Tom Stern's tridacna pearls and a melo melo

[Caitlin]

Here are some tridacna pearls from TKStern

the text is his too.

This giant clam comes from the South China Sea off Borneo. According to legend, a person who owns such a "King" shell should hide it under the bed of his hut, for it will attract wealth and luck. From the same diver, I also bought 11 round objects up to 56 carats that he claimed to be pearls from the same type of clam. To me, they look like glass, but the shape intrigued me as similar to conch pearls, but larger. Photos to follow. I'll have them tested at GIA.

 

[Caitlin]

This is a closeup.

 

[pattye]

How interesting that it appears to be still attached to the shell, not quite like a mabe, though. Would love to see more photos (and lab report) of the others also.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

 

[DrTKStern]

Yes, is still attached. A smaller one also attached. And thanks, Caitlin.

 

[Caitlin]

TKSD asks- Tridacna or glass?

Sending you 2 photos. Largest object weighs 57 carats, medium 32 carats, smallest 11 carats. Maybe I need to get out my Nikon to get enough clarity for the experts to comment on whether glass or pearl.

Tom

 

[Caitlin]

Hi Tom

Just wondering if your camera has a "macro" setting? Its icon is usually a flower. That setting will take much more focused pictures close up.

 

[Caitlin]

Herre is what is most likely one of 10 or so tridacnas. They have not been certified, so Tom still has a question mark by them.

 

[DrTKStern]

Tridacna Pearls

Tridacna Pearls

Herre is what is most likely one of 10 or so tridacnas. They have not been certified, so Tom still has a question mark by them.

Surprising to me, both Elizabeth Strack and Wes Rankin studied these in Tucson and believe these are Tridacna pearls and, amazingly, one of them may be a Nautilus Pearl. One said no need for GIA testing, since Tridacna origin is obvious to that person. Nevertheless, I am sending to GIA today, because of need for authentication. My understanding is that Nautilus Pearls rank with the rarest.

 

[pattye]

Hi Dr. Tom,

Any news on the Melo Melo?

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

 

[DrTKStern]

Hi Dr. Tom,

Any news on the Melo Melo?

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

Hi, Not yet. My divers swear they have one, but I have to get down to Borneo and bring it for testing. Will be heading that way soon from Middle East. Big batch of possible "naturals" still staggering through GIA Lab, slow but authoritative.
Tom

 

[DrTKStern]

Melo Melo Pearl

Melo Melo Pearl

This Melo Melo weighs 83.04 carats, and measures 28mm x 21.93mm x 17.16mm.

Tom Stern,MD

 

[pattye]

Hi Dr. Tom,

Ah, very lovely Melo Melo! Great size and most attractive drop shape. Hope to see it in person someday, too! Somehow I missed your post when it first went up. But Fai's comments brought it to the front-----------

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time