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bead nucleation The use of a shell bead, usually spherical, implanted in the oyster to stimulate the growth of a cultured pearl, and forming the center of the pearl.
[Bead nucleation process: Image courtesy of Dr. Jill Banfield]
The composition and structure of this nacre is essentially identical to that which forms under natural conditions.
 See also: Oval, Akoya pearl, Baroque, Clean, Gem
  
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