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Science is eventually going to find a way to extract enough DNA from non-nacreous (prismatic) shell material to ID the pearls, and my wishful thinking is that the flamed symmetrical ones we've been calling Tridacna are anything but. As for these sham inquiries, P-G should try to find a way to...

Yes that's it. I watched this episode in real time and subsequently spent 10 years away from pearls. When I returned here, it was more than a little surprising to find it had been relegated to a footnote in pearl history.

Rather, tissue nucleation and predictable symmetry. About 20-25 years ago there was considerable work done with P. Maxima, likely under Chinese direction if not ownership, with the objective of obtaining natural saltwater certification. This was reported by the gem labs, who were initially...

It's great to get a peak behind the scenes to see the intensity of Chinese efforts to fortify and expand their domination of the pearl market! At least it's not TOP SECRET (I wonder if that's just scientific hubris).

We are not directly addressing this issue, but I assume it would entail bypassing your middleman in Lombok, who obviously prefers that you stick to mainstream production in competition with his other suppliers. You should be able to find alternative outlets for a more evolved production of keshi...

A treasure! Incredible size and matching, truly special.

Among the members here there is great affection for Keshi, including wide-ranging jewelry application. Their appeal is similar to naturals, a more organic appreciation.

I've seen them as baptismal basins in Spanish churches, of course predating CITES by hundreds of years. Farming is good news. Regarding the phenomenal symmetrical pearls attributed to Tridacna (for which the alternative name 'Kima' has been proposed here), room exists for doubt that such fine...

Need to keep in mind that all Tridacna species are endangered (CITES convention), making the international trade in their shells irresponsible at best. That's probably the most important reason for discouraging these inquiries.

Let's be fair, as a door stop it has some value. A typical one at Amazon goes for $18.99.

We all can, and it's been given before: Doorstop, bookend, shot-put.

Are you considering giving more priority to keshi production as a possibly more profitable niche than beaded pearls?

Nice ones, too!

Convincing argument to stick with naturals!

Quality and affordability sounds good.

No matter what you do, someone will always be cheaper. This is what is known in marketing as a "Race to the Bottom." Creativity and quality is a more legitimate and profitable way of standing out in the market. But this requires knowledge, and credibility.

Beautiful! That drop seemingly combines and reflects the Akoya multicolors. Great lustre throughout.

With the certification from a well-known laboratory, assuming the cert is not a counterfeit (unlikely given the moderate value here), it seems odd that your jeweler recommended an independent X-Ray analysis. The bigger question is whether you are/were attracted to the pearls.

Deep, have you thoroughly studied your target market? Are you in an area with very little pearl awareness or competition? If so you may be able to share your learning curve and pure enthusiasm with your customers, while staying one step ahead. This would be a case of ‘in the land of the blind...

The blister is a cluster of smaller pearls in a very attractive and symmetrical pattern. It would justify a more involved setting such as this Pinctada Maculata shell with comparatively ugly blister. (My wife wears the polished back side forward.)