Introducing the Coin Pearl - an exquisite addition to the history of pearl shapes. In the early days of Chinese freshwater pearl culture, un-nucleated round pearls were the epitome of beauty. However, the innovative Chinese also experimented with nucleated pearls, using carved mussel shells in various shapes such as round, square, diamond, heart, and star. These shapes, inspired by the nucleated Japanese freshwater pearls from Lake Biwa and Lake Kasumiguara, brought forth a new trend in pearl cultivation. The coin, square, and diamond shapes became immensely popular, and soon heart and star shaped pearls were also added to the inventory. Admired for their uniqueness and rarity, these shapes are a testament to the artistry of pearl harvesting. While smooth-skinned pearls are hard to come by, the best of these flat shapes are only a small fraction of the harvest.
