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  1. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    Great background! But this would not apply to the much larger P. Maxima and P. Margaritifera. Edit: Just to add that this would be another point in favor P. Sterna, that keshi from this species remain truly rare.
  2. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    It seems we've gone down a rabbit hole, for sure. As Jeremy pointed out, the term 'Keshi' has been convoluted in myriad ways. Primarly what seems apparent is that producers have learned to produce saltwater 'keshi' on demand. And given their superior gem quality, to what extent are white marbles...
  3. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    According to my reading of gem lab 'exposés' at the time, clandestine efforts were made to create pearls that would pass natural certification, perhaps adapting techniques perfected in Chinese FW mussels, and in the process quality greatly improved. As a result, keshi supply, consistency and...
  4. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    Now I guess it must be asked if 5.106 serves as an umbrella over 5.187 and 5.196, and if so, why the latter definitions would be required.
  5. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    OK so back to regulations and terminology: Can a tissue-nucleated oyster pearl be called a keshi without qualification? I guess that would be in CIBJO's current definition but I don't have the latest document to reference. When I bought the gold pearl above the natural certification fraud was...
  6. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    My wife has a Cook Islands keshi bracelet made from pearls that formed in third-graft pearl sacs from a line lost in a hurricane and discovered eight years later. Those huge sacs completely filled with nacre. Tissue nucleation (never beaded) became an issue at the time (circa 15+ years ago) as...
  7. SteveM

    Eureka, Elizabeth Strack's Pearls

    Thanks, lots to read here! Given the persistennt popularity of blue Akoya what do you make of the April 2024 report on analysis of older blues?
  8. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    The pearl is 100% nacre, non-beaded, as with Freshwater. When these things started appearing 15 years ago or so I guess no one knew what else to call them. But I've been away from pearls for a number of years. The pearl was offered and sold as a keshi with the 'nucleated' qualifier. Can we get...
  9. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    We were allowed to keep just one of the pearls. Received today, set as a simple enhancer. Had to wait for the sun to go down, iPhone 15 is notorious for lens flare!
  10. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    Thanks. Never to assume, we ran across this tissue-nucleated Keshi from Indonesia in 2010 (shown on Hisano's desk at Ruckus that year, ready for enhancer). 17.5mm X 14mm X 11mm, 18 carats. Side forward is with dimples, back side is smooth and equally lustrous. Might want to make it two-sided...
  11. SteveM

    Pearls, Pugs, and Beads

    That Labradorite certainly is an attention grabber. Looks like the light is transmitted from behind or within, not refracted. Beautiful setting.
  12. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    Always welcome up our way. High 70 and partly sunny in Seattle today, with a fresh breeze. Don't have A/C.
  13. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    Always beautiful. Is that large center drop also a keshi?
  14. SteveM

    Eureka, Elizabeth Strack's Pearls

    Perhaps a link to Strack's subscription newsletter would be appropriate here.
  15. SteveM

    Pinctada Maculata (Pipi) Pearls

    Sharing a little progress with the Poe Pipi lot from Alex Collins, here with a snapshot from the jeweler's desk. While my idea is to mass the pearls for cumulative effect, the 8.7mm drop had to remain apart as it would make a striking pendant on its own (and is of comparative value to the...
  16. SteveM

    If you could only have five pieces, what would they be and why?

    I would reflect that beyond my particular interest in naturals for their spontaneous beauty, this forum has made sure to keep my eyes wide open. From a jewelry standpoint I am drawn to pendants for their focus and individuality, and bracelets that can be equally enjoyed by wearer and watcher.
  17. SteveM

    If you could only have five pieces, what would they be and why?

    Not only the strand is beautiful, but the eye of the owner is apparent in the photography. Such a good eye portends well for future acquisitions! Commendation to Pomelo for this very refreshing opportunity to reflect.
  18. SteveM

    What’s my Grandfathers Clam Pearl Worth

    Reech's two threads regarding this pearl have featured an interest in the flame phenomenon. Flame is not an expected feature of Quahog pearls. Cassis Cornuta (Horned Helmut) here provides a memorable example. This image of mine was once reposted right here at Pearl-Guide by some shady operator...
  19. SteveM

    What’s my Grandfathers Clam Pearl Worth

    Quahog value is more related to color (pinks and purples from the outer lip of the shell are the most rare) than to flame. Your pearl is white, but it has attractive shape and lustre, and no visible signs of heat damage. For an appraisal, you should approach the online dealers you have already...
  20. SteveM

    What’s my Grandfathers Clam Pearl Worth

    Reech, this has been well covered over on your "Egg Shaped" thread. I'm looking forward to seeing the ring you proposed for this pearl!
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