Judi McCormick / pearls as a sustainable gem

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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Pearls In The Web Of Life by Douglas McLaurin

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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What are Biogenic Materials?

What are Biogenic Materials?

Historically, gem materials of a biological origin were called organic. The term organic can be confusing as a definition by itself because of its use as a clarifying word for natural substance that has had no additional chemical intervention. 
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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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How Long Does It Take To Grow A Pearl?

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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Pearls as a Sustainable Gem

Pearls as a Sustainable Gem


This is a big topic and I may split it into a couple of blogs. There are so many facets to sustainability.
Sustainability is acting to avoid  the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance. Oysters are naturally a great source to maintain the marine biodiversity because they are filter feeders. 

 

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