Pearl producers are people who work with oysters to produce pearls. Oysters are mollusks that have a hard outer shell and are found in both salt and fresh water. The process of producing pearls involves inserting a small irritant into the OYSTER, which causes the OYSTER to secrete a substance called nacre around the irritant. Over time, this nacre builds up and forms a pearl. Pearl producers must be knowledgeable about the different types of oysters and the best methods for producing pearls.