[effisk]

I vote for Nautilus too.

But wait! This is the second-rarest pearl known? What is the rarest pearl known then? This is where the suspense really lies!

[DrTKStern]

Hello Pearl Lovers,

Just returned last night aboard grueling flight from Dubai to San Francisco after the Colored Gems and Pearl Show sponsored by ICA and the Dubai Pearl Exchange.

Rather like a micro-Tucson, about 120 booths displayed remarkable colored stones, and less remarkable pearls, mainly cultured. I simply wandered around meeting people. Vendors reported slow sales.

There were a number of melo-melo pearls for sale in the $100,000 plus range.

One of my interests is whether new pearls are coming out of Bahrain. I interviewed at least 6 people who buy natural "Oriental" pearls whenever they become available. All reported no new Bahrain pearls except for some insignificant seed pearls. These are people who buy in the million dollar market and have been in the business for several generations. They agree that Bahrain pearls on the market either come from old stock or originate elsewhere and are repositioned as of Bahrain origin. I plan to visit Bahrain soon to further explore this matter. As you may recall, I found reference to the origin of these pearls as being from Papua New Guinea.

However, most of the big natural pearl players agreed there still are oyster beds in Bahrain that could be productive, and that lack of divers or dredges, not extinction of pearling beds, explains why there are few to no new pearls. Even at $2,500 per carat or more for good naturals, better investment returns can be made in real estate development.

I'll submit additional information as it comes along after I visit Bahrain to directly question locals.

Tom Stern,MD
San Francisco, CA

Dr. Tom,

Thanks for the update. Ahem, we are still breathlessly awaiting revelation of the amazing white round pearl---------------------

[DrTKStern]

I'm still waiting for a few more guesses. Thanks. Tom

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by pattye

Ahem, we are still breathlessly awaiting revelation of the amazing white round pearl---------------------

Not to mention a full view of that tantalizingly three-dimensional, flamed, iridescent marine gastropod pearl subject of the 'close up' in the thread of the same name.

[Caitlin]

Great Report Tom! Thanks.
I am looking forward to the post(s) about your Bahrain visit.

[DrTKStern]

Originally Posted by smetzler

Not to mention a full view of that tantalizingly three-dimensional, flamed, iridescent marine gastropod pearl subject of the 'close up' in the thread of the same name.

SSEF certified this as a marine gastropod, some 73 carats and beautiful. On closeup, it has the turquoise flame pattern. Can you imagine this as a pendant?

Tom

[effisk]

Originally Posted by DrTKStern

I'm still waiting for a few more guesses. Thanks. Tom

Nautilus it is, with little doubt.

[effisk]

Originally Posted by DrTKStern

SSEF certified this as a marine gastropod, some 73 carats and beautiful. On closeup, it has the turquoise flame pattern. Can you imagine this as a pendant?

Tom

I would sell it before it's too late!

[Nerida]

we should have a rule here about your humour, effisk. Or at least a disclaimer...

Effisk is coming out of his shell----------and showing his rare sense of humor!

Wish I could see the flame pattern, an amazing and large pearl, hope for more photos, too!

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by DrTKStern

SSEF certified this as a marine gastropod, some 73 carats and beautiful. On closeup, it has the turquoise flame pattern. Can you imagine this as a pendant?

OK, so that's a beautiful pearl (in terms of shape, surface and size) needing a bit more favorable lighting to see color and detail (per Pattye). But it's not the same pearl as the subject of 'Close up', 24 carats and 18 mm round per your lab report.

Still waiting!

[DrTKStern]

Originally Posted by effisk

Nautilus it is, with little doubt.

Yes, Effisk, you are right! Some of you might want to post every bit of historical references to such pearls on this thread, for as you know, some have doubted they exist. GIA certified this after the MOST careful consideration.

I have learned that the Natural Pearl business is very secretive, and that it is best not to talk much about such objects. Pearl-guide has been a lot of fun.

Best regards to all,
Tom Stern,MD

[effisk]

Originally Posted by DrTKStern

GIA certified this after the MOST careful consideration.

They have seen a couple others just before yours, I'm sure it helped.

The only reference to such pearls that I know of is the one I mentioned on this thread:
Nautilus pearl

Originally Posted by DrTKStern

Can you imagine this as a pendant?

Easily...

Hopefully, no one would think of having it pierced, it is easy to use it un-mutilated anyway.