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.
Henry Philip Hope's Gem Collection
The Hope Pearl AND the Hope Diamond. Quite a major gem collection.
Read more
Baroque- What Does That Mean?
Baroque is a description of a pearl that is non-symmetrical and shaped irregularly. More importantly, barroque (french spelling) was first used to describe pearls. It was not until the 17c. that Baroque came to mean a form of art and architecture.
But, what exactly is a baroque pearl and are they valuable?
The New World of Cultured Abalone Pearls
Abalone pearls are a rare natural pearl. The mollusk, Haliotis is the mother to these iridescent pearl. But she is unable to clot her wounds and thus it is impossible to implant a nucleus to culture a pearl. She would die of bleeding, as a hemophiliac.
Until recently...
The Imperial Hong Kong Pearl or The Miracle of the Sea
This very large 127.5 carat pearl is a silvery white Baroque pearl. In the Renaissance period, Baroque pearls were highly valued for their unique shapes, which highlighted their luster and colors.
Historical Pearls-Arco Valley Pearl
The Arco Valley Pearl dates back to the 11th century and is said to have been owned by several emperors.
Read more
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
The Canning Jewel
I love to write to you about fabulous historical pearl jewelry. As you can see with this brooch, the artist has made superb use of a Baroque pearl to resemble the torso of this dramatic Merman or Triton. There is intricate enamel work and masterful setting of table cut diamonds and rubies
Read more