Cultured Conch Pearls

[Lady_Disdain]

It seems that scientists have developed a technique for culturing conch pearls, the rarest pearls today.

http://www.beadinggem.com/2010/04/conch-pearl-may-no-longer-be-rare.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+beadinggem+%28THE+BEADING+GEM%27S+JOURNAL%29

While a part of me is glad that perhaps these beautiful pearls may become more accessible, another is sad that they may lose their rarety and mystique. What do you think?

 

[elle_chris]

Thanks for the article.

I''ve never seen one in person, but from the pics I have seen, would love to own a true pink one day.

 

[Circe]

I find it v. exciting! Access to these beautiful gems will be a boon. Thanks so much for the link!

As for their losing mystique ... I don''t think natural rubies are any less valued because synthetics exist, do you? It will just give rise to a new industry for verification. Somewhat parasitic, yes, but not something that affect the original value ....

 

[Kaori Oku]

I think it is so exciting! The pearls are so beautiful but now they are so expensive and only a few store like Mikimoto carry them. I would love to afford a piece one day.

 

[cushioncutnut]

I liked reading that article. Learn something new everday. I wonder when these "cultered conches" will hit the market and how much they will be.... Until then, I guess I will just aquire what I can afford.

 

[Kaori Oku]

I read about this on the pearl professor blog and the pearl guide forum. This one is not ready to be the commercial yet. It''s going to be years still I think. Right now it is still like a science experiment.