Natural SSP?

[Pegleit]

I can’t tell… I either get glare or diffusion…

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

It's a good start. The first image not so much, the second not as bad and the third is somewhat better.

First glances of the second and third image shows a patch of conchiolin just below the surface. While I can't see distinct geometry at the edges of the pearl, I'm leaning toward bead nucleated. Keep trying, except with critical focus targeted at the edges, instead of the center of the pearl so we can examine that edge more clearly.

I have attached a candled bead nucleated akoya pearl with a similar patch. It's common in cultured pearls. We can also see the edge of the shell bead in this view.

 

[CortezPearls]

I use my phone's LED light as the "candle", and just "sit" the pearl on top...thing is that your eyesight suffers a bit when you're doing this and you yourself become "candled" and you can't see that well.
But with care you can find a setup that will allow you to even take photos and SEE your pearls better.
Dave Le Blanc @Lagoon Island Pearls just sent some really AMAZING PHOTOS of candled pearls. You should check them out.

 

[CortezPearls]

This is the link: https://www.pearl-guide.com/threads/candled-natural-pearls.5718/page-20#post-462541

 

[Pegleit]

Thanks! I have been trying to use my phone and affix the ring on top but it keeps falling off! will try more later. Working, finishing another project and getting ready for a trip so time is limited. Thank you for all this great info and links! I’m beginning to think Lagoon Island Pearls (LIP) is right, though. My untrained eye thinks it sees a bead.

 

[CortezPearls]

Thanks! I have been trying to use my phone and affix the ring on top but it keeps falling off! will try more later. Working, finishing another project and getting ready for a trip so time is limited. Thank you for all this great info and links! I’m beginning to think Lagoon Island Pearls (LIP) is right, though. My untrained eye thinks it sees a bead.

Try and use a "ring" of any kind to help you contain the pearl. It can be an actual ring (jewelry) or any other kind, as long as the pearl is contained within it or it can sit nicely on top without rolling all over the place...you can even make one out of putty/plastiline.

 

[Pegleit]

Enlisted a second iPhone to snap the pix - one more try…. Sorry- a few are not well focused

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Though the images are improving, I'm still seeing equal diffusion at the subsurface and complete absence of distinct contrasting at the nucleus.

For those reasons, I'll suggest this is a bead nucleated cultured pearl. Nevertheless, it's a large, well formed SS pearl in good condition.

 

[Pegleit]

Thank you Lagoon Island Pearls. I made another couple of attempts but I think you are right. I will post them later.
My equipment and skills will not allow me better shots.

 

[CortezPearls]

Thank you Lagoon Island Pearls. I made another couple of attempts but I think you are right. I will post them later.
My equipment and skills will not allow me better shots.

Experience comes by trying over an over again!

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Thank you Lagoon Island Pearls. I made another couple of attempts but I think you are right. I will post them later.
My equipment and skills will not allow me better shots.

You have done well given your tools. Each of these views reveal subsurface contrasts consistent with bead nucleated pearls. This is otherwise known as periostracial growth. It's the first growth expressed by most molluscs in any shell building process. It's mainly protein which generally determines the color of pearls, then locked into place by subsequent layers of prismatic calcite (in lathes) then nacreous layers of aragonite (in hexagonal tablets), both of which are clear, off white or sometimes brown.

I'm sorry to disappoint, but at the end of the day it's nice piece to be treasured and enjoyed. As far as cultural pearls go, SS are very desirable and highly valued.

 

[CortezPearls]

I agree 100% with Dave!

 

[Pegleit]

Thank you both! Sorry for the late response, I’ve been away for a few weeks. I do, indeed, treasure it! It is beautiful and belonged to someone very special to me. it is still in the bank box for now.

 

[JerseyPearl]

I cannot offer any opinion on the nature of your pearl, however, what you have said indicates that it is priceless. You should honor the legacy of the gift by wearing it often, with care of course!

 

[Katbran]

I've not tried it but someone at a show told me that a phone flashlight can work as well lol I'll have to try it now that I've remembered that.
Jeremy....that ring.....holy moly !