Where do I get mussels and nuclei for pearl farming?

Mussels are usually collected from local freshwater bodies like ponds, rivers or lakes, or sourced through fisheries suppliers, and you want healthy, good sized live mussels of the right species. Nuclei or design beads are bought from aquaculture suppliers, and the quality of the bead affects the final pearl. The safest route is to get your mussels, nuclei and surgical training together from a recognised government fisheries institute or ICAR centre, which also guides you on permitted species and collection rules. Be careful of suppliers who bundle costly nuclei with exaggerated profit promises. Check with your district Fisheries department on any local rules for collecting mussels from natural water bodies before you start.