Judi McCormick

Men in Pearls-a continuing investigation

Men in Pearls-a continuing investigation

Tonight is the first game of the World Series (baseball...). Joc Pederson has received a lot of press about wearing a string of pearls while playing the outfield for the Atlanta Braves. He is playing tonight. Will he be wearing his 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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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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Freshwater vs Saltwater Pearls

Freshwater vs Saltwater Pearls

The most asked question to me is, "What is the difference between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls?" Let me give you a short but definitive answer.
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Famous Pearls-Abernethy Pearl

Famous Pearls-Abernethy Pearl

The Abernethy Pearl or Little Willie as it is affectionately known, was "fished" out of the River Tay in Perth, Scotland in 1967. It is known as the most perfectly spherical and largest natural pearl to be found.
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The Colors of White Pearls

The Colors of White Pearls

While for many of you, white is white, in the pearl world many pearls are known for their specific hue of white.
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The Incredible Crazy Story of The Pearl of Allah or The Pearl of Lao Tzu-reporting by Caitlin Williams and Kathie Hodson

The Incredible Crazy Story of The Pearl of Allah or The Pearl of Lao Tzu-reporting by Caitlin Williams and Kathie Hodson

Millions of dollars, arranged murder, historical fabrications, journeys across vast oceans and battles in court ? all are attached to what some people have called the ugliest pearl in the world.
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Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

You may not know that the Tahitian Pearl, which is so well known today and worn proudly by so many, has only been acknowledged as jewelry since the 1970s.
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The World's Oldest Pearl

The World's Oldest Pearl

In 2017 this peach colored pearl was discovered in an excavation site on the island of Marawah off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
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What are Biogenic Materials?

What are Biogenic Materials?

Historically, gem materials of a biological origin were called organic. The term organic can be confusing as a definition by itself because of its use as a clarifying word for natural substance that has had no additional chemical intervention. 
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Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel

Since we are talking about style this week, I will leave you with a thoughtful quote from the most stylish icon of the 20th and 21st century, Coco Chanel.

"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."

photo courtesy of Harpers Bazaar

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The Mystery of Edison Pearls

The Mystery of Edison Pearls

Edison Pearls were an experiment to cultivate pearls that could duplicate South Sea Pearls, but grown in Freshwater pearl mollusks. They have only been available for about 7 years. Developed by a brother/sister team in China, Weijan and Weiyui Zhan, this process has remained a secret. Edison is the brand of pearls developed by the Zhan family.

 

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