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I'm not sure where to put this, so I'll just put it here. I've been tossing around a hypothetical question this evening. I remember when Paspaley grew their massive pearl a few years back. To my recollection, it was undrilled. There are essentially three things that can be done with a pearl...

I've heard that natural pearls can be of greater value if they are of greater weight. Is the same true in any other circumstance?

This is a continuation of a closed thread I started a year ago. In the education section of this site, it is stated that a nucleus must have the same density and coefficient of expansion of mother of pearl. However, Galatea pearls use gemstones as nuclei, which are far different in botj...

I am thinking of buying a pearl drill. I am talking about the horizontal kind with the holder. I have seen some on ebay for as low as $150. Some by a brand that I can't remember off the top of my head (LOWE, maybe?) sells for over $800. What's the difference? longevity? method of...

I have a question for you all: I'm looking to buy a "shell stand" to hold mussels during implantation. The ideal stand should be able to accommodate large as well as small shells. If this is not possible, then I'll get two. By "large" shells, I mean shells that are typical of adult...

Hi, I have two shells of the same species of freshwater mussel. Both shells were rather old when found, with the interiors entirely covered with a chalk-like layer. I'm guessing that they were lying around the lake shore where I found them for at least a year, if not longer. I cleaned both...

Strack's Pearls has been suggested as a definitive pearl guide. As it's out of print, it's rather expensive. I currently own The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide by Antoinette Matlins. Owning this, would Pearls be redundant? I'd rather not spend the $150 or so on Pearls but will if...

Why are larger pearls harder to grow than smaller pearls? Is it because larger nuclei are rejected more than are small nuclei? Is it because the larger a pearl, the lower quality the nacre (as a result of being chalky, etc.)? Is it because the nacre isn't deposited evenly, leading to a very...

I read the treatment primer on pearl treatments, and also checked out some outside sources. I have a few questions: Could a lab detect a dyed pearl? Is a dyed pearl weaker than a non-dyed pearl (i.e., will the dye destroy the pearl in time)? Is color-lightening by exposure to sunlight...

So, obviously nacre is comprised of alternating layers of calcium carbonate (in the form of argonite) alternating with layers of biopolymers. According to the wikipedia article on nacre, argonite structures are 0.5 nanometers in thickness. This is incredibly small. When looking at radiographs...

I have a few questions regarding nucleus implantation. It is my understanding that implanting a nucleus in a salt water mollusk (South Sea or otherwise) is difficult relative to implantation in a freshwater mollusk. Why is this? Is it because gonad implantation is difficult relative to...

Does anyone have any recommendations as to where to buy, and what brand to buy, of tools for nucleus implantation? thanks.

I have looked through this forum and see many great resources for various aspects of pearl artistry, but am rather confused as to how to learn the specifics of pearl grafting. I live in the New York area, which is potentially good as far as coming into contact with someone who might know a...

I have a pearl book that states that South Sea Cultured Pearls have nacre that represents 40 to 50 percent pearl diameter. Furthermore, it's claimed that saltwater cultured pearls, in general, have nacre of a thickness of 10 to 15 percent. Elsewhere in the book, it is stated that Japanese...

I read that "juvinile" growth produces superior nacre to "non-juvinile" growth. I've heard of "juvinile" growth defined as either growth of a young mussel, OR the growth of an older mussel after coming out of a period of winter dormancy. Assuming my understanding of "juvinile" growth is...

It's my understanding that the Elliptio complanata is known by the common names "Lightfoot Mussel" "Eastern Elliptio". Is this an appropriate species for pearl farming? It's native range overlaps where I am located and it is highly abundant. My only concern is the nacre quality. I read...

What would be a good freshwater species for a non-experienced farmer to consider using? I'm looking for something that, above all, is capable of producing a pearl with great nacre quality and beauty. Other considerations are hardiness, ease of care, and availability. I'm looking to do this on...

I've been trying to teach myself the basics of pearls, so please forgive me if this is a very basic question. It's my understanding that freshwater pearls from china are grown with implanted mantle tissue, and not with an implanted shell bead. If true, it seems that the implanted mantle would...

I have been told that saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls are of equal value, all else being equal. I.e., for the same size and level of grade, the saltwater pearl will be as valuable as the freshwater pearl. I was told that what matters is not whether the pearl comes from salt or...

Hi, this is my first post. I've been poking around here, and reading a book I bought, and am curious about the substances used as nucleating material for cultivated pearls. It is my understanding that Mississippi River Shell (MRS) is the preferred nuclear starting material, and that other...