Quote:
Originally Posted by CortezPearls  I don't know who is buying bironite...but last time I spoke with some Aussie farmers (2002) they were excited about it since they could get large sized nuclei without the fear of fractures and in the supply they needed. They should have been able to compare pearls by now. Also, a good chunk of information appeared in "Pearl World"...can't remember the year nor issue number.
"Research & Development work to find a replacementfor Mississippi mussel shell for use as the pearl nuclei in the cultured pearl industry has been completed. Field trials “conclusively show the Bironite® nuclei is an acceptable alternative”. Mississippi mussel shell is becoming more expensive, while the Bironite nuclei is cheaper and can be cut to the larger sizes required by the South Sea pearl farms. The company reports encouraging preliminary interest from pearl farms in Australia, Indonesia and Tahiti, and a marketing program has been started" (from http://www.stockmarket.co.nz/backissues/ma327.pdf) |
I would be interested if Mr. Snow has actually sold any of his product to farmers in Australia. I am skeptical.