Judi McCormick / akoya pearl

Report on the Pearl Market from the 2023 Hong Show in September
Phuket Thailand Pearl Farm

Phuket Thailand Pearl Farm

I love to take you on a visit to a pearl farm every once in awhile.

Pearl farms are fascinating for many reasons, but most importantly, they can only exist in some of the most clean and sustained water conditions. They are wonderful places to visit.

Read more
Was Mikimoto the first developer of the cultured pearl?

Was Mikimoto the first developer of the cultured pearl?

That does seem to be the story we hear the most, but I have a different story.
Read more
Care and Maintenance of Pearls

Care and Maintenance of Pearls

Here is a more in depth look at how to care for your pearls.

Read more
The definitive book on Pearls, by Elisabeth Strack

The definitive book on Pearls, by Elisabeth Strack

At over 700 pages long, I go to Strack's book whenever I have a question about pearls.

Read more
Akoya Pearls vs. South Sea Pearls. Which is Right For You?

Akoya Pearls vs. South Sea Pearls. Which is Right For You?

Pearls are easily the most sought after gem in the fashion world these days. There is much confusion for buyers over the differences between Akoya and South Sea Pearls. It is best to understand what the advantages and properties are of each of these pearl varieties.
Read more
Why Are Golden South Sea Pearls So Special?

Why Are Golden South Sea Pearls So Special?

South Sea cultured pearls are the largest type of cultured pearls. The Goldens are the rarest of the rare of the South Sea Pearls.

Read more
The Colors of White Pearls

The Colors of White Pearls

While for many of you, white is white, in the pearl world many pearls are known for their specific hue of white.
Read more
Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel

Since we are talking about style this week, I will leave you with a thoughtful quote from the most stylish icon of the 20th and 21st century, Coco Chanel.

"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."

photo courtesy of Harpers Bazaar

Read more
Pearl Pioneers- Nicholas Paspaley (Picture of Nick and his sister in 1932)

Pearl Pioneers- Nicholas Paspaley (Picture of Nick and his sister in 1932)

It all started out as a wonderful wild adventure for 19 year old Nick Paspaley in the 1930s. 
Read more
Men in Pearls

Men in Pearls

What a delightful subject. There are just some guys that can pull this off in varying degrees of commitment. Here is the Surfer Style and then there are other men that go all the way.
Read more
How Long Does It Take To Grow A Pearl?

How Long Does It Take To Grow A Pearl?

There isn't a simple answer to this question. There are many factors that determine how long a pearl must grow in a mollusk.
Read more
14 results