Although model pearls are perfectly round and smooth, in reality they come in a huge number of shapes and sizes. Watch Andreia Salvador, Curator of Marine Mollusca, take a look at one of the Museum's ...

A village head's son's accidental death in the sea forces the government to ban fishermen from diving in search of pearls. However, the ban obstructs the main occupation of the villagers.

Pearls are made by marine oysters and freshwater mussels as a natural defence against an irritant such as a parasite entering their shell or damage to their fragile body. The oyster or mussel slowly ...

In fact, semi-precious stones are no longer limited to ... this interplay of textures brings a sophisticated edge to every piece. Pearls are breaking free from their traditional image, with ...