Global Gemology & Appraisals is an NAJA Accredited Gemological Laboratory, owned and operated by one of the gem and jewelry industry's most highly-credentialed experts. Scott Papper is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), Certified Master Appraiser (NAJA), Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), Registered Gemologist Appraiser (ISG), and Accredited Senior Gemologist (AGA), to name only a handful. Scott is a fourth generation gem and jewelry professional with experience as an independent appraiser, gemologist, jewelry buyer, pawnbroker, and expert witness. In addition to having performed appraisal services for both private clients and those within the trade, he has also been engaged as a subcontractor to assist with the valuation of jewelry and watches that have been confiscated by US government agencies, including the US Secret Service (USSS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the US Coast Guard (USCG).
ABOUT THE ITEM
TRIDACNA PEARLS
Tridacna pearls are very rare, organic gems produced by the largest living bivalve mollusk from the Cardiidae family, known as the Tridacna gigas or Giant Clam. Tridacna clams can be found in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific, inhabiting coral reefs. They can live for up to 100 years, can grow as large as 4 feet across, and weigh up to 440 pounds! Natural Tridacna pearls are known for their porcelaneous appearance, sometimes displaying beautiful flame patterning.
PRECIOUS CORAL
Coral is a living marine organism that forms in branch-like structures in tropical and sub-tropical ocean waters. When coral polyps die, a dull, hardened skeleton remains that can be polished to a beautiful waxy luster. Most coral is white to cream in color but coral does occur naturally in several other colors such as red, pink, peach, black, orange, golden, blue, lavender, and angelskin. The most valuable coral, known as precious coral, falls within the red to pink color range.
This magnificent, 1-of-a-kind, multi-strand opera length necklace features 293 graduated precious coral beads (taken from a 1940s vintage necklace) fastened by a custom 18K white gold starfish clasp set with 3 carats of extremely fine quality pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds. At the center of the starfish is an extremely rare natural tridacna pearl. The pearl weighs 17.71 carats and displays eye-visible flame patterning!
Accompanied by GIA Pearl Identification Report #2203324714.
