Judi McCormick / tahitian pearls

The Cowdry Black Natural Pearl Necklace

The Cowdry Black Natural Pearl Necklace

Photo courtesy of Christies Catalogue

The most expensive Tahitian Pearl necklace in the world.

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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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Maki-e Pearls

Maki-e Pearls

Maki-e pearls are Tahitian pearls that have an overlay painting of 24K gold with abalone shell inlay. This style is called Maki-e from the Japanese decorating Edo period.
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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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Rare Fijian Saltwater Pearls

Rare Fijian Saltwater Pearls

Fijian Pearls are grouped in the usual collection of Tahitian Pearls, but they are technically not Tahitian Pearls. They are Fijian Pearls. They are even cultivated in a subset of oyster than the Tahitian Pearls. Tahitians are farmed in the Pinctada Margaritifera oyster, while the Fijian Pearls are farmed in the Pinctada Margaritifera typica oyster.
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Gold Lipped Oyster Shell

Pearl Qualities-Color

Yes. Let’s talk about color. I am sure you are aware, by now, that there are many colors of pearls in their natural state. But how do they get their color? This is a Gold Lipped Oyster shell. What color pearl do you think this oyster made? Well, yes. Good guess...
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