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 Post subject: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 10:25 am 
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Hi everyone,

I've heard that there are "synthetic south sea pearls" in market, made up of pearl debris left during the pearl drilling and jewelry making process. The manufacturers collect these powdery materials, and fuse them up to form "pearls" which look like the genuine pearls.......

I've never see one of such products before....is this real? And if it is, anyone here knows how to identify such products from the genuine south sea pearls at field?

Many thanks.

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WClee


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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 10:49 am 
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I don't think we can use the adjective "synthetic" here.....they would be imitation.
South Sea Pearls are cultured, therefore "drill debris" would be predominately irritant material.


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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 8:22 pm 
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hmmm....I see....okay wrong word :oops: ....not a synthetic, but an imitation.

usually I check whether a pearl is real or not by rubbing it against my teeth gently, besides looking for some natural blemishes or "moles"....

For this imitation, can the tooth test identify it as an imitation?

Thanks!

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WClee


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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 7:17 am 
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Hi,

I've never heard of, neither seen such a "pearl" but I am wondering if they result really of a melting process. How can they have the same luster than natural/cultured pearls as this luster is the result of the layers of nacre the oyster disposed on the nucleus? Or are they melting the stuff and then wrap it in very fine multi-layers around a central part?

Would be interesting to know more about this process.

If it is really just melting, I suppose the teeth-test works as there are no layers and the pearl will be smooth under your teeth.

Best regards,
Christel

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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:24 am 
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I tried to search online about the "fused-powder pearls" I have heard of, and this is the website that touches this imitation:

http://www.phuket.com/magazine/phuket-pearls.htm

at the "How to tell a fake pearl" section, the writer mentioned about this.

The description given fits what I have heard of...

Nevertheless, no picture of such imitations provided.

Regards,
WClee


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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 5:19 pm 
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These are called shell pearls by bead dealers. They are very common - run about $10 - $15 per strand and up. Made in colors to "imitate" south sea pearls - many are sold as multicolor strands.

http://www.youpearl.com/shell-pearl-jewelry/shell-pearl-strands/pearl-jewelry-c-6_43.html

http://www.pjymarket.com/Products/pearls-728.html

http://www.orientalpearls.net/Shell_Pearl/16mm_White,_Rose_Pink,_Gold,_Peacock_Black_and_Silver_Grey_Southsea_Shell_Pearl_Strands.html#

They are heavier than natural pearls. You can see the distinction between the core and the coating (and some of the cheapest ones are just layers of paint sprayed on) at the holes. The higher quality will have a "gem grade" or "AAA" surface - which should be a tip off for the price. They will be perfectly round. They have no depth to the color - no "orient" the way a real pearl does.

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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:42 pm 
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Could you possibly be thinking of so-called Majorica Pearls, the trade-name for imitation pearls made in Majorca that use powdered fish scales to simulate pearl orient/iridescence?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majorica_pearl

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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:38 pm 
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No....it is not the famous imitation Majorca Pearl.

But Majorcas are beautiful imitation though!

Regards,
WClee


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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 11:32 pm 
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http://www.orientalpearls.net/southseashell_pearls.php

This is the description of how these are made - what you have heard about, I am sure.

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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 7:26 am 
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Thank you Empress for this interesting input.

Best regards,
Christel

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 Post subject: Re: Fused-Powder Pearls?
PostPosted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 9:51 am 
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Thanks everyone for the sharing of info!

Regards,
WClee


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