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.
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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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
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 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.
Pearls In The Web Of Life by Douglas McLaurin
Douglas is a friend and the first marine pearl farm founder of the Sea of Cortez pearl brand, the first pearl farm in the entire American continent. Douglas is a biochemistry engineer with a master's degree in sustainability and natural resources management as well as a university professor. He has a unique way of describing the biological pearl ecosystem that I know you will find enlightening.
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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.
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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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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