Long known as the "Queen of Gems," pearls possess a history and allure far beyond what today's wearer may recognize. Throughout much of recorded history, a natural pearl necklace comprised of ...

Naomi Grabham, valuer at Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne, said most pearls seen in jewellery were from "cultured" oysters. She said: "They are farmed and grit is implanted into them.

The pearl farming project was first launched in ... Salmon, lobster, shrimp and tilapia are already being farmed on an industrial scale in lakes dotted across the Taklimakan Desert – a vast ...