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.
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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.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Pearls
Let me give you a very concise match-up and you can decide.
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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...
How an Oyster is Implanted with a Nucleus
I am sharing a video that I took at the Ha Long Pearl Farm in Vietnam of a worker implanting an oyster so it will "grow" a pearl.
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.
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Philippine South Sea Pearls
Philippine South Sea Pearls grow in the Pinctada Maxima oyster. It is one of the largest oysters in the world.
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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.
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Tokki Pearls
Tokki is a Japanese term to describe a protrusion or bump. Occasionally, oysters will produce a pearl with curious shapes. These are the result of an accident during growth. Oysters definitely have a mind of their own.
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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.
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