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That was the first time I used ChatGPT, on a whim. :giggle: Less math is a definite plus!

I just added this to my original post. I've learned of a shortcut to determine how much larger one pearl is than another. Same result, less math! Divide the diameter of the larger pearl by that of the smaller pearl, and cube the result. That's all! e.g. How much larger is a 12mm pearl than a...

Yes, they have been slow in getting them out! I think the delay must have been on the publisher's end, but now they are finally moving.

My copy of Renee Newmans' new pearl book arrived a few days ago and I have been greatly enjoying it. I'm giving this thread a bump for anyone who has not seen it yet.

Great coverage of a fascinating trip!

I don't know but here is a close up of my "Biwa" pearls in daylight. Whether they originated in China or Japan, either way they are freshwaters.

I'm going to guess CFW because the pearls I received in 1980 marked "Biwa" are very lustrous by comparison.

Thanks, BWeaves. :)

I just had to put my baroque south sea pearls on today. I don't wear these nearly often enough.

Pearls form when a piece of mantle tissue is disrupted. That can be from a parasite intrusion but also from other causes. The cells of the piece of mantle tissue proliferate and form a pearl sac. Normally the mantle would be laying down nacre on the inside of the shell, but now it lays down...

That's right, I got it wrong. 375 is 9 Karat.

Oh, yes, you totally scored!

Nice-- and the silver one is rhodium plated so it won't tarnish: https://www.bellafindings.com/29814/rhodium-sterling-silver-23x9mm-hook-and-eye-clasp.html

They are akoya pearls and the clasp is pretty, but I don't think they are Mikimoto brand, despite the box they are in. The clasp does not appear to be Mikimoto; it says 375 (10K gold) which I have never seen Mikimoto use (typically 18K, sometimes sterling silver), and it lacks the Mikimoto...

Sorry, I still think it could be either a lower-quality Tahitian or a dyed FWP. So go ahead and assume it's Tahitian -- it might very well be.

Pearl Paradise sells loose pearls: https://www.pearlparadise.com/collections/loose-pearls ...and I expect other online pearl sellers do as well.

I love the weave of that top, BWeaves!

True. Although I'm sure any Handamas sold by PP are actually Hanadama grade. This may or may not be true of other sellers. Read this, about what has happened with Pearl Science Lab certificates: https://www.pearl-guide.com/threads/gia-adds-hanadama-quality-indicator-to-certificates.461917/

My understanding is that Hanadama certification is only available for pairs and strands. But what is a Hanadama but a AAA that has met certain minimum standards? So just contact PP and ask for the best AAA akoya pearl for a pendant within your budget.

Renee Newman has just come out with her newest pearl book-- it's on Amazon. I find her books very good for beginners. (I'm still waiting for my copy -- due to arrive on Friday.) This is the book: https://reneenewman.com/Pearls.htm Her books are beautifully illustrated. You can see photos of...