Abalone pearls. Tasmania

[Tassie Diver]

Hi guys recent diving trip found these, didn't even know they existed and can find little about them hopefully you guys can tell me a bit more, are they valuable?.

Cheers

Johnny

 

[MSC]

Those are really nice! I'm no expert on abalone pearls, but hopefully someone who is will chime in. Kari pearls has some nice examples on her site: http://www.karipearls.com/natural-abalone-pearl.html

There are plenty of natural pearl collectors on here that are always looking to buy, if you're looking to sell, myself included!

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

A lot of the pearls come from farms, hence not deemed natural.

Antz is a contributor here and often has them on sale at really affordable prices.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Hi guys recent diving trip found these, didn't even know they existed and can find little about them hopefully you guys can tell me a bit more, are they valuable?.

Cheers

Johnny

Congratulations on your find. You have two types in your treasure. One is what's known as a perforation which is caused by a slight tear in the mantle. This happens in bad weather or a predator tries to pull it off a rock. The other is a baroque pearl, likely caused by a parasite. Even though abalone have thick, strong shells, there are critters quite adept at drilling.

Depending on the laws of the country where these are harvested, resale of "recreational" harvested parts may or may not be permitted. In some countries (Canada for example) it's illegal to possess or trade in them.

Although they are among the most colorful and sizeable pearls, the market for them is not strong. Many of the one's you'll see listed don't move fast, if ever.

 

[MSC]

A lot of the pearls come from farms, hence not deemed natural.

Antz is a contributor here and often has them on sale at really affordable prices.

I had no idea! The things you learn on here Where are they farmed at? Is the culturing process similar to oysters? When did culturing/farming abalone for pearls start? Or is it a secondary market to say farming for the meat?

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

I had no idea! The things you learn on here Where are they farmed at? Is the culturing process similar to oysters? When did culturing/farming abalone for pearls start? Or is it a secondary market to say farming for the meat?

Food grade abalone are produced in numerous countries. Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Malaysia, Chile... to name a few. The occurrence of incidental pearls is moderate.

Pearl culture, not so much. When I first began my work with pearls, a scientist from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver attempted a pearl farm near my location.

Dr. Peter Fankboner

Grappler Inlet Abalone Farm at Risk

Abalone in Canada have been endangered for decades and despite efforts to restock them, it's been an uphill battle at almost every level. Since the recent re-establishment of the sea otter in our area, it's not likely they will ever recover to traditional levels.

Pearl culture in this species is exceedingly difficult. Access to brood stock is not permitted. They need to be fed, which is labor intensive. Worst of all, they are hemophiliac and invariably bleed out after being operated upon. The only known workable alternative is the "American Patent", which is also highly labor intensive and greatly distressful to the animal.

 

[Tassie Diver]

Well being as we pulled the abalone off the rocks our selves I gather these are natural, thanks for the replies guys, I think the other person means abalone farmed for meat, the pearls are not exactly farmable I don't think as the abalone are too hard?.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Well being as we pulled the abalone off the rocks our selves I gather these are natural?

There is no better way to know pearls are natural than to harvest them yourself. You are fortunate to have this experience and gained a couple of nice treasures.

They might garner some value, but often we suggest finders retain their pearls as keepsakes.