Suggested Outline for Pearl Article
You may contact G&G electronically by sending email to Editor Brendan Laurs or by telephone at 760-603-4503.
We have found that the following outline works well for most general locality articles, with more emphasis often placed on some sections than others, depending on the author's specific interests or expertise. Depending on the material, authors may choose not to address all the points below, or they may wish to provide additional subject matter.
ABSTRACT: concise statement of what was studied, methods used, and the identifying characteristics
INTRODUCTION: significance of the locality, range of colors, sizes and qualities, approximately how much material has been sold thus far, through whom it has been marketed, and where most is harvested—the lead photograph should show a range of samples, mounted and/or unmounted
HISTORY: generalized chronological account of pearl harvesting, including ownership of the farms
LOCATION AND ACCESS: place within the context of cities or settlements in the vicinity, and describe routes traveled (including distance, means of travel, and time necessary to reach the area, as well as any access limitations during specific months)
CULTURING: describe such things as nuclei implantation, cultured pearl growth and environment, feeding, etc.
HARVESTING AND PRODUCTION: harvesting techniques; processing; approximate annual and total production
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION: size and color range of pearls, range of qualities; grading system (if applicable); how they are marketed and where they are distributed
MATERIALS AND METHODS: source of samples, number of samples and their description (e.g., loose or mounted, sizes, range of colors—a photo of all or a representative group of samples is appropriate), how representative they are of the total production from the area (or of a specific type of product), what tests/analyses were performed on which samples and using what equipment—be specific
GEMOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS: describe the following: color, luster, surface characteristics, refractive indices and birefringence, specific gravity, UV fluorescence, assemblage characteristics (if applicable), nacre and conchiolin characteristics, testing for coatings and dyes, durability, photomicrographs should be supplied with magnification and lighting conditions specified
TREATMENTS: coating, dying, irradiation, structural reinforcements (e.g., mabes), etc., and their effect on color and luster; if possible, details of the treatment process should be supplied, along with before-and-after-treatment photos if possible
DISCUSSION: what can be inferred from the tested properties about the distinctive characteristics of pearls from this locality; also, a comparison to similar pearls from other localities; how to identify treatment(s) in this material
CONCLUSION: summary of the main points, including the identifying characteristics, and future potential of the locality
REFERENCES: formatted as per G&G style
Notes:
Please also include brief sections covering "About the Author" and "Acknowledgments."
Figure captions need to be complete sentences.
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