Can this Paua Horn Pearl be rescued?

[lizard]

My son's partner collected this many years ago and I have just seen it today. Is there any way to "rescue" the pearl and improve it's appearance and to remove it from the shell, or should it just be kept as a curiosity? Also attached is a picture of a much smaller paua blister pearl which my son found today and was wondering if there is a market for it (he is unemployed at present). Both found in New Zealand.

 

[jshepherd]

It's really a curiosity as you put it, or a collector's piece. It's thoroughly attached to the shell, and you can see through the layers that are already cracked and peeled, so there isn't a fine colorful piece that can be peeled out.

 

[lizard]

Thanks Jeremy - yes, I always hoped to find one of these, so excited to see one this large! If only it was as gorgeous as yours, but at least if there's no question of having to monetise it for them, they may allow me to keep it!

 

[jshepherd]

It isn't mine. I just got to hold it

Here is one that came across my desk in 2008. It has more of the horn shape too.