Where Can I Learn to be a Pearl Nucleator?

Interesting question from a reader this week, who became enchanted with the pearl industry after a vacation in the South Pacific.

Truth is, Japanese, Chinese and South Sea pearl farmers closely guard their pearl culturing techniques--they have to, it's their lifeblood. Nucleators, like the one pictured, (from pearlguide.com) are highly skilled workers, like surgeons, who spend years learning their craft. The task they perform is not easy--and not easily shared.

If you're looking to begin a career in pearl farming, the Gemological Institute of America, http://www.gia.edu/, has a wonderful trip planned to tour the great pearl farms of the world. Go, pick their brains, offer to apprentice, and good luck.