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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
DNA Techniques Applied to the Identification of Pinctada Fucata Pearls from Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, Japan
Shows how genetic material extracted from small amounts of pearl powder can be a useful indicator of this akoya cultured pearl species.
Cultured Pearl Update
Vibrantly Colored Gems
Bill Larson of Pala International reports a very strong AGTA Tucson show.
Very Small Akoya Cultured Pearls
A selection of very small akoya cultured specimens demonstrates the challenges gemologists face when determining pearl origin.
Non-Bead-Cultured Pearls from Pinctada margaritifera
A new report from GIA's Bangkok laboratory examines a set of 120 NBC samples stated to be of "Tahitian" origin.
Filled Pearl with Surface Features
Data Supplement
Compares the image quality provided by real-time microradiographic imaging (RTX) units fitted with two different detectors: an image intensifier (II) and a flat panel detector (FPD).
Real-Time Microradiography of Pearls: A Comparison Between Detectors
Compares the image quality provided by real-time microradiographic imaging (RTX) units fitted with two different detectors: an image intensifier (II) and a flat panel detector (FPD).
Akoya Cultured Pearl Farming in Eastern Australia
Characterizes the akoya cultured pearls produced on the eastern shoreline of Australia using native Pinctada imbricata fucata mollusks.
Partially Hollow Tridacna Blister Pearls with Shells Attached
Blister pearls attached to shells are seen in both the Bangkok and New York laboratories.
Dyed Yellow Beaded Freshwater Cultured Pearls Imitating South Sea Cultured Pearls
A yellow cultured pearl necklace is compared to the work of a producer specializing in freshwater pearls of all colors.
