Judi McCormick

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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Who Will Wear This Crown?

Who Will Wear This Crown?

This crown was designed by the team at Jewelmer and has some of the most stunning and valuable Golden South Sea Pearls. Why would the Golden South Sea Pearl be the "crowning" glory of this crown?
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Why Are Keshi Pearls Such A Rage?

Why Are Keshi Pearls Such A Rage?

You see them everywhere? They were a hot item in Tucson. What's all the rage about?
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The Historically Magnificent Gogibus Pearl

The Historically Magnificent Gogibus Pearl

The Gogibus Pearl was lost to the world after King Philip IV of Spain died in 1665. It resurfaced in an 2010 auction.
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The Big Pink Pearl

The Big Pink Pearl

The Big Pink Pearl was discovered in 1990 and weighs a stunning 470 carats, which is equal to 94 grams. The BPP is an abalone pearl found by the diver Wesley Rankin. In 1991, it was valued at...
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What Gives A Pearl Its Color?

What Gives A Pearl Its Color?

Because we are focused on color as an important part of our expression, I thought it would be interesting to discuss how pearls acquire their natural color.
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Sustainable Mediterranean Coral

Sustainable Mediterranean Coral

Red coral, or precious coral, is a type of coral species mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is typically the only kind of coral high-end jewelry makers use, as it is durable and the color is intense. It is an opaque gemstone that ranges from a stunning blood red to pinkish orange.
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Mother of Pearl

Mother of Pearl

It is easy to get confused. Because yes, mother of pearl is the same calcium carbonate nacre from which our beautiful pearls are composed. But, what is the difference?
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The Incredible, Gorgeous, Irresistible Sea of Cortez Pearl Story

The Incredible, Gorgeous, Irresistible Sea of Cortez Pearl Story

The Sea of Cortez is between Baja, California and Northwestern Mexico. For over 400 years, it has been known for the quality of colorful, lustrous pearls.

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