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An aside, any progress in removing the 'C' from CPAA?

They are shell blisters, which are indeed a natural occurrence that inspires mabes. But they are not blister pearls, which would have formed as whole 'cyst' pearls and subsequently become attached to the shell.

Yes you would hope they have diversified markets. Looks like US was the third largest pearl import market in 2023 at $77M, pittance of course compared with the car industry. US also ranks high on the list of pearl exporters, but pearls can't be exported from here until they're imported. I think...

I guess this post really belongs here. An increase of 34% on Chinese FW exports will have to be passed along to one degree or another. Fiji sticks out at 32%, J. Hunter seems to be uniquely targeted there, as French Polynesia scrapes by with just the universal 10%. I believe PP is selling from...

An increase of 34% on Chinese FW exports will have to be passed along to one degree or another. Fiji sticks out at 32%, J. Hunter seems to be uniquely targeted there, as French Polynesia scrapes by with just the universal 10%. I believe PP is selling from large stocks of J. Hunter pearls already...

AI to the rescue! "While strontium itself may not have a taste, it can be associated with salts that create a 'salty' taste, and it can be associated with 'hard' or saline water." Coming from the wine business, never has there been a better case for mandatory spitting… Others here are far...

In the 18 years I've been looking in here the quality of FW has so dramatically improved that visual distinctions are indeed challenging. Labs can differentiate the respective trace minerals (strontium/manganese ratio) which serves to discourage deception. A (hopefully) tongue-in-cheek response...

I would just cross that seller off my list and be thankful for the conch. And don't buy a Melo Melo pearl without a certificate from a top gem lab. There are too many fakes out there. Of course, that also means paying market price.

From Beauty to the Beast! Glad you researched, and that you got your money back. A seller of that sort and a money-back policy would seem antithetical.

Great. The 9x5mm face of the pearl is actually not that small. Sounds like you have a good plan for it.

You're living dangerously! Let us know when you receive the conch. The photo is indeed of a pale pink conch pearl with pervasive flame. What are its dimensions and weight?

Your images will now offer a better chance to comment on ID. Re curiosity just be aware that natural pearls comprise a very small percentage (less than 5%, probably closer to 1%) of the market. The only bases for suspecting natural origin would be direct purchase from an area or dealer...

UV is not a preliminary test for natural vs. cultured. Only a professional with the proper experience and technology can make that determination. You seem to have an idea the pearls may be natural. What has given you that impression, sufficient to merit such curiosity?

In any case, this is not a test for natural vs. cultured in pearls. X-Ray Flourescence (not UV) will determine freshwater vs. saltwater. For natural determination X-Ray and increasingly Microtomography is required, as applied and interpreted by experienced technicians.

Thanks! Very nice pearl, and I would also be disappointed to have such a handy and creative goldsmith move away!

It's really beautiful. Would you be able to post a pic of the backside?

That is gracious to share your condition, hopefully pain remains a minor issue. Yes, why not post knowing Ken will likely see it? I was single-tracked on the pearl, so no additional awareness. And have only assumed Willey retained it.

Age is only how we feel. I'm a relatively recent member of the club. Another retiree, Ken Scarratt (former director of GIA Bangkok) was intimately entwined in the Nautilus pearl controversy and might provide an opening to 'the establishment.' I know Blaire (GemGeek) remains in contact with him...

That was among the most spectacular and relevant mollusk/pearl specimens ever posted at P-G. Yet, if the purpose of applied science is ID, it is doubtful the financial incentive exists. Your blow-softening comments are greatly appreciated, likewise your efforts and knowledge have my entire...

The understanding of nacre as aragonite platelets arranged within an organic matrix in terraced or columnar patterns (thus iridescent) appears to be at issue. I am still missing what logic there is in expanding its popular definition to non-iridescent calcium carbonate microstructures. This...