This thread has been very valuable to me. I, too, wondered if the white blemishes I saw on my string of low-priced Tahitians were a sign of inadequately thin nacre. Great discussion of the different layers and colors possible! I feel better about my cheapies now :-)
Thanks! I knew they were different because of the way they form on the shell, but had never seen or touched one in person. I'll try to take a photo tomorrow in the daylight.
-Louise
Do mabe pearls have the same gritty tooth feel as, say, freshwater pearls?
I have a ring with what has been called a pretty blue "mabe" pearl, but it feels very smooth.
-Louise
I like that the drop shaped ones are drilled "side to side" rather than through the pointy end. I haven't seen that before. Was it more common in the past?
Sea Urchin, I agree! I'm thinking about learning to knot just so I can make myself a graduated color necklace. Random order is nice, but why must they ALL be that way?!?
Amanda, that ring is just stunning. That it also makes you think of your grandmother each time you wear it is very, very special. May you wear it in good health and happiness!
-Louise
I agree this is a particularly interesting and pretty necklace. If you end up trying to sell it on eBay, please post the eBay listing URL here in case some of us want to bid on it!