Tag: Cultured pearls

In the 1998 film *Blade*, the morbidly obese vampire character known as Pearl is famously portrayed as immobile and gluttonous. However, when referring to the beautiful gemstone, there is no such thing as a "fat" pearl, but rather a wide spectrum of natural shapes and forms, from perfectly round spheres to asymmetrical baroques. This query, therefore, presents a fascinating case of pop culture intersecting with gemological terminology.

Over 17 million tonnes of bivalves are harvested annually for food and pearls, meaning pearls are not a plant-based product. The simple and often surprising reason why are pearls not vegan is that they are created by living creatures—oysters and mussels. This animal origin, coupled with the invasive harvesting methods, conflicts with the core principles of veganism.

The vast majority of pearls used in jewellery today are 'cultured,' meaning their creation involves the invasive exploitation of oysters. Because pearls are formed by an animal, the short answer to the question, 'Is pearl vegan friendly?' is a clear no. This guide explores the ethical reasons behind this, the controversial farming practices involved, and the many beautiful, compassionate alternatives available for ethical jewellery lovers.