[Caitlin]

Thanks Bill!

Hello Richard! Now that I know so many real experts are tuning into this forum, I think there is a real possibility for some education of the public, including me, to happen.

BTW, I am one of the people who uses button and other shapes of pearls a lot. I already know that all the coin and diamond shaped pearls I've used have bead nucleii, but the button pearls are still pristine I believe.

I do not have a standard for the button shape, I just look for best luster and smooth skins and buy by size. But I can see that a discusson of shapes in the standard would be useful. All those bead nuceated coin pearls have only a small percent that is not messy, with tails and rough skins. Finding a quality coin pearl is difficult and fairly expensive!

I know I care about luster first and I like it high.I have deliberately chosen high luster, but slightly off round (up to 12% or so) for far less expensive pearls with the added advantage of the pearls looking more "organic" with the slight variations in roundness. I usually string pearls with other beads and nicer pearls lend a unbeatable touch. I make a lot of strands of button pearls alternating with rondells of amethyst or peridot or garnets. Very sopisticated look for around $40-$60 depending on venue.

Perfection is ok if you can afford it, but the grading of pearls allows everyone into the feeding trough. There is a pearl for everyone!