[Caitlin]

Originally Posted by salem
... Now, personally I don't agree with comparing Akoyas with ball-bearings or calling them PPB's.

Doncha you know that them’s fightin’ words on this here forum?

I agree with V-ana, that “ball bearing” is not an insult but an attempt to put the singular shine of the akoya, as it is sold today, into words. Their luster, at its best, is brilliant, hard edged, and metallic.

And, even though PPB has been used (and taken) as an insult to akoya pearls, it is also an attempt to describe modern akoya cultured pearls accurately. They are in fact, the cultured pearl with the thinnest of coatings and the most artificial enhancements and skin-protectors added post-growing time. They also have the shortest growing time in the mollusk of all PPB’s, prompting me to refer to them as, “MOP beads being dipped into the oyster for short periods of time”. These pearls of all cultured pearls MUST be bought from a reputable dealer.

Remember, I own a copy of Strack's fine textbook called "Pearls" and read it. And a number of other folks on this forum have read it also. After reading Strack, you are no longer an ignorant customer. Also, I went to her lecture about artificial enhancements and coloring of pearls at the gem show. Just because the treatments and processing are as secretive as possible, does not mean they do not happen. …..


There is no attempt to protect the ignorance of the consumer here on this forum, so be prepared for the truth.

BTW, I just heard a rumor at the Gem show that akoyas have to be kept in distilled water after being harvested and before being processed or they will dry out and crack!!! Then, after processing-you do not want to get them wet, ever again, as water will now have a negative impact on the nacre. Any comments on that you genuine, good quality, PPB experts?