via GIA: http://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2015-gemnews-nonbead-cultured-pearls-strombus-gigas
![Satellite.jpg Satellite.jpg](https://www.pearl-guide.com/data/attachments/26/26102-6eb18fcd8acbded9f60d4bfcf9057a59.jpg)
![Satellit44.jpg Satellit44.jpg](https://www.pearl-guide.com/data/attachments/26/26103-9d89d01e70d621cf950fbc26b6047dce.jpg)
Figure 3. Left: An X-ray of the pearl seen in the figure 9 inset. It shows clear evidence of a nonbead culturing process. Right: An X-ray of a natural conch pearl. Images by Olivier Segura.
I can't imagine the natural pearl guys are going to be happy about this....
According to the farm owners, queen conch pearl culture is undergoing intensive development, and the quality?size, flame pattern, and color?improves with each harvest.
![Satellite.jpg Satellite.jpg](https://www.pearl-guide.com/data/attachments/26/26102-6eb18fcd8acbded9f60d4bfcf9057a59.jpg)
![Satellit44.jpg Satellit44.jpg](https://www.pearl-guide.com/data/attachments/26/26103-9d89d01e70d621cf950fbc26b6047dce.jpg)
Figure 3. Left: An X-ray of the pearl seen in the figure 9 inset. It shows clear evidence of a nonbead culturing process. Right: An X-ray of a natural conch pearl. Images by Olivier Segura.
I can't imagine the natural pearl guys are going to be happy about this....