I think you are quoting from his 1998 edition. His most recent edition, to my knowledge, was published in 2002. After Ward's and Matlins' statements regarding the bead nucleating of FWCP, the GIA did a study to investigate these claims. The following is a quote from the Summer 2000; Volume XXXVl "Gems & Gemology", page 98;
"...... For this study, X-radiographs of approximately 41,000 Chinese freshwater cultured pearls from dozens of farms were examined, and 10 samples were sectioned. All showed evidence of mantle tissue nucleation only; the presence of a bead, whether shell or a tissue-nucleated FWCP, would be identifiable by distinctive features seen in the X-radiograph."

About two years ago, this same subject was debated on this forum. I'm not sure where it is but if you do a search, you'll probably find it. In my opinion, it was one of the best discussions held on P-G. I don't know if all the posts will be there, since ZE was an active participant.


Gail