Judi McCormick

The Black Beauty Pearl

The Black Beauty Pearl

The Black Beauty Pearl is considered to be one of the most important pearls in history. Why?

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Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Vladimir Tiara. It seemed appropriate.

Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Vladimir Tiara. It seemed appropriate.

The story begins with the Romanov Duchess Vladimir, who was the last Romanov to leave Russia during the Revolution. 
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Can You Swim In Pearls? One more time...

Can You Swim In Pearls? One more time...

Since Pearls are Cultivated in Salt and Freshwater, Can You Wear Them Swimming? It would seem logical that you could. Let me explain.
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Anne Boleyn's Bold "B" Necklace

Anne Boleyn's Bold "B" Necklace

Anne Boleyn was one of the boldest of Henry VIII's wives. This is one of the original Statement Necklaces. What happened to it?
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Pearl Nacre Thickness

Pearl Nacre Thickness

The thicker the nacre of a pearl and the better the quality, the more exquisite the pearl.
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Baroque- What Does That Mean?

Baroque- What Does That Mean?

Baroque is a description of a pearl that is non-symmetrical and shaped irregularly. More importantly, barroque (french spelling) was first used to describe pearls. It was not until the 17c. that Baroque came to mean a form of art and architecture.

But, what exactly is a baroque pearl and are they valuable?

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What Is Nacre?

What Is Nacre?

You have heard this term used as a level of quality in a pearl. But, why?
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Can You Wear Pearls Swimming?

Can You Wear Pearls Swimming?

Since Pearls are Cultivated in Salt and Freshwater, Can You Wear Them Swimming? It would seem logical that you could. Let me explain.

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The New World of Cultured Abalone Pearls

The New World of Cultured Abalone Pearls

Abalone pearls are a rare natural pearl. The mollusk, Haliotis is the mother to these iridescent pearl. But she is unable to clot her wounds and thus it is impossible to implant a nucleus to culture a pearl. She would die of bleeding, as a hemophiliac.

Until recently...

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How an Oyster is Implanted with a Nucleus

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.

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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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Pearl. The Only Gem That Has Been Nurtured Into Existence

Pearl. The Only Gem That Has Been Nurtured Into Existence

Think, mothered. That's the theme this week. One of the things that makes pearls so special is the tender way it has grown and been nurtured by the organs of its "mother".

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