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Pearl
Perfect shining spheres. Lustrous baroque forms. Seductive strands, warm to the touch. Pearls are simply and purely organic.

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Identification of Yellow Cultured Pearls from the Black-Lipped Oyster Pinctada Margaritifera
Although the Pinctada margaritifera oyster usually is associated with the black pearls cultured in French Polynesia, it also can produce attractive large yellow cultured pearls, among other colors.
Spectral Reflectance and Fluorescence Characteristics of Natural-Color and Heat-Treated “Golden” South Sea Cultured Pearls
A comparison study was made between the yellow and white nacre of the gold-lipped Pinctada maxima oyster shell and 65 yellow cultured pearls.
The Current Status of Chinese Freshwater Cultured Pearls
Chinese freshwater cultured pearls (FWCPs) are assuming a growing role at major gem and jewelry fairs, and in the market at large.
Characteristics of Nuclei in Chinese Freshwater Cultured Pearls
There has been considerable debate in the gem trade concerning the nucleation procedures being used to grow large round Chinese freshwater cultured pearls.
Spring 2000 Gem News International
A compilation of gem news from around the world, covering topics such as localities, unusual gem materials, market news, new products, discoveries, jewelry manufacturing techniques, and industry trends.
Cultured Abalone Blister Pearls from New Zealand
The successful culturing of abalone pearls has been known since French scientist Louis Boutan’s experimentation in the late 1890s, but commercial production has been achieved only in recent decades.
Summer 1996 Gem News International
A compilation of gem news from around the world, covering topics such as localities, unusual gem materials, market news, new products, discoveries, jewelry manufacturing techniques, and industry trends.
History of Pearling in La Paz Bay, South Baja California
The history of Baja California has been closely tied to the exploitation of pearls since the 16th century.
Spring 1991 G&G Lab Notes
This section, from the Spring 1991 issue of Gems & Gemology, is a compilation of interesting finds from GIA’s laboratories.
Majorica Imitation Pearls
This article discusses the history of the Majorica imitation pearl, the manufacturing and marketing processes, and the separation of the Majorica product from its cultured counterparts.
The History and Gemology of Queen Conch "Pearls"
This article reviews the history of the conch "pearl," discusses S. gigas and its fisheries, and examines the gemological properties and other characteristics of this attractive material.
Gemstone Durability: Design to Display
A treatise on the design, display, care and repair of fine gemstones.








