eBay find

[Caitlin]

It's appears to be formed from a perforation in the membrane attaching the mantle to the shell as opposed the hepatopancreatic "horn" shapes, which are much more a rarity.It's a wonderful piece, Caitlin. Congratulations on your successful bid and esteemable keepsake.

Yes, It looks like it mimics the part of the shell on which it rested. I didn't know what it was called, though. This one doesn't have the dreamiest colors from the photo, but I bet the color slides around, in person.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

It looks like it mimics the part of the shell on which it rested. I didn't know what it was called, though.

The "pallial cavity"

 

[pattye]

Ha ha ha hahahahaha! Our Designated Pearlaholics Anonymous sponsor!

Caitlin and Lisa, You gals are hilarious! I accept the title!

 

[Caitlin]

You really mean "enabler" don't you?

 

[lisa c]

Ah, ha ha again ha! Caitlin, don't get me staaahted. I got another spam email about addiction counseling today after I posted about this!

 

[Adeline Leigh]

One lesson everyone - persistence is the name of the game. Good deal, Caitlin. I know Daniel has scored similar on other occasions... Such finds (remember J's natural pearl lavaliere that appraised well?) mzke me so envious. But good on all of you

Now I need to get my act together and get in the hunt! (Sigh) I give up too easily.

 

[Caitlin]

This person has more pearls. He sent me photos of a couple. I thought this one was really trippy. I am waiting for some measurements and prices. I abolutely can't afford to buy more, but I am interested in another one, anyway. If I take longer than 6 months to pay on BillMeLater, the interest kicks in and I bet it is awful.

 

[Caitlin]

Has anyone ever carved or shaped abalone pearls? They seem like they would take to it. I keep thinking of grinding areas off or cutting itin two and rounding them both off. Any thoughts?

My defense would be that other gem stones can be cut, why not make abalone pearls less, well, organic. Should I get ready to duck?

edited to add: I am talking about the large one not the one in this post.

 

[pattye]

Oh, that's a little cutie, Caitlin! I've always wondered if abalone pearls are sort of hollow in the middle? Seems like some of the horns are. Didn't someone awhile back show a photo of one broken apart? I wonder if they are pithy in the center?

 

[dmj]

some horns are hollow some are not i have 4 pearls that are hollow for sure and around 100 that are not and 100 i have no idea about i do find that blisters are 5 out of 10 times are hollow with abalone

caitlin i think it would loose 75 % of its value when you cut them i ones got a rough patch a little polished on a pearl and nobody buys it because its been polished :S

 

[Caitlin]

I don't want to sell it, I want to wear it. It is kinda big. It looks like it could make 2 ovals. If it lost 75% of its value, it would be $1.40 or so a carat. I still haven't seen it, so I am just speculating.

 

[dmj]

tonight i am finishing one if the jewellery pieces made from antz his pearls so hopefully i can give you some inspiration soon or if i break the pearl tonight then i also have two pieces never know with setting a pearl in a ring :S

 

[dmj]

thereeee it is a first picture on my twitter of a ab pearl from antz with diamonds around i cant upload here from my phone so you guys will get a better picture somewhere soon https://twitter.com/DM_jewellery/status/206215843263168512/photo/1

 

[pattye]

Bravo, it's a beauty!! Great work Daniel!

 

[Marianne]

Daniel, That is a show stopper indeed. Really at treasure!!!

 

[antz]

looking good alright, its always good to see how they end up

 

[KarinK]

That is an amazing piece!

- Karin

 

[Adeline Leigh]

Lost for words, too fabulous, DMJ. Lucky you, Caitlin.

 

[Amanda]

Caitlin, what a wonderful buy! Do you have it yet?

 

[GemGeek]

That is one big pearl! You could make one huge wire-wrapped pendant. I know it will make you very happy, Ab Girl!

Daniel, the ring is perfect! Someone will be very lucky to have it.