Gulf of Manar in Sri Lanka : The pearls found in Manar, are slightly smoky in tinge and lighter
in weight than their competitors, the pearls found in the Persian Gulf. Indian gem dealers
nowadays believe that the best pearls are found in the Persian Gulf.
The Persian Gulf : The most lustrous and durable pearls are found on the banks of the Bahrain
Islands in the Persian Gulf. They are famous as Basra pearls in India.
Bay of Bengal : The pearls obtained from the Bay of Bengal are globular, rose-colored, and
very attractive. But they are softer than Basra pearls and so are less durable.
South Indian Fisheries : Pearls are also found in southern India and in Tamil Nadu and Andhra
Pradesh. Tuticorin in South India has been a famous source of pearls for several centuries.
Pearls found in Tuticorin are similar to Basra pearls from the Persian Gulf.