No gem captures the imagination like the lustrous creation of our freshwater mussels—the American Pearl. For over 500 years, the natural pearls of our American river systems have been prized for their luster, incredible color variety, durability and rarity. The most valuable ones display an incredible rainbow iridescence, known as orient. Naturally occurring pearls are the most precious because of their rarity, 1 in 10,000 chances of finding one. These rare pearls are limited in the marketplace. However, American Pearl Company ®, Inc., has spent over 70 years sustainably collecting them from our domestic lakes and rivers, as well as across the globe, maintaining a sizable inventory. In the early 1960’s, we began research and development to launch the one and only sustainable pearl farm in the USA. And by August 1985, National Geographic Magazine featured our Tennessee pearl farm in their thirty-two page article to introduce the first American cultured pearls. Through sheer determination, patience and ingenuity the Latendresse family has turned a respect for nature and a passion for beauty into the American Pearl Company’s focus for two generations.