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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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Research
Old Techniques Reimagined: Maki-e Pearls
An ancient Japanese lacquer technique applied to cultured pearls creates unique pieces of art.
Strands of Tiny Akoya Keshi Pearls
X-ray Computed Microtomography Applied to Pearls: Methodology, Advantages, and Limitations
X-ray computed microtomography reveals the internal features of pearls with great detail.
X-ray Computed Microtomography: Distinguishing Natural Pearls from Beaded and Non-Beaded Cultured Pearls
The distinction of natural from cultured pearls traditionally has been based on X-radiography.
Large Tridacna Shell with a Blister Pearl and a Shell Blister
A large shell submitted to the Mumbai laboratory exhibits both a blister pearl and a shell blister.
Seed Features in an Akoya Keshi Pearl
Examination of an akoya keshi pearl in the Mumbai laboratory reveals rare seed features and an acicular structure.
“Ruffles” on a Freshwater Pearl
A rainbow-colored wavy pattern is revealed under the surface of a non-bead cultured freshwater pearl.
Fascinating Snakeskin Pattern on a Pen Shell
A pen shell examined in GIA’s Mumbai laboratory exhibits a pattern resembling the skin of a snake.
Calcite Pearl with Red X-Ray Fluorescence
A nacreous-looking calcite pearl exhibiting red X-ray fluorescence is documented for the first time at GIA.
Blister Pearl vs. Shell Blister from Pteria sterna
GIA’s Mumbai laboratory reports on the study of Pteria sterna shells with visible protuberances.
Pearl Newsletter: Margaritologia
Margaritologia, a quarterly newsletter on pearls, was recently launched by Elisabeth Strack.
“Frozen River” on the Surface of an Atrina Pearl
Layered aragonite crystals create a translucent frosted surface appearance on a nacreous pearl from an Atrina mollusk.
