Phu Quoc Island in the southern province of Kien Giang is
famous not only for its wild and beautiful beaches but also for its
prestigious pearl farming.
In recent years, Phu
Quoc pearls have become a favourite souvenir for those who visit the
island, helping open up new opportunities for local people to benefit
from the rising tourism.
The quiet and calm
waters off Phu Quoc Island are the ideal place for the
development of marine life. In the past, islanders used to collect
natural mother-of-pearl and pearls, the high quality of which made them
particularly unique and valuable. However, only one in 15,000 oysters
contained a natural pearl.
The pearl cultivation
officially began on Phu Quoc Island 18 years ago when Japanese
and Australian experts arrived to develop the industry with advanced
technology. A few large Vietnamese farms were also set up at that time,
including Quoc An. Along with the time, pearl farming has blossomed
here.
According to Le Thi My Dung, owner of the
Quoc An pearl farm, pearls of Phu Quoc island are a favourite gift for
many people as they are shiny and good for health.
Pearl is a solid substance in a spherical shape, produced by some
species, mainly mollusca, including oysters and freshwater mussels.
Pearl farmers often select oysters aged between six months and two
years. After nucleating, oysters are placed in cages (six in each) which
are then put on the sea bed. Farmed pearls are usually harvested after
about two years.
During the period, the oysters must be
cleaned weekly with barnacles removed from their shells. The water must
be kept clean to make the pearls shiny and beautiful.
“In order to have a beautiful and pure bead, first we need to make sure
the oysters are strong by taking care of them every day and controlling
the water level as well,” said Ho Quang Cuong from the Ngoc Hien pearl
farm.
To extract the pearl, the worker slides a knife
between the oyster, avoid directly hitting the pearl inside and
scratching it. After being removed from the oyster, the pearl is cleaned
and polished with special instruments. The polishing process aims to
remove any blemishes. Pearls are valued by their size, shape, luster and
the presence of blemishes.
Cultured pearls may be black, white, yellow, pink or shaded with different colours.
Pearls from oysters and mussels can be made into rings, necklaces,
earrings, bracelets and other items of jewelry. Almost all the solid
parts of oysters and mussels, including their shells, are useful. They
can be made into buttons and inlaid into furniture and fine arts, while
the soft parts offer nutritious food.
In traditional
medicine, pearl powder can be mixed with other ingredients to produce
tranquillising or detoxicating effects and facilitate the lachrymal
system. Pearl powder is also useful in the treatment of epileptic
convulsion, cataracts, tinnitus, dizziness and other problems afflicting
bones, joints and skin. It is even used in cosmetics.
Cultured
pearls are omnipresent in Phu Quoc, put on sale from the north to the
south of the island, from the airport to the harbour.
The souvenir will remind tourists of the unforgettable time they spent
in Phu Quoc – the Pearl island in the south of Vietnam.-VNA