Crab pearl

[SteveM]

How strange.

Strange indeed!

Here is some commentary on dragons and pearls. In anticipation of the occasional exploration from the conventional pearl world, the site contains innumerable links and downloads to educate new viewers. I haven't even begun to explore, but have no doubt that the offerings are rare, and that the images faithfully represent what is offered for sale.

 

[Nicole]

Some of the items offered on the bezoar/mustika pearl site are pretty, but what are they, really? If they were found inside various plants and animals, then where were the dragon pearls found? And what am I supposed to make of this quote on the home page:

"Certain transparent type of mustika pearls may be "glass" formed by Nature. The how and why of some of these are not known. Lab testing may indicate "glass" in their reports but this does not explain their origin when shamans and even laypersons have found these pearls in the sea, dens and in the bodies of animals--especially snakes."

Lab testing may indicate that some of these things they are selling are GLASS? Seriously.

 

[SteveM]

The website quote constitutes disclosure. Also note that dragon pearls are offered under the heading 'Mythical.' Bezoars are no mystery, these are calcareous concretions common to all animals. Yes, the firm has indicated in private communications that regular contact with Gemmological Labs in SE Asia (primarily Bangkok) is maintained, and that the labs 'scratch their heads', particularly regarding the fossilization of tree sap in time periods supposedly less than a geological age.

Please don't take my posts as a defense, they are simply a report from a satisfied customer, in the best Pearl-Guide.com tradition. As mentioned, it has been over one year since our purchase of the Nagasari Tree Pearl and it has not been replaced?which would be easy to do if the object had been manufactured. (BTW, tumbling/polishing service is offered for the unpolished examples still on offer, in case anyone else out there is willing to take a chance?)

In any case, it would be accurate to describe my pearl experience to date as 'charmed.'

Steve

 

[john675]

Steve, thanks for your counterpoint. It is actually refreshing for me to see it. Sometimes skepticism takes over from just allowing people to appreciate what they will. After all, everybody has an opinion and it is important to respect the opinions of others.

John

 

[SteveM]

Sometimes skepticism takes over…

Thanks for the solidarity. Count me firmly among the skeptics as well, but with a grain or two of innocence—and a nagging concept of the existence of parallel universes—still…

This recalls some sage advice received from colleagues too many years ago that I would "become jaded sooner or later" (how ironic that such advice should invoke a precious gem!).

Steve

 

[Nicole]

John,

I actually wasn't attacking Steve, or anyone else who appreciates the items on that site for whatever reason. If someone wants to buy mystical dragon pearls, I don't have a problem with that. Someone posted the site for us to look at, and I went and looked at it, and I just pointed out some things which seemed to not add up.

Unless you happen to find a bezoar inside an animal yourself (or one of the plant/tree pearl thingies) is there any way of authenticating it? I'm actually asking, because I don't know if there are tests for that kind of thing. Is there any way to know that these are not just stones that the website owner picked up in his backyard? And the fact that some of these items are actually glass, to me seems fishy. But if someone wants to believe that it's magical glass, I'm not going to disrespect that person's beliefs.

The only problem I see in all of this is not that people like, appreciate, or believe in these magical objects. It's that it ultimately comes down to believing this one individual's claims about the objects, their origins, their shamanic/psychic verification, their powers, etc. And in the case of Steve, he said he was in contact with the website owner, and he felt that the person was trustworthy and he's happy with his purchase. But, I get the impression that he likes the tree pearl because it's pretty. Any magical powers would be icing on the cake, in this case.

Nicole

 

[SteveM]

I get the impression that he likes the tree pearl because it's pretty. Any magical powers would be icing on the cake, in this case…

Nicole, that's right. According to the owner of the site a pearl is not 'mustika' unless it is a natural anomaly. As an anomaly within my experience in pearls, and as a unique object in and of itself, we are pleased. Besides, my wife gets it out and holds it most every day, as though it were one of those super jumbo keshi we obtained from the Cook islands. That's the REAL icing!

 

[Caitlin]

Maybe some elephant pearls really are (some kind of)gall stones too.

