KIMA (Tridacna sp) Pearls

[GemGeek]

I agree with Donna!

 

[lisa c]

Lisa,

No oil?I used it primarily on a large lot of Tridacna upon hearing Douglas' (Cortez Pearls) suggestion due to the seller's indication that the pearls were recently harvested and required some basic cleaning. Nothing to be gained with naturally lustrous and clean pearl.

Steve, that's glorious! Natural, No enhancements or what have you - I am totally blown away by the luster!

 

[SteveM]

This one was particularly fun as it was chosen from a new parcel of pearls that had not as yet been graded, on a hunch from a photograph of about 10 pearls in a group photo.

Lucky hunch!

 

[GemGeek]

You made your own luck by taking a chance. Good for you!

 

[lisa c]

Steve, you know I was exclaiming, not doubting, right? and my remark about the "new toy" was poking fun?

 

[SteveM]

Never a doubt!

 

[SteveM]

Kima for sure! 9.2 carats, perfect 11.6mm x 8.5mm domed button, and flame so evenly and finely distributed that the chatoyance faithfully follows the light wherever it goes?

Perfect ring material, no diamonds necessary.

Well it took over six years, but this beauty is now a ring! I sat down with the jeweler and explained the special qualities of non-nacreous pearls. We settled on a simple bi-color design, 18K Rose and 18K White Gold. This pearl is 100% flamed on all sides, thus the claw vs. bezel or other suggestions for setting, offering full exposure. I was too impatient to wait for a sunny day so used a small penlight to wake up the flame.

This just may inspire a similar approach for that 53-carat monster drop in post 52!

Steve

 

[Sanippy]

Beautiful ring for a special pearl! Well worth the wait.

 

[SunSeeker]

Your ring is stunning!

 

[pattye]

Steve, so terrific for you to stop by with this beauty! It's perfection! Hope all's well with you; think of you often and follow Classic Wines from Spain ~

 

[Katbran]

Steve - thanks so much for coming back with these beautiful photos! I love the simplicity!

 

[Marianne]

Ah, that ring does your pearl justice! Please keep sharing here on PG. We have many new members who also find science interesting

 

[SteveM]

Great to hear from old—and new—friends! Thanks for concurrence, yes it's all about the pearl, 18K was also essential, not only for the rich tones but to balance the weight of the gem. The ring is quite hefty, while appearing delicate. The jeweler understood the challenge, and he will definitely get a shot at that big drop when we're ready!

 

[BWeaves]

OH WOW! That is gorgeous, and a perfect setting for it.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

It is exquisite!

 

[CathyKeshi]

The pearl is magnificent, the setting masterful genius, and yes, many of us are science nerds here, and love that you came by to show us what happened to this pearl we've read about on older threads ... Thank You Steve!

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Hi, Steve. It's been a while, but I'm glad you dropped in to show us the ring.

Nicely done!

 

[GemGeek]

Love the pearl more than ever. It's perfect.

 

[MSC]

wow, i love the setting and the pearl looks spectacular in it!

 

[JerseyPearl]

Very nice.