Pearls by Nature, is the name of Bryan and Maria’s artistic quest, and consuming passion. Their interest began while traveling through central China, Maria and Bryan met and befriended a wonderful group of pearl farmers. These farmers facilitate the growth of pearls in a process called “culturing,” using techniques first developed over 100 years ago, and constantly being improved. Pearl culturing involves implanting an irritant into the body of the mollusk and then placing the mollusk into proper growing conditions. Because they culture their pearls inland, they are creating pearls in a condition called “freshwater.” These small freshwater ponds are nurtured, and the water quality monitored for 3-5 years before harvest. This process is environmentally friendly because it requires the ecosystem to be clean and carefully tended. All parts of the mollusk are used, creating no waste. The pearls are highly sought after, and the shell is used for both jewelry and as an organic fertilizer.