[J Marcus]

Actually, Black Widows are as close to being a world-wide species as there is. I understand they're not found in Antarctica or Alaska though. . . I've read that in Australia they're called "Red Tops." I guess that being "down under" makes it all very confusing. . .

I'm a little surprised at the enthusiasm for spiders here! I grew up in Phoenix and when I left in 1980 the Black Widow was the most common spider around where I lived! Once one has felt their web (apparently the worlds strongest) just reaching in somewhere and touching one will just about make you jump out of your skin. I was so happy that the little corner of the Northwest where I settled didn't have any native poisonous creatures! It was good while it lasted--now we've been invaded by those Hobo spiders. I think that I'll stick to the six legged creatures, myself.

J. Marcus
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com/home.html

[pearllover2]

Ahhh there's more unusual designs with abalone/paua pearls,
as seen on

Another designer from Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Hope you'll enjoy....

[pearllover2]

lost the link..........
as seen on www.orbitgold.com

[smetzler]

pearllover2

Welcome to the forum! Those are beautiful. But in the interests of accuracy we need to distinguish these Eyris Blue cultured mabé pieces from the natural abalone/paua pearls that are otherwise the subject of this thread…

[GemGeek]

The thread says "Abalone gone Buggy". It doesn't say cultured need not apply. But, those beautiful examples are not bugs, now, are they?
In fact, the second one reminds me of Leslie's two pearls...

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by GemGeek

The thread says "Abalone gone Buggy". It doesn't say cultured need not apply. But, those beautiful examples are not bugs, now, are they?
In fact, the second one reminds me of Leslie's two pearls...

Agree on all counts. In any case, as cultured blisters Eyris should be able to produce NCBs (nacre-coated bugs) of any species on demand…

Use of the phrase 'abalone/paua pearls' required clarification was my thinking.

[Caitlin]

Hi Pearllover2

Your creations are lovely. I hope you will continue to post. What kind of pearl is the drop? Tahitian?

We don't really have the perfect forum for cultured Abalone......except "cultured pearls"

I may move this to its own thread.

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by Caitlin

What kind of pearl is the drop?

I assume this is Eyris mabé as well, GemGeek?

[J Marcus]

Well, whatever they are they're beautiful! A good sense of design was involved. I think the first one could do with a few less of the smaller stones--especially the blue topaz. They overload the beautiful forms of the white and yellow gold parts a bit.

Alas--even I am stretching it a bit to post my mabe's on this forum. Even though they are naturally sourced from wild abalone, the process of making them into mabe's makes them a "processed pearl product" or something like that according to the FTC. Well--they had a good start, at least. . .

J. Marcus
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com/home.html

[GemGeek]

Originally Posted by smetzler

I assume this is Eyris mabé as well, GemGeek?

The drop is a Tahitian! I loooooove Eyris Blue Pearls. I'm waiting for Roger Beattie to figure out a way to culture whole abalone pearls. I know they are hemophiliacs, but with Roger's tenacity, anything is possible!

Did you notice that there seem to be a lot more naturals on the market? Or is it just that we're looking for them? In any case, I could look at them all day long.

Cheers,
Blaire

[GemGeek]

Well, duh, I now see that the thread is listed under Natural Pearls. So much for my powers of observation! I just happily look at whatever is unread and don't check the forum.

[smetzler]

Blaire, Had to regurgitate your super shot of Eyris pears just so folks didn't think I was nuts. In any case, a closer look at the pendant and its shadow does seem to indicate a 360º Tahitian, although I could still have my doubts…

Naturals: Yes, they seem to be making a comeback after being relegated to mythical status. A direct reaction to globalization, most likely.

[airdancer]

that tahitian drop is drop-dead gorgeous!

[pearllover2]

Caitlin and all other members
Thank you for your very kind words. What a great forum!

Indeed it is a Tahitian drop.

This now is another cultured Paua drop, Tahitians above.
Hope you will enjoy this one too.
Do not despair, I will not bother you with anymore!!!!!


Is there now a new thread for cultured abalone or similar?
Cheers from Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud
www.orbitgold.com

[Kevin Canning]

whoa, thats a lot going on in one piece - to be honest I think it really takes away from what should be the focus the Paua drop.