Pearls of the Americas flowed into Spain throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. The calm waters of La Paz Bay, in the Gulf of California, have produced some of the finest pearls from this region. However, the value of these fine, dark pearls led adventurers and entrepreneurs alike to overexploit the pearl oysters, almost destroying the beds several times before the early 20th century. From 1903 to 1914, the pearl-oyster cultivation operation established by Gastón Vives—the first major operation of its kind—not only rebuilt the beds, but also led to the greater recovery of fine pearls as well as mother-of-pearl. The lead article in this issue reviews the fascinating history of pearling in La Paz Bay, and looks at future prospects for pearl culturing in this area. The loose Baja California pearls (largest about 10 mm) and gold jewelry are courtesy of Pala International, Fallbrook, CA; the necklace (pearls ranging from about 2 to 3 mm in diameter) is courtesy of Caroline Pei, Fionna's, Orinda, CA. Photo © Harold & Erica Van Pelt—Photographers, Los Angeles, CA.