Pearl Conch

Pearl Conch (Conch – eng., Konku – Japanese) is extracted from the gastropod Strombus gigas. Wide popularity this kind of natural rekultivirovana pearls acquired from the beginning of the 19th century.

Pearl Conk found in rare cases in the so-called Royal Queen sinks SOPs.

Shellfish Strombus gigas is found up to 35 cm in length and can weigh about 5 kg At the age of 3 years in the shell of Conch (conch) ends with the formation of a smooth flared "lip", potentially capable of producing pearls, but by 7 years the clam reaches its maturity. The shell consists of layers of calcite and increases its thickness to the end of life of the mollusk. The intensity of the colour of the shell is also enhanced over time. The maximum life expectancy of about 25 years.

The mollusk Strombus gigas can be found at a depth of about 30 m of the tropical Western Atlantic, Bermuda, the Bahamas and other places in the Caribbean. The first shell came to Europe with Columbus.

Today, the chances of finding the clam pearl negligible - 1 gem per 10 000 shells.
However, only 10% of the found gems can be gem-quality and high-end jewelry as we have only 1 of the 50,000 gems.

A large part of the Conch pearls will be less than 3 mm in diameter and rarely a round shape. High jewelry value are only pearls more than 3 mm in diameter.

Unlike saltwater pearls, South seas (Australia, Philippines, Myanmar, French Polynesia) and Japanese Akai, which is measured in mm, the pearl of the Conch measured in carats. Their average weight is from 2 to 6 carats, with the cost depending on the quality varies from 6,000 to 10,000 dollars per carat. Pearls over 8 carats are considered unique, meet incredibly rare, and their value can easily exceed 15.000 - 18.000 dollars per carat. Rare specimens of Museum quality can reach 20 mm in diameter and weighing approximately 40 carats.

Main colors are pink, yellow, brown and white. Of course, the most valuable and rare is a pink color with different degree of saturation.

Conch pearl is not nacre. Collectors and experts appreciate this treasure for inexplicable pattern on the surface of a pearl - fire of the game flames, as well as for the delicate pink shades of color.

The degree of manifestation of the figure of "fiery" structure on the surface directly affects the generation cost, therefore, among the professionals of the pearl market there are special terms - "slightly flamed" and "strongly flamed".

The most expensive models will have an obvious, pronounced "fire" structure and have a delicate pink color.

The unique surface structure of pearl Conk (conch) makes it unattainable for simulations. To describe the texture of these rare gems are often used epithets - silky and velvety. The cost, of course, affects the form of pearls, or rather their desire for symmetry. To make a pair for earrings or to pick up a few matching pearls for a jewelry set is almost impossible.

The collectors have the chance to get closer to the maximum allowable by nature the level of similarity of size, shade, shape and intensity of the "fire" of the structure. Therefore, the preparation of these sophisticated jewelry like necklaces sometimes take years.