[smetzler]

This thread began as post #32 under Natural Pearls in 'Pinctada Maculata (Pipi) Pearls'. Quoting from post:

Pearl-Guide.com has inserted a full page ad that features an abalone pearl we purchased from Pearl Paradise (sourced by Jeremy Norris). As we were told this pearl was found on Santa Catalina Island we have christened it 'La Catalina', with the blessing of both Jeremys. It's just as striking in person!

This is Haliotus fulgens (green abalone) vs. the blue Paua from NZ, Haliotus iris. Paua at $250/$300 per carat is far more expensive, however it is likely that it takes a truly superior example from CA, such as this, to measure up. Anyone able to comment regarding the astronomical quotes coming out of NZ, please do!

What to do with this shape? This was not a consideration on purchase. But we are thinking that display is better than a black velvet bag, and the pearl's boat-keel shape intimates some sort of maritime theme. We are thinking of contacting Seattle boutique glass blowers to discuss framing the pearl in some sort of dhow/junk (Persian Gulf?) treatment, or perhaps simply a rolling blue sea as a display base.

Welcome all thoughts on aesthetic and commercial considerations!

Steve
Seattle

[Kevin Canning]

I love the idea of mounting in some sort of maritime theme display, I hadn't thought of something like this before. Please keep us posted on what you decide to do with this pearl.

[smetzler]

Many thanks for the concurrence. We do know a Seattle co-op of respected blown glass artists and will be taking 'La Catalina' in for a conceptual discussion this weekend.

My preference is to leave the pearl free floating in the composition of the piece (not to risk heating or compromising in any way, also to inspect closely from time to time!). This would necessitate some sort of secure pouch attached to the glass for safekeeping in close proximity when not on display, I suppose?


Steve
Seattle

[Bodecia]

Hi All,

Does anyone else have one of these wonderful Abalone pearls? & does anyone have a roundish one. I am lucky enough to have a decent size shell that my father brought back from a working trip to north Western Australia but never knew that they had gorgeous pearls in them occasionally. I am sure most people would have no idea what they are and would think that it was some kind of mother of pearl but not a real pearl of any great value. I must keep my eyes open when going into junk shops in the future Never know what you can find in them.

Thanks for sharing,

Bodecia

[smetzler]

Roundish abalone pearls are a holy grail among collectors, as the anatomy of the haliotus (single shell) does not provide the natural circumstances for symmetrical nacre deposit. But they do exist!

Direct source quotes from NZ are in the range of US$250/$300 per carat for gem quality, which La Catalina (albeit not NZ origin) certainly is. At 36 carats, just do the math! A round one of any size can ask practically any price I suppose, due to its more conventional jewelry application—ultimate rarity combined with greater demand.

Yes, it would be nice to think of such things lying around under several layers of dust awaiting discovery…

[I'm trying to entice the professionals here for comment, especially re NZ which seems to me to be in the hands of a small number of folks able to control commodity valuation much in the manner of DeBeers, albeit on a minuscule scale.]

Steve

[jshepherd]

I have had a few dealers look at that particular piece in the past but found it a difficult sell. It really takes creativity to come up with a design that will fit such a shape. Both necklace and bracelet have been discussed, but nothing actually came of it. I am excited to see what you will actually be able to do with 'La Catalina'.

We are awaiting another box of abs that should be here in the next day or two. I will keep you posted as Natalie finds the time to shoot them.

[smetzler]

Jeremy: Thanks for chiming in. I was the ideal customer for La Catalina given my nearly total previous blindness to the jewelry business! I just love the pearls.

By the way, I have made an assumption in using Natalie's/PearlParadise's beautiful photograph. Credit is due, if not your forgiveness…

Steve

[Caitlin]

Did anyone notice all the mermaids Wes Rankin has on display? Their tails are all made out of abalone pearls. I think that shape of La Catalina may also lend itself to incorporation into a mermaid.

How big it it? It looks huge.

[smetzler]

Thanks for bringing in the other 'Haliotus' species and look forward to potential replies/photos. Re wearing La Catalina, my wife neither has the idea that it would be attractive on her. It is large, 3.25 inches long and 36 carats, with lustrous nacre all around except for the very tip (as the bow on a boat, quite appropriate in any case!).

Very interesting re mermaids, sounds beautiful. Lots of fertile ground for imagination here!

Steve

[smetzler]

Continuing to explore abalone pearl possibilities… Have focused recently on Haliotus Iris (NZ/Chatham Islands), or paua, the king of abalone pearls and shells for incredibly intense coloration and high luster. Having satisfied a certain hunger for the exotic in 'La Catalina' (H. fulgens) we have been seeking smaller, more jewellery-appropriate pieces, also in consideration of the much-higher per-carat pricing for paua.

We have just purchased a nice variety in New Zealand, including my montage of four pearls below. Apologies for poor picture quality, as I couldn't wait to receive delivery for this post and have extracted from quite crude photographs of the pearls together with their certificates of authenticity. We are intensely curious, especially regarding the spearhead-shaped pearl, which has an amazing symmetry and luster (the 'water' is apparent despite the poor image). Size of this pearl, to gauge the others, is 1.9 carat, 19mm length and 8mm at widest.

Crossing fingers!

Steve
Seattle

[pattye]

Hi Steve and All.
,
Recently got a natural abalone pendant, from CA, simply set in 18k, which I especially like. It is pretty nice on both sides--intense colors!!
Size of pearl itself is 16 x 33mm.

(I didn't take this photo, but was able to transfer it in.)

Pattye

So many pearls, so little time

[smetzler]

Pattye,

That pendant is beautiful, an especially large and smooth expanse of nacre! The incredible variety of pearls never ceases to amaze, and it seems that the variables in abalone top them all. The purveyor of the pearls we selected included photos such as the below, just to make the point!

Steve
Seattle

[pattye]

Hi Steve,

Thanks, it will be great to see what you do with your abalones! This is the first I saw "in person"! I can only imagine seeing such bags full! You certainly chose some beautiful colors, Hopefully someone special will soon be able to wear them???

Pattye

[smetzler]

Pattye,

That third question mark begs response… My wonderful wife joins my enthusiasm in this process, as I have been so suddenly and intensely awakened to her lifelong love of jewelry. Certain pieces do beg immediate application, others are simply beautiful, and await inspiration.

Steve
Seattle

[smetzler]

Update:

La Catalina now resides in the Cook Islands following my suggestion of a concept to Ben Bergman of Bergman & Sons in Rarotonga, who was visiting us here in Seattle last week.

Here's the concept: The final human migration consisted of 7 outriggers (Vaka) that sailed from Rarotonga to New Zealand over 700 years ago.

La Catalina will become one hull of the Vaka, with a parallel outrigger hull to be created out of precious metal. A 'sail' in between will be a carefully selected, curved, golden P. Margaritifera shell, and the base will be New Zealand Greenstone (Jade), with a few scattered freeform Paua Abalone pearls suggesting a rocky landing beach.

If possible, a couple of shining round smaller Cook Islands pipi pearls will be stationed at a high point, symbolizing the celestial navigation skills of the ancient Polynesian sailors.

Only caveat: La Catalina, being a California H. Fulgens pearl, will be somewhat of an interloper…

Completion date: Unknown, but ASAP.

Any comments or suggestions on the above would be welcome.

Steve
Seattle