Maxima Pinctada

[DanielJao]

I bought this maxima Pinctada last week. I just want to know if it's a natural Maxima Pinctada pearl or not. Thank you

 

[CortezPearls]

At first glance: It looks like a cultured pearl to me.
It's very nice!
Remember that cultured pearls make up about 99% of all pearls on sale...so, just with that in mind it would be rare if you have a natural pearl.

 

[DanielJao]

Hi! I want to sell it but I don't have any evidence that it's a natural pearl. They're looking for a certificate but I think there is no laboratory for pearls here in the Philippines. Can I have some advice on what should I do or where can I get a certificate for my pearl in the Philippines?

 

[CortezPearls]

I would send it over to the Bangkok GIA lab. It's the closest you have for this service.
BUT before you do: try to find a local dentist with good x-ray equipment. Bring 2 pearls, one cultured (that you fully know is cultured) and this pearl you want to analyze, and have them x-rayed.

This is how cultured pearls would look like using a Dentist's x-ray apparatus. All these pearls were analyzed because they were supposed to be "natural pearls". You can clearly see the bead inside.

 

[DanielJao]

Hi. Is GIA a legit and trusted lab? I searched it online and want to try it.

 

[DanielJao]

All of those in the picture are cultured?

 

[CortezPearls]

Hi. Is GIA a legit and trusted lab? I searched it online and want to try it.

They sure are! And their Bangkok lab is closer to you than the SSEF in Switzerland!
https://www.gia.edu/gia-bangkok

 

[CortezPearls]

All of those in the picture are cultured?

All those in the photo are cultured. And they were all SUPPOSED to be NATURAL, so, my friend Edgar took them for x-rays...and nice surprise! They came out as CULTURED.