First, a small nucleus of opaline (opaque or coloured glass) is covered with layers of a protective substance. This is achieved by immersing it fully in a pearly liquid that consists of ground-up fish scales, or other marine animal particles. It is this step that gives the pearl the iridescence for which it is famed.
This specialist coating process is then repeated between 30 and 40 times. Following each coat, the pearls are dried and polished. This helps to remove any imperfections.
After this, a final coating is applied. It’s important to then ensure that the pearls are given maximum protection to prevent deterioration, so the pearls are put under ultra-violet radiation, gases and other solutions that prevent discoloration and make them chip resistant. This step gives pearls their longevity, where if they are cared for correctly means they can last for decades to come.