| Hi FX,
This type of work is really more typical for the Cook Islands. I have 3 that are expertly done (15x13mm drop), one I gave set as a pendant to my son and 2 (one closer to 9mm and 1 about 10mm both fully round) I still have. I got mine from Jerehmias on eBay, the bigger for about US$150 and the smaller for US$50 each. None has the carving penetrating to the nucleus and none is otherwise blemished. My assumption was that the carving was not done to remove blemishes but rather to add value to pearls with otherwise not very attractive colors. I happen to like the ones I got and I certainly paid a fair price for them. They were by no means bargains.
Zeide |