Can oysters produce pearls? Kuya Kim answers

A fisherman in Cavite felt like he hit the jackpot after he found an alleged pearl in an oyster.

But is it really possible for an oyster to produce a pearl?

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, it is possible for foreign materials to enter oysters which eventually turn into pearls.

It begins with a foreign material such as sand, parasites, or rock that enters a shell. In order for the oysters to protect their soft insides, they release a protective coating called nacre.

The nacre builds up and hardens around the irritant, and over time, it turns into a pearl.

Pearls are unique precious stones that come from living organisms: oysters for saltwater and mussels for freshwater.

One out of 10,000 pearls are found in wild oysters, making them one of the rarest precious stones in the world.

Only 1% of pearls used in jewelry are naturally occurring. Most of them are farmed or cultured pearls.

Meanwhile, the pearl found by the fisherman, Kenneth Catamora, went through different tests by an expert.

"Una, tooth test," said jeweler Marge. "Sa fire test, inaapuyan natin 'yung pearl. Pag ka nilinis natin, babalik siya sa shineness niya. 'Yung rub test, kikiskisin mo 'yung dalawang pearl, kung 'di siya magpo-powder, plastic 'yun. Kapag ka nilagyan natin siya ng nitric acid, 'yung pearl magba-bubbles."

After the four tests, they found out that the pearl was not a high-grade pearl.

"Posibleng ito ay low quality pearl," said Gregg Yan, director of Best Alternatives. "Ito ay di perfect. Hindi siya masyadong valuable economically."

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News