South Sea & Tahitian Pearl Culture! A mother of pearl bead is usually implanted in the body of the oyster to produce a pearl. This process was invented by the Japanese. Hundreds of flats each with six oysters sway in the ocean currents. The shells are regularly cleaned during the two to four year culturing process. Harvest Time! The pearls are now sorted by shape,color,luster & size. Beautiful pearl jewelry is now ready to be designed.