 

[dmj]

sooooo to go long back

what precisely is a crab pearl i have someone who is sending one here that was found in a king crab leg and its on its way right now since i wanted to see what it was

still when i read the post its not much good about being a pearl haha

kari also has some people reporting them

http://www.karipearls.com/king-crab-pearl.html

 

[mazzelle]

Crab Pearl Questions

Crab Pearl Questions

I am new to the world of pearls and am looking for more information on crab pearls. How they are formed, if they can be polished, how to care for them. I bit into one on my anniversary and even though it's not as lustrous as some in the jewelry stores it has special meaning to me and I would like to preserve it as best I can to make a necklace out of it. And shine it up too if possible without destroying it.

It has only been one week and already it seems to have dried out a bit and is not as shiny. I also can hear what I believe pearl folks call "the nucleus" when I shake it, as if it has dried up inside. Very bizarre. The fact that this came out of my king crab leg and was cooked perhaps has ruined any chance of this pearl lasting?

Can anyone give me some guidance, website links on science based or experience based crab pearl information? All would be welcome. I have tried a few times to upload some photos, not sure why it isn't working, but would be happy to send images along to anyone who can help.

Thanks so much!!

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Hello mazelle,

You have an unusual find. Pearls from crustaceans are considered rare, but not uncommon. Although crabs and oysters share the same spaces in the environment, they're not similar in any way.

Molluskan pearls are formed from aragonite and calcite within a protein matrix. Crustacean pearls are formed from chitinous material that make up the exoskeletons of arthropods and some plants. Crab shells are essentially skin and as such, is subject to damage as any other species. In mollusks, parasites, shell damage and debris may cause pearls, where in crabs pearls may be spontaneous or from attacks from other crabs. Crab pincers tend to be pin-point precise and may cause a tiny portion of shell material to become deeply lodged in sub-surface layers or membranes. These layers form new exoskeletons which will become hardened when exposed following seasonal molts.

Pearls of any origin cannot be polished without damage to the outer surfaces. Wearing pearls tends to assist them in maintaining some luster by contacting body oils.

Your pearl has become hollow, which stands to reason. After all, they're not comprised of a consecutive succession of concentric layers, but a single layer. It would be advised to fill or line the space with a self hardening resin to increase it's strength and durability and then attach an appropriate bale and ring to support a chain or string.

You have an exceptional find and a rare experience, thank you for showing us.

 

[mazzelle]

Hello mazelle,

You have an unusual find. Pearls from crustaceans are considered rare, but not uncommon. Although crabs and oysters share the same spaces in the environment, they're not similar in any way.

Molluskan pearls are formed from aragonite and calcite within a protein matrix. Crustacean pearls are formed from chitinous material that make up the exoskeletons of arthropods and some plants. Crab shells are essentially skin and as such, is subject to damage as any other species. In mollusks, parasites, shell damage and debris may cause pearls, where in crabs pearls may be spontaneous or from attacks from other crabs. Crab pincers tend to be pin-point precise and may cause a tiny portion of shell material to become deeply lodged in sub-surface layers or membranes. These layers form new exoskeletons which will become hardened when exposed following seasonal molts.

Pearls of any origin cannot be polished without damage to the outer surfaces. Wearing pearls tends to assist them in maintaining some luster by contacting body oils.

Your pearl has become hollow, which stands to reason. After all, they're not comprised of a consecutive succession of concentric layers, but a single layer. It would be advised to fill or line the space with a self hardening resin to increase it's strength and durability and then attach an appropriate bale and ring to support a chain or string.

You have an exceptional find and a rare experience, thank you for showing us.

Dave, Thank you so much for replying to my post! I have been anxiously awaiting information on this little treasure I've found Thank you for explaining the science behind how they are formed! Nature is so fascinating

As for the resin suggestion, if you or anyone else on this network has suggestions on whom I could take/send the pearl to in order to drill the hole and fill with the resin I would appreciate any leads. I would not want to attempt such a thing on my own as it's of such significance to me.

Thank you again for your thoughtful and informative response.

 

[SunSeeker]

How interesting, Dave! I would have never guessed a crab would be capable of producing a pearl!

 

[Orient]

Someone showed me an object they said came from a lobster once and claimed it was a "pearl" too. Could never prove it came from a lobster so good to see a first-hand account of a piece that came from a king crab. Appreciate Dave's feedback on the object too!

 

[BWeaves]

How unusual. Dave, thank you so much for your insight. I wasn't sure what to make of this pearl.