Pearl Guide

When pearl farmers open a mollusk to culture a pearl, they sometimes discover a pearl that has occurred naturally. While some insist that any pearl found in a farming operation is cultured, natural pearls do form in mollusks before they are opened for the first time.

This is not the same as keshi, small baroque pearls that form after mollusks have been grafted. These small treasures can't be counted as natural.



This Pteria sterna, or "Rainbow Lip" oyster is held in a grafting clamp...

You may have seen some of the hyper-graduated strands of freshwater Chinese pearls that have been popular this last year. Betty Sue King of King's Ransom has an eye for choosing the most luscious pearls and these colorful metallic strands do not disappoint.



The almost drippy nacre had me fascinated and put me in mind of pastel hard candy.

Betty Sue King, The Pearl Goddess, can be seen at the AGTA trade show in Tucson the first week of February.

Learn more about Betty Sue King at...

Avi Raz has the gift of imagination and the incredible insight to see creatures in baroque pearls that few could conceive, much less conjure.

Here is a lizard with amazing details - multi-colored gold, gemstone eyes and a lovely pearl body. The lifelike texture of the skin makes you want to run your fingers over its bumps.



Front view


And a daintier cousin...


You can see past A&Z Pearls of the Week here, here and here.

Visit the website www.azpearls.com

Blaire Beavers
Managing...

This lovely golden pearl brooch from Jewelmer is a favorite -- a map of the Philippines!



To see more, visit www.jewelmer.com

Blaire Beavers
Managing Editor
Pearl Guide News

Pala International has the best gem and mineral news. They make a major contribution to the education and enjoyment of thousands of people. So, if you haven't already seen it, our member, Ana Vasiliu, has a natural pearl blog there, that is a joy to read.



See her latest, which mentions member Stephen Metzler, our champion of the Nautilus pearl HERE.

Our friends at Pala International know natural pearls and have given Ana a place of honor to share her knowledge. She is not just a...

This "Pearls of the Week" is from Dave LeBlanc. Dave is a researcher and owner-operator of Lagoon Island Pearl Farm near Tofino, British Columbia, Canada.

Most natural pearls form from damage to the animal, but some form as a result of illness. Dave postulates that epithelial cells that grow shell nacre may be prolapsed into the inner tissue forming nacre pockets in the body.



This "California mussel" (Mytilus californianus), displays masses of pearls due to autoimmunity from antinuclear...