Those little holes are natural, Bran.

And I have been reading up about pearls since this subject started and here are two facts I found interesting

momme is the measurement used for weighing pearls... looks like 'your mom' was involved in this again wink
1 momme = 3.75 grams or 3750 milligrams.

and

Did you know that caviar, should be served with a non-metallic spoon. This is because a metal spoon is said to transfer a metallic taste to the caviar.
Spoons made from bone or mother of pearl are preferred.