Qualit__du_nucleus_0704
Quality of the nuclei .(anglais) 0704

Answers :

As French Polynesia Pearl culture office we are totally concerned by your problem. Actually, several cases of broken pearls after drilling have been reported to our administration. The problem is known and most of the time due to the use of unsuitable quality of nuclei, especially nuclei made with Giant clams shell from China.
These nuclei are harder than usual Mississippi mussel nuclei and when you drill the pearl it may cause some over heating that can lead to the pearl destruction.
The research department is actually developing with some experts an instrument to detect the origin of the nuclei (mussel, giant clam, Bironite…). These detectors will be used to stop giant clam nuclei importation to French Polynesia as wished by the Government.