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  1. SteveM

    Increasing the purpleness of beaded freshwater pearls

    Hats off to the dlligence of the Chinese FW industry. Given the commitment and the resources, there can be no doubt that the objectives will be achieved. Today's extreme rarity will continuously become tomorrow's standard, only to reveal a higher threshold to conquer. With the accelerating...
  2. SteveM

    Increasing the purpleness of beaded freshwater pearls

    Is there any consideration that purple might be a passing fashion? Or perhaps we should assume that purpleness will be pursued to the point of market saturation (purpality?), as with any other commodity that enjoys current popularity.
  3. SteveM

    Another Fake giant clam pearl

    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...
  4. SteveM

    Keshi pearl valuation

    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.
  5. SteveM

    Keshi pearl valuation

    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...
  6. SteveM

    Increasing the purpleness of beaded freshwater pearls

    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).
  7. SteveM

    Keshi pearl valuation

    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...
  8. SteveM

    Keshi pearl valuation

    A treasure! Incredible size and matching, truly special.
  9. SteveM

    Keshi pearl valuation

    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.
  10. SteveM

    Another Fake giant clam pearl

    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...
  11. SteveM

    Another Fake giant clam pearl

    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.
  12. SteveM

    Another Fake giant clam pearl

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

    Another Fake giant clam pearl

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

    Keshi pearl valuation

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

    Zhuji or Hongqiao Pearl Market

    Convincing argument to stick with naturals!
  16. SteveM

    Zhuji or Hongqiao Pearl Market

    Quality and affordability sounds good.
  17. SteveM

    Zhuji or Hongqiao Pearl Market

    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.
  18. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

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