Help Identifying Natural or Cultured Pearl – Photos Attached

[Saleem Sana'a]

Hello,

I would greatly appreciate your help in identifying a pearl I own.

Here are some details:
- Size: Around 10 mm
- Shape: Round
- Surface: Slightly rough
- Color: Silvery white with strong luster
- It is not drilled or polished
- Location: Sana’a, Yemen

I’ve attached several photos taken under natural and artificial light. Please let me know your thoughts on:
1. Whether this appears to be a natural or cultured pearl
2. Any approximate value range
3. Whether it's worth sending for lab testing

Thank you so much for your time and expertise!

 

[SteveM]

Saleem,

Welcome to the forum.

You did not attach the photos, but it isn't necessary. It is assumed from your description that it is an attractive and symmetrical pearl. If the method of acquisition gives you good reason to believe it is natural, then yes 100% you must send it for certification. Value will be determined by the market, and the markets for natural vs. cultured pearls bear no relation to each other.

 

[Saleem Sana'a]

Saleem,

Welcome to the forum.

You did not attach the photos, but it isn't necessary. It is ssumed from your description that it is an attractive and symmetrical pearl. If the method of acquisition gives you good reason to believe it is natural, then yes 100% you must send it for certification. Value will be determined by the market, and the markets for natural vs. cultured pearls bear no relation to each other.

 

[Saleem Sana'a]

Pearl - Google Drive

drive.google.com

Click This link to watch the another photos

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I don't think that's a pearl.

 

[Saleem Sana'a]

Pearl - Google Drive

drive.google.com

Click this link to watch the other photos

 

[Saleem Sana'a]

Why

I don't think that's a pearl.

 

[Saleem Sana'a]

Why

why do you think so this isn't pearl ؟ l have no idea about pearl .would you mind you clarify more to me ?

 

[SteveM]

It is most likely carved from shell. If it is a pearl it is a garden variety clam species, without aesthetic merit. I amend my earlier advice, even if it proved to be a pearl—in this case natural as there is no such thing as cultured clam pearls—its value would not justify the lab report expense.

 

[Saleem Sana'a]

I don't think that's a pearl.

It is most likely carved from shell. If it is a pearl it is a garden variety clam species, without aesthetic merit. I amend my earlier advice, even if it proved to be a pearl—in this case natural as there is no such thing as cultured clam pearls—its value would not justify the lab report expense.

Thak you for your feedback

 

[Saleem Sana'a]

It is most likely carved from shell. If it is a pearl it is a garden variety clam species, without aesthetic merit. I amend my earlier advice, even if it proved to be a pearl—in this case natural as there is no such thing as cultured clam pearls—its value would not justify the lab report expense.

As a follow-up question, I’m curious:

Are there any simple visual or physical signs that help distinguish a real natural pearl from one that is carved from shell—especially for someone without access to lab tools?

Thank you again for your time and insights!

 

[SteveM]

As a follow-up question, I’m curious:

Are there any simple visual or physical signs that help distinguish a real natural pearl from one that is carved from shell—especially for someone without access to lab tools?

Thank you again for your time and insights!

For pearls with a shiny/iridescent surface (commonly known as 'nacre'), there is no way to be sure of natural origin except through detailed analysis and certification by a gem lab specialized in pearls. In any case, such pearls cannot be faked through carving of shell.

For pearls with a porcelanous surface, such as clam, conch and melo, one can look for signs of rotation within the mollusk (flame pattern the most obvious example) and the absence of lines or pock marks that indicate shell growth and its imperfect features. Even if a pearl, and especially in the case of clam or melo, lab analysis is required to confirm that it has not been shaped or polished to obtain a suspiciously symmetrical appearance.