Pearl ID help please

[treasurefixation]

Hello all, I recently picked up this vintage ring because of the intriguing pearl. The setting is handmade sterling and signed by the artist. The style is brutalist which was most popular in the 1970s. My first thought was Pteria sterna but it doesn’t fluoresce red. I’m posting pictures, but this is my first post with pics so please be patient if it doesn’t go right. The body color is sort of silvery blue but with orient of green and pink that is hard to pick up in photos. Almost looks like an abalone pearl. Thoughts? Thank you!

 

[pattye]

Oh, this is interesting! Is the underside of the mounting open so you could show us in a photo? An abalone pearl usually has some flaws and a "seam," this pearl appears to be smooth from the photos. IMO, if not abalone, saltwater keshi, could be Tahitian or Blue SS. Curious what others will think ~

 

[SteveM]

Very intriguing ring! While UV did not flouresce, the surface is classic P. Sterna 'hammered' texture. Maybe you should retry in a darker environment. Abalone can't be discounted, as roundish freeform examples do exist, although I would expect stronger green/blue. Your photos do pick up the pinks and greens very well!

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

The size, colour and surface quality suggest abalone origin.

 

[treasurefixation]

Thank you for your quick responses. It is open on the bottom, so I will take a closer look and see if I can get a picture. I have a few abalone pearls with that really bright blue green body color which is why I didn’t immediately think abalone, but I know those pearls are found in different, softer colors.

 

[CortezPearls]

Yes, looks like Abalone to me!

 

[treasurefixation]

Here’s a picture of the back of the ring. There’s a dark spot that looks like conchiolin. I also took a picture of the ring with my abalone pearl rings and it definitely looks very similar!

 

[SteveM]

Ab colors are more evident in this photo, there remains little doubt. In this case a freeform pearl, not a blister. Good find!