Cultured Pearls result from a small irritant (usually a natural shell bead and/or piece of fleshy tissue) implanted into living oysters (Akoya and South Sea pearls) or mussels (Freshwater pearls). The oysters or mussels secrete a substance called "nacre" which bonds to the irritant. The resulting layers of nacre form the pearls.

Are Cultured Pearls and simulated pearls the same thing?

No. Cultured Pearls form over time inside the oyster or mussel in their natural environment. Simulated, imitation and "faux" pearls are man-made from a variety of products.

What makes some Cultured Pearls more expensive than others?