Pearl farming is the process of cultivating pearls from oysters or mussels in controlled environments. Farmers insert a small irritant, often a piece of shell, into the mollusk, prompting it to produce layers of nacre, which eventually form a pearl. This method allows for the production of high-quality pearls in a sustainable manner. The farming process typically takes several years, as the mollusks need time to create the pearls. Once harvested, the pearls are cleaned and sorted based on size, shape, and luster. Pearl farming is an important industry in regions like Japan and China, contributing to local economies.