Judi McCormick / luster

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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The Black Beauty Pearl

The Black Beauty Pearl

The Black Beauty Pearl is considered to be one of the most important pearls in history. Why?

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Pearl Nacre Thickness

Pearl Nacre Thickness

The thicker the nacre of a pearl and the better the quality, the more exquisite the pearl.
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Baroque- What Does That Mean?

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?

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What Is Nacre?

What Is Nacre?

You have heard this term used as a level of quality in a pearl. But, why?
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How an Oyster is Implanted with a Nucleus

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.

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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.
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The Big Pink Pearl

The Big Pink Pearl

The Big Pink Pearl was discovered in 1990 and weighs a stunning 470 carats, which is equal to 94 grams. The BPP is an abalone pearl found by the diver Wesley Rankin. In 1991, it was valued at...
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The Incredible, Gorgeous, Irresistible Sea of Cortez Pearl Story

The Incredible, Gorgeous, Irresistible Sea of Cortez Pearl Story

The Sea of Cortez is between Baja, California and Northwestern Mexico. For over 400 years, it has been known for the quality of colorful, lustrous pearls.

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Why Are Keshi Pearls, Pearls Gone Wild?

Why Are Keshi Pearls, Pearls Gone Wild?

Keshi pearls are created accidentally by the mollusk. It is either a second growth byproduct after a nucleated pearl has matured or grown after a nucleus is rejected by the mollusk. They are total nacre.
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Golden South Sea Pearls

Golden South Sea Pearls

Golden South Sea Pearls are some of the most valuable pearls cultured today. The most beautiful and most valuable are the deep golden colored pearls grown in the gold lipped variety of the Pinctada maxima South Sea oyster.
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A Vietnamese Akoya Pearl

Akoya Pearls

Highly Lustrous Akoya pearls come from the white Pinctada Fucata oysters of Japan. Akoya pearls are stars in the fashion world right now. In recent years, fashion-forward women have given celebrity status to the beautifully lustrous Akoya pearls in fine jewelry. Why are Akoya pearls creating such a buzz? Akoya oysters, which grow...
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