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Thanks for the reply. I'm hoping to grow a small quantity in a tank. There are plenty of obstacles to overcome before I can get started.

Since bleaching is routine treatment, am I right to assume that a bleached pearl is no less valuable than an unbleached pearl? Also, is it pretty much a guarantee that ALL pearls sold have been bleached to some degree?

If I understand correctly, within a cultured pearl, from center to outer edge, the structure is: "Very" thick (visible to the naked eye) layer Periostracum TO alternating microscopic layers of Prismatic (isomer of calcium carbonate) and biopolymer (that appear mineralized to the naked eye) TO...

so, is this seeming "gap" a layer of periostracum?

Why are larger pearls harder to grow than smaller pearls? Is it because larger nuclei are rejected more than are small nuclei? Is it because the larger a pearl, the lower quality the nacre (as a result of being chalky, etc.)? Is it because the nacre isn't deposited evenly, leading to a very...

I read the treatment primer on pearl treatments, and also checked out some outside sources. I have a few questions: Could a lab detect a dyed pearl? Is a dyed pearl weaker than a non-dyed pearl (i.e., will the dye destroy the pearl in time)? Is color-lightening by exposure to sunlight...

So, obviously nacre is comprised of alternating layers of calcium carbonate (in the form of argonite) alternating with layers of biopolymers. According to the wikipedia article on nacre, argonite structures are 0.5 nanometers in thickness. This is incredibly small. When looking at radiographs...

thanks Caitlin, that cleared up a lot! So, for anyone just jumping into the post, it seems that I/we are down to two qustions of the original six: 1. why is foreign mantle tissue implanted into the recipient mantle? Can't the recipient mantle create a pearl on its own with the help of an...

I have a few questions regarding nucleus implantation. It is my understanding that implanting a nucleus in a salt water mollusk (South Sea or otherwise) is difficult relative to implantation in a freshwater mollusk. Why is this? Is it because gonad implantation is difficult relative to...

Does anyone have any recommendations as to where to buy, and what brand to buy, of tools for nucleus implantation? thanks.

I have looked through this forum and see many great resources for various aspects of pearl artistry, but am rather confused as to how to learn the specifics of pearl grafting. I live in the New York area, which is potentially good as far as coming into contact with someone who might know a...

I have a pearl book that states that South Sea Cultured Pearls have nacre that represents 40 to 50 percent pearl diameter. Furthermore, it's claimed that saltwater cultured pearls, in general, have nacre of a thickness of 10 to 15 percent. Elsewhere in the book, it is stated that Japanese...

If one were to do something like this, does anyone know of a source for adult mussels (not spat) to be bought in the USA?

Thanks for replying to the post. I'm not worried about nacre beauty. The Elliptio has a beautiful shell. I'm worried about quality. I wonder if the Elliptio is durable enough. Does anyone know why the Chinese rejected the cockscomp in favor of the Triange Shell Pearl Mussel? Is it an issue...

I read that "juvinile" growth produces superior nacre to "non-juvinile" growth. I've heard of "juvinile" growth defined as either growth of a young mussel, OR the growth of an older mussel after coming out of a period of winter dormancy. Assuming my understanding of "juvinile" growth is...

It's my understanding that the Elliptio complanata is known by the common names "Lightfoot Mussel" "Eastern Elliptio". Is this an appropriate species for pearl farming? It's native range overlaps where I am located and it is highly abundant. My only concern is the nacre quality. I read...

Does anyone have any suggestions?

thanks, that's what I was looking for.

What would be a good freshwater species for a non-experienced farmer to consider using? I'm looking for something that, above all, is capable of producing a pearl with great nacre quality and beauty. Other considerations are hardiness, ease of care, and availability. I'm looking to do this on...

As for me mentioning a size of 8mm, this is only for the sake of argument. The heart of my question is: If there are two pearls with sufficiently thick nacre (2.5 to 3 mm), does the nucleus material affect value? If you had two such identical (cultured) pearls, and one had a shell nucleus...