◂ BACK TO GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
Pearl
Perfect shining spheres. Lustrous baroque forms. Seductive strands, warm to the touch. Pearls are simply and purely organic.
See Gem As
Tools
Research
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.
Freshwater Pearls of North America
The American freshwater pearl industry and its new entry, the freshwater cultured pearl.
Very Small Akoya Cultured Pearls
A selection of very small akoya cultured specimens demonstrates the challenges gemologists face when determining pearl origin.
Internal Structures of Known Pinctada maxima Pearls: Natural Pearls from Wild Marine Mollusks
Presents the internal characteristics of natural P. maxima pearls, obtained from real-time microradiography (RTX) and X-ray computed microtomography (µ-CT) analysis of 774 samples.
X-ray Computed Microtomography Applied to Pearls: Methodology, Advantages, and Limitations
X-ray computed microtomography reveals the internal features of pearls with great detail.
Two Pearls of Indian Cultural Significance
Exceptionally Rare Pearls from ECIJA
Sixth Annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award Winner
A graduate of GIA’s Jewelry Design program in London is the recipient of the 2022 Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award.
Sweet Home Mine Rhodochrosite from 1888
A rhodochrosite on display at AGTA dates back more than a century to Colorado’s Alma Mining District.
Brenda Smith Jewelry Designs
