Gray Saltwater Pearls

[Caitlin]

That method of collection the OP specified sounds like how loloperle collects from dying maculatas while snorkeling, so maybe there is some truth to the OP's story. They do look like margaritiferas- more than akoyas or freshwaters from a can. Also natural margaritiferas are going to be smaller than pearls from implanted beads.I sure do wish he would come back and give us more photos if not info.

At the worst, he lucked out and got two cheapo pearls from one can, at the best he lucked out finding a deadish opening oyster with two tiny pearls- maybe he is telling the truth. In any case we would not have found out that there are maculatas still living in remote corners of HI, according to Strack, had he not posted.

Apparently there was a planned transfer of maximas at one point. Peter Fankboner, and Paul Cross had several international governments participating in the possible production of akoyas in HI. So far, nothing has succeeded.

There is a museum in Honolulu the Bishop, with an extensive pearl collection. Strack got a photo of the Burches, who run it, in her book. Cute. If you go to HI or are there, go visit it and report!!!!!!.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Two grainy, non-macro photos do nothing for me. No species ID, no location of harvest and no description does even less.

Two identical, perfectly round matching black natural pearls from one oyster in Hawaii is at best, a shot in the dark.