Judi McCormick / nacre

Understanding the Natural Color of Pearls

Understanding the Natural Color of Pearls

There are several reasons for the different colors of pearls. The most important is the mollusk species along with the donor or mantle tissue that is inserted into the gonads of the cultured pearl sac. There is also the chemical condition and pigmentation of the water source where the pearls are grown.

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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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Natural vs. Cultured Pearls

Natural vs. Cultured Pearls

What is the difference? There is so much misinformation about whether a cultured pearl is really a pearl. 
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Freshwater vs. Saltwater Pearls

Freshwater vs. Saltwater Pearls

Let me give you a very concise match-up and you can decide.
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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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