Judi McCormick / saltwaterpearls

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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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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The Imperial Hong Kong Pearl or The Miracle of the Sea

The Imperial Hong Kong Pearl or The Miracle of the Sea

This very large 127.5 carat pearl is a silvery white Baroque pearl. In the Renaissance period, Baroque pearls were highly valued for their unique shapes, which highlighted their luster and colors.

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Historical Pearls-Arco Valley Pearl

Historical Pearls-Arco Valley Pearl

The Arco Valley Pearl dates back to the 11th century and is said to have been owned by several emperors.
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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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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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Freshwater or Saltwater Pearls?

Freshwater or Saltwater Pearls?

All pearls are cultured either in freshwater – mostly lakes, or in saltwater – oceans, seas, atolls, and bays. Saltwater Pearls are the South Sea White and Golden Golden South Sea Pearls, Tahitians & other South Sea colored Pearls, and Akoya Pearls made famous by Mikimoto. The best saltwater Pearls are prized above the freshwater..."
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