The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently examined one of the largest cultured pearls originating from saltwater.
The semi-baroque pearl was recently submitted to the GIA’s laboratory in New York. The organization has identified many unusually large South Sea cultured gems recently, but this one was exceptionally big, according to an article in the Spring issue of Gems & Gemology, the institute’s quarterly journal.
The bead, which had a silvery color with creamy patches, was part of a lariat necklace. The color indicated it originated from the Pinctada maxima oyster, which typically produces pearls ranging from 9 to 14 millimeters. This specimen measured approximately 31 x 28.07 x 27.24 millimeters. The fluorescence chemical X-ray analysis the GIA carried out detected high strontium content and low levels of manganese, which indicated it was harvested from a saltwater source.
The laboratory also looked at X-ray images that showed the internal structure was partially hollow and filled with a round bead nucleus and multiple metal wires. The wires may have improved durability, while keeping the pearl secure as well as retaining weight.
“Large pearls of either natural or cultured origin with hollow structures have occasionally been detected in laboratories, often filled with foreign materials such as resin, metals, shells and even pearls,” the GIA noted. “This exquisite item was noteworthy for its size and intriguing internal structure,” the GIA noted.
Images: The finished necklace (l); The view of the metal wiring and smaller pearl inside (r). (Gemological Institute of America)
