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AI risk analysis for inaccurate Customs declarations: How CBP determines if a pearl is natural CBP relies on the importer's diligence. While some high-end labs use X-rays to distinguish between natural and cultured pearls, CBP relies on the importer to exercise "reasonable care" in certifying...

My question here is regarding natural pearls from the EU. I.E, whether there is any sort of certification required, and whether mollusk origin outside of Europe is a factor. A flood of "natural pearls", cultured or otherwise, might be on its way soon!

That a "Responsible" designation would increase pearl value suggests that CIBJO, or some such entity, is intending to certify as such. Good luck. Whole Foods introduced "Responsible" as a TRADEMARKED proprietary alternative to Organic, as it had become clear that Organic certification was...

GIA fleshed out the characteristics of shell pearls in this 2014 article. There is seemingly nothing the trade can effectively do to enforce use of the terms imitation, simulation or (for that matter) shell in their commercialization. Perhaps the difference between shell pearls and thin-nacred...

The proliferation of shell pearls here in recent weeks illuminates a market trend. This enlightened group has volunteered the candled corroboration.

Maybe it's a malignant coconut. In which case, you can be thankful for its protection against the Berbalang.

Antiques achieve their high valuations in part due to attrition of a known original quantity over time. Very few pearls fall into that category. Just the opposite, highest value goes to newly-found/harvested pearls of rare quality and selection.

As pointed out in another thread here a few weeks ago, an oversight on the part of CIBJO is not requiring use of the phrase "Shell IMITATION Pearls" (in like manner to Majorica). Perhaps the thought is that the word "shell" should be self-evident. As this is a growing category utilizing improved...

Good discussion. Just to add here that natural pearls are a ubiquitous biological occurrence. However, natural pearls of significant gemological value are not.

In reference to the crisis starting circa Y2K when the labs suddenly began being inundated with pearls for natural certification. Micro CT scanning protocols were developed by 2010 to detect tissue nucleation in un-drilled saltwater pearls, staunching the fraud. But the keshis are nice!

And conversely, how Chinese tissue nucleation techniques improved the quality and consistency of SW keshi.

I met Renée in Tucson in 2011 shortly after her 2010 update to the Buying Guide, which included a contribution or two of ours. She updated it again in 2017. Eight more years of research should be worth waiting for! I wonder how up to date it will be on the nacreous/non-nacreous conversation. In...

I have a Melo Broderipii shell, very light as well. This genus appears to have one shell layer, lacking a rough protective exterior (periostracum). Edit to add an image of my Melo Broderipii shell. Thin, translucent shell layer. Assumption being that gastropods living in benthic (seafloor)...

An old acquaintance in Java showed me this pearl from the Melo Amphora, locally known as "Binga". Pearl is 18.8mm perfect round, 51.4 carats. As there is no prior reference at Pearl-Guide to this species, or pearls from this species, I thought a post was in order. Among volutidae, there are...

The shape and consistency of color are high merits, just a bit lacking in luster, darker shade or other optical 'pop' for top quality. But in a minimal ring setting with complementary stone elements it could be phenomenal.

Sarah at Kojima is going to want 360ª shots to see all sides, if you could also share them here we will be happy to chime in. Value is also determined by what one is willing to pay, and whether buyer is wholesale, retail or direct. Agree with Lagoon Island Pearls that whatever appraised value...

Just keep it together with the pearl, no harm rinsing it. Pearl appears to merit a high-end setting, which will allow for a generous offer.

Did you also keep the shell?

At a minimum the pearl does not appear to be cooked. To your thread title, the large size and relative symmetry may serve to attract a collector, say in the $50/$100 per carat range (if not then you're better off keeping it as a memento). The pearl does not offer the depth of color, even surface...

Delicate, elegant, flashy and versatile. It has just about everything. And those keshi are first class!