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When collecting the specimens are there exterior signs of disease prior to dissection? What is it about the pathology that causes the microscopic lesions? Are they nascent cysts of mantle tissue anticipated to produce shell material, or might they be precursors to what in non-Mollusca Metazoans...

Dave, are you developing this research individually or in concert for eventual publication?

Freshwater, the most reasonable explanation for its condition being recent loss by a fellow tourist. But 100% certainty would require lab work. Will make a nice pendant, with a story. Keep the tale as a mystery!

Look at the top of the object in each photo. I'm seeing what looks like two similar pieces, not two sides of the same. One has an open (drill?) hole and the other seems to have a cement plug in its hole, as if intended to anchor a pin. Hollowness (soufflé) appears to be a possibility. Curious find!

To be clear, this discussion specifically applies to cultured pearls (especially Chinese FW), which are the result of research and techniques that are continuously evolving. Part of Mikimoto's value, in addition to name recognition, is that they reached something close to their current level of...

The labs, (SSEF, GIA et al) were inundated with these in the late 90s and early 00s, as apparently techniques developed in FW culture to achieve greater symmetry were applied to SW culture with the idea that they would easily pass as naturals. And they did for a while. In desperation the labs...

Thanks! And congratulations on the continuing success.

Difficult to grasp from the outside. Is the supposition that nuclei are thus spontaneously generated, becoming pearls in whichever part of the mollusk they eventually form a cyst?

Have been hoping for your input here! This GIA exposé was a perfect followup to our discussion from last year. But the authors appear to have belatedly realized that it also puts GIA's trade-subservient posture at risk of exposure.

Aragonite and Calcite are each a different form of calcium carbonate crystallization, Aragonite being denser and harder but less stable, as it tends to degrade to calcite, which is more common.

If that pearl isn't perfect it's because the setting is. Congratulations!! And welcome back.

AI risk analysis for inaccurate Customs declarations: How CBP determines if a pearl is natural CBP relies on the importer's diligence. While some high-end labs use X-rays to distinguish between natural and cultured pearls, CBP relies on the importer to exercise "reasonable care" in certifying...

My question here is regarding natural pearls from the EU. I.E, whether there is any sort of certification required, and whether mollusk origin outside of Europe is a factor. A flood of "natural pearls", cultured or otherwise, might be on its way soon!

That a "Responsible" designation would increase pearl value suggests that CIBJO, or some such entity, is intending to certify as such. Good luck. Whole Foods introduced "Responsible" as a TRADEMARKED proprietary alternative to Organic, as it had become clear that Organic certification was...

GIA fleshed out the characteristics of shell pearls in this 2014 article. There is seemingly nothing the trade can effectively do to enforce use of the terms imitation, simulation or (for that matter) shell in their commercialization. Perhaps the difference between shell pearls and thin-nacred...

The proliferation of shell pearls here in recent weeks illuminates a market trend. This enlightened group has volunteered the candled corroboration.

Maybe it's a malignant coconut. In which case, you can be thankful for its protection against the Berbalang.

Antiques achieve their high valuations in part due to attrition of a known original quantity over time. Very few pearls fall into that category. Just the opposite, highest value goes to newly-found/harvested pearls of rare quality and selection.

As pointed out in another thread here a few weeks ago, an oversight on the part of CIBJO is not requiring use of the phrase "Shell IMITATION Pearls" (in like manner to Majorica). Perhaps the thought is that the word "shell" should be self-evident. As this is a growing category utilizing improved...

Good discussion. Just to add here that natural pearls are a ubiquitous biological occurrence. However, natural pearls of significant gemological value are not.