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  1. SteveM

    Pinctada Maculata (Pipi) Pearls

    Two finished pieces dropped off in the care of Jeremy and Hisano at Pearl Paradise yesterday. Fabulous PP photography! The act of setting a random lot of pearls versus meticulous matching has resulted in a tassel with an organic expression and natural feel. It's almost as though someone snagged...
  2. SteveM

    So I won an auction and now I have questions!

    @StarryPearl's 'Like' today offered a repeat glimpse of this image. As a pianist and former dealer in high-end European grand pianos it was a dream of mine to source MOP for piano keytops. Cutting and matching 52 sections of shell long and straight enough for the white keys on a standard...
  3. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    I feel like that Kasumi is watching me.
  4. SteveM

    StarryPearl's thread

    Great shot of the Pteria shells under UV! The DNA technology would minimally serve to put to rest any lingering insecurity regarding Tahitian/SSP pearl substitutions. Another thought was how similar a recent posting of golden SS keshi looked to baroque Poe Pipi. If ever it became an issue...
  5. SteveM

    StarryPearl's thread

    DNA Fingerprinting of nacreous shell species has been around for about 10 years, so given sufficient economic or other motivation it is possible to confirm natural or cultured non-porphyrinic (!!) nacreous pearl species origin without any room for doubt. Douglas, does the pink glow extend to...
  6. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    Also to eolian, the tails result in a corona-like effect. Very attractive. Jeg, is the feather pearl also Kasumi? It's a striking centerpiece.
  7. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    A loop (bale?) at each end is a great idea! It could then double (triple?) as a bangle with the appropriate double-clasp chain. Swivel bales or clasps.
  8. SteveM

    Scotland's Bill Abernethy and the Last Pearl Fisherman passed Away

    Reviewing the scientific literature (in hopes of finding something definitive) the consensus seems to be that maturity of margaritifera margaritifera is 10-12 years with a life expectancy of 75-130 years (and per above I saw something that said 150 years). In the extinction process it is...
  9. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    Both bangle and ring are innovative (if not badass!) ideas, to go along with a man's pendant. Anything to save that horn from its more typical fate as an objet d'art.
  10. SteveM

    Scotland's Bill Abernethy and the Last Pearl Fisherman passed Away

    Very well presented to the bidders, not only unique and beautiful but a fleeting reminiscence of a bygone genre. And with its shell! Douglas, what is your thought about the plausibility of this part of the description: (Subsequent to above I refreshed my acquaintance with margaritifera...
  11. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    Great photos! The pearls are every bit as nice as they appeared in the live stream.
  12. SteveM

    Quahog Pearl use suggestions?

    Not so offbeat! Given your comments, and in light of the certificate, the late seller would have been far less quick in parting with it. A reminder to all that liquidations of anything but securities and real estate need to be done pre-mortem!
  13. SteveM

    Quahog Pearl use suggestions?

    It has impressive color and girth, bottom is unimportant given its obvious application as a pendant or large ring. Did you have something in mind when you bought it?
  14. SteveM

    Pinctada Maculata (Pipi) Pearls

    By the way, this was the hank of Poe Pipi. It was astonishing to see, even the South Pacific locals are baffled how it was possible to create so many matching strands in the full range of PP colors. I’ll stick my neck out and surmise that Pearl Paradise may have access to any remaining strands...
  15. SteveM

    Pinctada Maculata (Pipi) Pearls

    Thanks all, yes I think it’s turning out as well as hoped, and the frosting on the cake would be exactly as Pattye says, that it be wearable.
  16. SteveM

    Pinctada Maculata (Pipi) Pearls

    We'll bring that tassel back to this thread via a progress report today, pending final construction. What a project it has been sorting and setting that 110-ct lot of Poe Pipi from Alex Collins! As is readily apparent, it is in skillful and experienced hands. Cap is two-sided 18k with a hinged...
  17. SteveM

    Book Review: GemPedia – A ComprehensiveGlossary for Gemstones and Gemmology by Rui Galopim de Carvalho (2024)

    Just this year I subscribed to the IGS website with this very objective of having an authoritative resource on the stone side. It's really good but the annual subscription is substantially more than the cost of this book.
  18. SteveM

    Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

    That was among the most beautiful Ab Horns I've seen, subtly vibrant colors with uninterrupted lustrous nacre surface including the top end (which creates a setting challenge as that would typically be conveniently covered by the custom metal work). Look forward to photos upon receipt!
  19. SteveM

    Increasing the purpleness of beaded freshwater pearls

    With the scientific progress being discussed here, it may become the Chinese FW industry's patriotic duty to develop red pearls. Once the Purple Hyriopsis is perfected they could perhaps do a little gene splicing from a gold-lipped Pinctada species to get just the right mix to make red. That...
  20. SteveM

    Increasing the purpleness of beaded freshwater pearls

    Thus the marketing opportunity, and the intensive R&D.
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