The queen conch, a marine snail, lures shell collectors with its unique, spire-shaped shell, but the mollusk also produces lustrous, deep-pink pearls. For years, people have attempted, with little ...

Cultured pearls from China have become so common as to be almost worthless. ... managing director of the Gemological Institute of America’s Southeast Asia division.

If pearl farmers can grow cultured pearls that test as naturals, the market may be in for a wild ride. Editor's Notes This feature originally appeared on the site for the NOVA program The Perfect ...

For hundreds of years, nomadic groups known as Badjao have lived on boats in the waters of Southeast Asia, heading to shore only to trade or to take shelter from threatening weather. They are free ...