Melo melo pearls are amongst the rarest gems in the world.
They're created by the Indian Volute (also known as the zebra snail or Melo Melo): an extremely large marine gastropod from the Volutidae family, found in Southeastern Asian waters. These large melo snails inhabit shallow waters off the coasts of Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. Natural melo melo pearls are produced when an irritant, such as a parasite, enters the mollusk. As a defense mechanism, the snail will coat the irritant with a calcium carbonate over time producing a porcelaneous, non-nacreous pearl.
This magnificent, 1-of-a-kind ring features a 19.24 ct. natural melo melo pearl framed by a double halo of gem quality diamonds in a brushed platinum setting. Talon prongs are used to secure the melo melo pearl while the diamonds are meticulously pavé set. Setting is stamped "MICHAEL B. © 96 90% PLAT".
Accompanied by GIA Pearl Report #5201324701.
| ITEM DETAILS | |
| Metal: | Platinum (Brushed Finish) |
| Gender: | Lady's |
| Ring Size: | 5.5 |
| Hallmarks: | "MICHAEL B. © 96 90% PLAT" |
| Gross Weight: | 22.5 grams (14.5 dwts) |
| Age: | Vintage (Late 20th Century) |
| Condition: | Excellent |
| PEARL DETAILS | |
| Quantity: | 1 |
| Type: | Melo Melo |
| Mollusk: | Melo Species |
| Nature: | Natural |
| Environment: | Saltwater |
| Size: | 13.46 x 13.18mm |
| Shape: | Button |
| Color: | Orange, Natural |
| Luster: | Porcelaneous |
| Treatments: | None |
| Carat Weight: | 19.24 ct. |
| GIA Report Number: | 5201324701 |
| DIAMOND DETAILS | |
| Quantity: | 64 |
| Shape/Cutting Style: | Round Brilliant Cut |
| Color: | G-H |
| Clarity: | VS1-VS2 |
| Measurements: | 1.50mm Diameter |
| Total Carat Weight: | 1.00 ct. |