[GemGeek]

That's my kind of parade! Thanks for posting the photos.

[smetzler]

Conicals, teeth, etc are rare, offer a huge color surface and are highly valued by collectors in the larger sizes, primarily as trophies. I've got a couple in my pearl drawer, but what to do with them? Of course, Rob Wright was able to fashion a beautiful pendant, below (estimated value $15,000US just for the pearl—at wholesale). But my solid view is that the smaller freeforms, less appealing to the collectors yet far more versatile (including rare matching opportunities such as the earrings posted earlier) are 'where it's at' for folks like us here…

[GemGeek]

Oooooh, Ahhhhh!

[Nerida]

Steve, I wish (not really) that you would stop posting photos of such spectacular pieces!! That pendant is just amazing! I think you're right though - the freeforms on the R are far more "where its at" for most of us.. All gorgeous, and the colours!!

[jerin]

Steve,

I like that pendant design very much and your brooch at the start of this thread is beautiful in its colours and the warm tone of the gold - a pity these pearls + gold get soo easily very expensive....

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by jerin

Steve,

I like that pendant design very much and your brooch at the start of this thread is beautiful in its colours and the warm tone of the gold - a pity these pearls + gold get soo easily very expensive....

Pricing is definitely an issue. Paua pricing at origin is calculated on the limited (albeit sustainable) source, and the spectacular (and natural) nature of the pearls themselves. Currently, wholesalers outside of NZ would not be able to offer freeforms much under $400 per carat, and the larger conicals, teeth, etc around $600. For the pearl in the pendant in my prior post, this looks to have a weight somewhere around 30 carats, so actually that's US$18,000, not $15,000 as in my post. That does not include the gold, diamond, one-off uniqueness, etc etc. Again, that's wholesale.

Other abalone offerings, notably the red and green Halioti as seen at Pearl Paradise and Pacific Pearls, are far less expensive. But there is certainly a color difference, in addition to general lack of similar availability of the smaller and more versatile gem-quality freeforms in the 0,5 to 5 carat range.

At least it's fairly unanimous that paua and the resulting jewelry are capable of unsurpassed beauty.

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by smetzler

…matched paua/diamond earrings (with long kelp-inspired backs) that we do not own, nor ever will (custom job sold in France during the World Rugby Cup)

Well, it seems New Zealand took pity on me and set to work on a second kelp-themed set of earrings in my honor (title: 'Kelp'). These are 2.07 cts paua with blue tanzanite, 18K.

[robinmce]

Lucky you!!! They are gorgeous!!!
Robin

[Hanaleimom]

Very elegant! You have such an exquisite collection.

[hopepaua]

Which one is your favorite?

[Valeria101]

Tough question... The largest ones would be easier to love in a design suitable for their shapes than stand-alones.

One vote for #3. (could be just because I can imagine a use for it more readily right now)

A larger image and some idea of the size of the pearls would probably get more votes

[Amrita]

Valeria, thanks for putting those numbers in the picture making it easy to point out the pearl of choice! I vote for # 2 because I can see it in my mind as a beautiful dragonfly pendant with gold!

[hopepaua]

Originally Posted by Valeria101

Tough question... The largest ones would be easier to love in a design suitable for their shapes than stand-alones.

One vote for #3. (could be just because I can imagine a use for it more readily right now)

A larger image and some idea of the size of the pearls would probably get more votes

Hi, Valeria, thank you for numbering. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the computer. I don't know how to enlarge the images though I have measurement so you'll have idea.

#2 is about 5cm (about 2 inches)

I like #3 has magnificent color which does not show well on this photo.
If I were a jeweler, I'd love to make parot pin or something with #3.

Thank you for the vote.

[hopepaua]

Originally Posted by Amrita

Valeria, thanks for putting those numbers in the picture making it easy to point out the pearl of choice! I vote for # 2 because I can see it in my mind as a beautiful dragonfly pendant with gold!

Hi, Amarita, thank you for vote.
My favorite is #2 as well. We have dragonfly like this color in Japan. Good idea!

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by Valeria101

One vote for #3.

Two votes for #3. It has a silky lustre in addition to complex and deep coloration, with minimal apparent surface conchiolin. If the other side is close, it's a wonderful pearl. Considering that Paua pricing per carat at source is unrelated to grading and that freeforms are priced lower than conicals and teeth, I'd consider that pearl even without a plan. At what appears to be 50mm x 25mm x 8mm it should be around 10 carats, so $4,000 or so ($8,000 retail), similar to a perfect SS round or drop in the 13-17mm range. I find myself waffling widely on pricing and value issues for Paua, but well-selected individual pearls can certainly make a case!