| Thank you kindly ladies!
Jeremy,
Actually we have very little technical information about the animals or methods being for pearls like the ones in this strand.
For more than ten years now we have sought out all manner of Chinese "bead-nuc", especially those that appeared to be "in-body" pearls. For many years we have been aware that they were being produced in China, however we were not able to obtain anything of quality. So it came as a blessing and as well a surprise to find them in such quality and size.
We have not had these pearls x-rayed. I wish we had that much time, but you are welcome to do so after April.
As for the shells, we have seen no evidence that any other shell than the Hyriosis cumingii, or the Hyriosis cumingii/Hyriopsis schlegelii hybrid are being used in fresh water cultivation. It is probable that these pearls come from such a hybrid.
Some people selling similar pearls have taken to calling them "Ikecho", (which is the name for Hyriopsis schlegelii in Japanese). However only hybrids have been used in Japan since about 1990.
It was a pleasure meeting you in Tucson.
Sincerely, SARAH |