Pearls
Their History, Sources, Types and Qualities
Pearls
is a Complete Course
on Pearls
That includes Detailed chapters on:
Author: Renée Newman
Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd.
ISBN-13: 978-0-2281-0574-9
US$49.95, Hardback, Laminated cover, 240 pages, hundreds of photos, maps, diagrams, tables, glossary and index, 9" x 11"
Publication date: September 15, 2025
Available at: Barnes & Noble, Amazon & your local bookstore.
If it's not on their shelf they will be able to order it for you.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Why are Pearls so Prized?
Persian Gulf Region
India and Sri Lanka
Basic Pearl Terminology
Venezuela and Panama
Mexico
China
Europe
Australia
Japan
United States
Chapter 2: Natural Versus Cultured Pearls
How are Natural Blisters and Pearls Formed?
The History of Culturing Blisters and Pearls
How are Whole Pearls Cultured?
How Pearl Farming Helps the Environment and Communities
Tests a Lay Person Can Do to Identify Cultured Pearls
Gem Lab Tests Used to Identify Cultured and Natural Pearls
Main Sources of Natural Oyster Pearls
Chapter 3: Pearl Value Factors
Luster
Surface Quality
Shape
Nacre Thickness
Color
Size
Matching
Chapter 4: Akoya Cultured Pearls
Sources of Akoya Cultured Pearls
Japan
Other Sources
Keshi Pearls
Price Factors
Chapter 5: South Sea Pearls
Sources of South Sea Pearls
Indonesia
Myanmar
Australia
Philippines
South Sea Cultured Keshi
Price factors
Chapter 6: Black Pearls
Sources of Black Pearls
French Polynesia
Fiji
Cook Islands
Mexico
Price factors
Chapter 7: Freshwater Pearls
Sources of Freshwater Pearls
Europe
United States
Japan
China
Changes in Chinese Freshwater Cultured Pearls from 1978 until the Early 2000s
Types of Chinese Freshwater Cultured Pearls
Price factors
Chapter 8: Pearls Produced by Sea Snails
Abalone Pearls
Nacreous Versus Non-Nacreous Pearls
Conch Pearls
Melo Pearls
Helmet Pearls
Chapter 9: Pearls from Scallops, Clams, Saltwater Mussels and Nautiluses
Scallop Pearls
Clam Pearls
Saltwater Mussel Pearls
Nautilus Pearls
Chapter 10: Imitation Pearls
Types of Imitation Pearls
Observation Tests that Require no Special Equipment
Drill Holes of Cultured and Imitation Pearls
Chapter 11: Processing and Treatments
Pearl Treatments
Simple Tests for Detecting Treatments
Specialized Tests for Detecting Treaments
Chapter 12: Creating Unique Pearl Jewelry with Colored Gems
Period Jewelry (European and American)
Georgian
Victorian
Art Nouveau
Belle Epoque
Edwardian
Art Deco
Retro
Mid-Century
Modern
Chapter 13: Style & Care Tips for Pearl Jewelry
Versatile Ways to Wear a Strand of Pearls
Versatile Ways to Wear Pearl Studs
Caring for Your Pearl Jewelry
Appendix
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
Newman Gem & Jewelry Series Book Links
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Diamond Ring Buying Guide, Details & Reviews
Diamond Handbook, Details & Reviews
Gemstone Buying Guide, Details & Reviews
Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide, Details & Reviews
Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Silver & Other Jewelry Metals
Pearl Buying Guide, Details & Reviews
Jewelry Handbook, Details & Reviews
Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald Buying Guide, Details & Reviews
Osteoporosis Prevention, Details & Reviews
Exotic Gems, Volume 1, Details & Reviews
Exotic Gems, Volume 2, Details & Reviews
Exotic Gems, Volume 3, Detail & Reviews