Judi McCormick / conch pearls

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.

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Henry Philip Hope's Gem Collection

Henry Philip Hope's Gem Collection

The Hope Pearl AND the Hope Diamond. Quite a major gem collection.
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What are Biogenic Materials?

What are Biogenic Materials?

Historically, gem materials of a biological origin were called organic. The term organic can be confusing as a definition by itself because of its use as a clarifying word for natural substance that has had no additional chemical intervention. 
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The Pink Pearl, a Non Nacreous Pearl

The Pink Pearl, a Non Nacreous Pearl

Nacreous pearls are the pearls that we mostly talk about and see. These are the South Sea Pearls, Tahitians, and Freshwater Pearls. Non nacreous pearls are grown in conch shells. There are many varieties, but the main ones are the Conch Pearls and the Melo Melo Pearls. 
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