Judi McCormick / south sea pearls

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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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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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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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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Diana's Love of Pearls and An Interesting Portrayal in "Spencer"

Diana's Love of Pearls and An Interesting Portrayal in "Spencer"

Princess Diana truly loved her pearls and they have always been a major part of her style. The new movie, Spencer, creates Diana's love for pearls in intense and dream-nightmare scenes.

I do have spoilers for the movie, but this is about the pearls!

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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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Philippine 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)

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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