[DrTKStern]

Borneo is almost entirely Muslim, with strong Arabic influence. This suite is probably 17th Century and belonged to the Sultan at that time. In fact, I bought it from the royal family. It could be significantly older. We gave about 50 pieces of 12th Century gold jewelry to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, and a couple of them had features similar to this set.

[Caitlin]

Thanks for the background. Wopuld love to hear more- like how did you get into a position to get those pearls? What a story that must be.

Strack does not mention much in regard to Borneo. she says that the main pearls from there are from pinctada maxima, though she does mention Placunae and margaritifera (if I spelled that right)
It sounds like you could write a nice paper on Borneo pearls that would add to the pearl literature.

[DrTKStern]

Last week I purchased a Caribbean conch pearl in Bonaire, already set in a ruby ring. I visited more than 100 jewelry stores on 11 different islands before finding a conch pearl. The pearl dealers say that conch pearls in the region are becoming extremely rare. Please post attached photo. Thanks.

[Richard W. Wise]

Caitlin,

Dr. Stern's images are wonderful. I found it impossible to access his website for some reason. Are there more posted?

Kunz does indeed have an index. On p.221 he mentions Pados Bay, Borneo. One hundred persons find employment fishing the Placuna oysters. They sell to Chinese in the village of Batu Batu.

Kunz has a wealth of information but not much more on Borneo.

Best,

[Caitlin]

Hi Richard
I just emailed Tom Stern. I am not sure why his webpage didn't work, but his email is good.

And I found Kunz' index. Glad to know there is one!

[pattye]

Hi Dr T,

Please reassure me that those gorgeous pearls are being stored in an appropriate environment to add to their longevity--and hopefully being worn sometimes by a totally appreciative lady??!! Love the photos, that suite of naturals makes a perfect screen saver!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[DrTKStern]

Originally Posted by pattye

Hi Dr T,

Please reassure me that those gorgeous pearls are being stored in an appropriate environment to add to their longevity--and hopefully being worn sometimes by a totally appreciative lady??!! Love the photos, that suite of naturals makes a perfect screen saver!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

Hi, Pattye,
Taking good care of them, and on very special occasions, my wife wears them. They are washed in warm water after use, carefully dried, and kept separate from harder gems in a humidity controlled vault.
If you have any additional suggestions for care, much appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom Stern,M.D.
Prince of North Borneo (Sabah)

[Caitlin]

HI Tom

Did you go to Dubai for the conference? I have not heard any news.

[Caitlin]

Pardon me for butting my tiny Irish nose into this, but I am fascinated by your title: Prince of North Borneo (Sabah)

How did you acheive this title and what does it mean? I am fairly sure you weren't born to it, or were you? I think you are serious. So pleease tell us the story.......

[DrTKStern]

The oldest royal house on earth, dating to late 1300s is the Sultan of Brunei; and the second oldest (1408) is the Sultan of Sulu, his cousin and neighbor. Our domain encompasses about the size of South Carolina plus 800 lovely islands, with roughly 8 million to 10 million people. Esmail Kiram II has been reigning Sultan since 2001, though there are some weak pretenders. The Sultan is strongly pro-American and regularly meets with top American officials and military leaders.

My wife, Yolanda, comes from the royal line of that area. In 2007, the Sultan adopted me as his son, then made me Prince, with a job title roughly equivalent of Prime Minister. My work involves high level peace negotiations, economic development, and trade. We have offices in Borneo, Sulu, Manila, and San Francisco. Anyone interested in mining or trade projects may contact me directly.

Tom Stern,MD
Prince of Sulu and North Borneo
Datu Bandahala (Prime Minister)

[GemGeek]

I know you must be sincere, but I can't help but think of Zeide...

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by GemGeek

I know you must be sincere, but I can't help but think of Zeide...

Unfortunately, but not his time (LINK). These things are all too easy to 'check'

Z's famed claims were carefully chosen just outside the realm of public information... Thankfully, none of those were tried on me, I might have left this place if she did. I was just starting to post.

These natural pearls... nd up in all the best places!

[pattye]

Hi Dr. Tom,

Anything of note you would wish to share from the International Pearl Conference last Nov?

Thanks again for sharing the terrific photos and information here!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[DrTKStern]

Yes, my life astonishes me sometimes also. Sulu is a very complicated area. If anyone wishes to become more informed, try www.SultanofSulu.org.

Tom

[Caitlin]

Posted for tks

Largest object weighs 57 carats, medium 32 carats, smallest 11 carats. Maybe I need to get out my Nikon to get enough clarity for the experts to comment on whether glass or pearl.