7116.10 - Of natural or cultured pearls:

This HTS category, 7116.10, encompasses articles specifically manufactured from natural or cultured pearls. This includes a wide array of items where pearls are the primary component, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, and decorative objects. The classification hinges on the material composition, identifying items crafted from pearls that have been naturally formed or cultivated.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its sibling, 7116.20, which covers articles made from precious or semiprecious stones. While both fall under the broader heading of articles made from precious materials, 7116.10 is exclusively concerned with pearls, whether natural or cultured, and does not include stones. This distinction is vital for accurate tariff application.

Within the 7116.10 category, further subdivisions exist to differentiate between the origin of the pearls. Subcategory 7116.10.10.00 specifically covers articles made from *natural* pearls, which are formed entirely without human intervention. In contrast, subcategory 7116.10.25.00 addresses articles made from *cultured* pearls, which are pearls that have undergone a cultivation process involving human intervention to stimulate pearl growth. This granular classification allows for precise identification based on the method of pearl acquisition.