Conch Pearl Mystery

[MSC]

Just saw this listing on ebay today, stating that this is a conch pearl. I don't think it is (lines going across makes me think it's a hunk of polished shell), but what do you all think?



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-190...346?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item485e99a6e2

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Doesn't look like a conch pearl to me.

Maybe conch shell bead-- see these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Caribbean-Q...811179?pt=Fashion_Jewelry&hash=item2ec9a94c6b

 

[MSC]

I was thinking the same thing or even coral

 

[Bodecia]

Has to be Coral as they have those lines. Those line are something to look for if buying coral.

Dawn - Bodecia
http://www.ebay.com/sch/dawncee333/m.html
eBay Seller ID dawncee333 Natural pearl collector & seller. And all round pearl lover.

 

[FrenchPearl]

If there isn't already one, we should create a thread for "clueless ebay seller of pearl" ;-)
Conch pearl ! seriously ? even a young spat like me can tell !

 

[MSC]

If there isn't already one, we should create a thread for "clueless ebay seller of pearl" ;-)
Conch pearl ! seriously ? even a young spat like me can tell !

No would ever have time to do other threads if a clueless ebay seller thread was started!

 

[dmj]

haha was looking at this one yesterday and was thinking the same ......... coral

 

[GemGeek]

No would ever have time to do other threads if a clueless ebay seller thread was started!

Seriously! It does have the telltale fibrous structure of coral.

 

[dmj]

so price is 310 right no someone will not be happy when they see a piece of coral haha

 

[MSC]

OMG $310 for a chunk of not even good coral, that is appalling!

 

[GemGeek]

That looks pretty good compared to this coral bead that apparently was "repaired".
This is a good example of the fibrous structure.

 

[pattye]

I questioned the seller about "testing" and got a fast response, fyi:

"Hi Pattye,

Thanks for your interest in the pearl shirt stud. I have a close friend who works at The Royal Ontario Museum who had the pearl checked by Mineralogy Department, I believe he had it x-rayed and we where told that it was a conch pearl. I hope this will assist you.

Kind regards,
Joseph "

 

[GemGeek]

Thanks for asking, Pattye! There is a dark spot showing the central canal and the lines are radially symmetrical around the canal. These are not features found in Conch pearls, which form by building concentric layers. X-ray should have shown the canal structure. Apparently, the "mineralogy department" doesn't have the expertise in organic structures to claim that this is a conch pearl. If you ask to see something in writing from the department, I am sure that claim will evaporate.

 

[pattye]

I absolutely agree that it looks like coral, and was surprised to receive any response at all.

 

[MSC]

I absolutely agree that it looks like coral, and was surprised to receive any response at all.

I'm surprised the seller replied as well, but he/she may truly believe that it's a conch pearl!