I dont know which is worse, if its your own pearl, or a customer's. I LOVE those huge baroques too, but havent ventured into drilling yet, I wonder why....
Is it my eyesight or is that nucleus off round?
I've had freshwaters split on me when enlarging the drill hole (useful to pass around when giving talks as you can see the concentric build up of nacre very clearly)
and this week a spinning nucleus (re-drilled and then very carefully put on the silk so the new hole didn't turn as well - take the necklace to the drill bit)
That shattered pearl looks painful to the pearl senses- and a reminder to wear eye protection when drilling too