving display too when you visit!

More info

Find out more about Mikimoto Pearl Island.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...