G

Grafting Operation
A technician inserts a nucleus and a mantle tissue graft into an oyster's gonad, or reproductive gland. This process, which takes one or two minutes, is the moment that begins the creation of a cultured pearl. During the following weeks the implanted graft grows to form a pearl sack. Then concentric layers of nacre are secreted around the nucleus, covering it. If the wound created by the initial surgery heals quickly and under good conditions, a round pearl will more easily develop. A pearl harvest is considered good when there are three commercially acceptable pearls for every 10 grafted oysters.

Grain
An old French weight measure equal to 0.05 grams, or 1/4 of a carat.