Judi McCormick / oyster

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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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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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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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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What Gives A Pearl Its Color?

What Gives A Pearl Its Color?

Because we are focused on color as an important part of our expression, I thought it would be interesting to discuss how pearls acquire their natural color.
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Mother of Pearl

Mother of Pearl

It is easy to get confused. Because yes, mother of pearl is the same calcium carbonate nacre from which our beautiful pearls are composed. But, what is the difference?
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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 Golden South Sea Pearls So Special?

Why Are Golden South Sea Pearls So Special?

South Sea cultured pearls are the largest type of cultured pearls. The Goldens are the rarest of the rare of the South Sea Pearls.

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Pearl Pioneers- Nicholas Paspaley (Picture of Nick and his sister in 1932)

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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The Beginning Growth of a Pearl Oyster-the Spat

The Beginning Growth of a Pearl Oyster-the Spat

For a truly vertical pearl farm, wild spat have to be ecologically collected from the surrounding waters in the South Seas. This is called natural spat collection. In the months of October and November, pearl oysters produce sperm and eggs in to a water column. It is here that they fertilize and form free swimming larvae.
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