Hello again,
Following my forum introduction, I was encouraged to share more details here.
My family has a long history in maritime trade from Sri Lanka, and among our heirlooms, I’ve inherited a collection of natural saltwater pearls believed to date back to the late 1700s - a time when the Gulf of Mannar was still active as one of the world’s leading natural pearl fisheries.
They likely originate from the Gulf of Mannar, once home to one of the richest natural pearl fisheries in the world, renowned for producing prized pearls for over two millennia.
The collection includes some loose, drilled pearls from a broken necklace (originally my grandmother’s), as well as a quantity of blister pearls (half-pearls) that appear to be natural.
I’m hoping to better understand these pearls, their characteristics, historical context, and possible value and would appreciate any guidance from members with experience in natural pearls.
I’ll be happy to upload photos if helpful.
Thanks,
Raj
Following my forum introduction, I was encouraged to share more details here.
My family has a long history in maritime trade from Sri Lanka, and among our heirlooms, I’ve inherited a collection of natural saltwater pearls believed to date back to the late 1700s - a time when the Gulf of Mannar was still active as one of the world’s leading natural pearl fisheries.
They likely originate from the Gulf of Mannar, once home to one of the richest natural pearl fisheries in the world, renowned for producing prized pearls for over two millennia.
The collection includes some loose, drilled pearls from a broken necklace (originally my grandmother’s), as well as a quantity of blister pearls (half-pearls) that appear to be natural.
I’m hoping to better understand these pearls, their characteristics, historical context, and possible value and would appreciate any guidance from members with experience in natural pearls.
I’ll be happy to upload photos if helpful.
Thanks,
Raj
