Pearls begin as irritants, covered over with layer upon layer of mother of pearl, secreted in an oyster. In the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, Jesus Christ is the merchant seeking the well-developed pearl, the one formed by layers and layers of God's truth, polished by God's Holy Spirit. The Holy City in New Jerusalem which will have 12 gates (consisting of gigantic pearls), representing the 12 apostles, are the portals to the Holy City which will remain open, attended by angels. The iridescent gems will reflect God's glory. This Holy City will be the inheritance of God's called-out ones, an inheritance prepared from the foundations of the earth. We also must allow God to allow layer upon layer to be added to us through irritants and suffering, as God polishes His Church to a gem of high luster.