7101.10 - Natural pearls:

This HTS category, 7101.10, specifically encompasses **natural pearls**. These are pearls formed within mollusks without human intervention. The pearls classified here may have undergone basic processing such as grading for size, shape, or quality, or be temporarily strung solely for ease of handling and transport. However, they must not be permanently strung, mounted, or set in jewelry or other articles.

At this level, natural pearls are distinguished from their sibling category, cultured pearls (7101.20). While both are pearls, the defining difference lies in their origin: natural pearls are solely a product of nature, whereas cultured pearls are formed with the introduction of an irritant into a mollusk. This distinction is critical for customs purposes.

Under the broader heading of "Natural or cultured pearls, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; pearls, natural or cultured, temporarily strung for convenience of transport," subcategories exist to provide further specificity. These subcategories, such as 7101.10.30.00 (graded and temporarily strung) and 7101.10.60.00 (other), allow for a more granular classification based on the extent of preparation or the specific method of temporary stringing. This ensures accurate duties and trade statistics by recognizing variations in presentation and potential market readiness.