Melo Pearls from South Vietnam
Melo Pearls from Southern Vietnam, Summer 2005
Pala International has procured some high quality melo pearls from southern Vietnam. The following photographs were taken there by Pala International’s supplier.
A large-sized oval melo pearl, weighing 55 carats. It displays the characteristic flame-like coloring known as chatoyancy, produced by a particular alignment of its constituent aragonite crystals. |
Escargot étrange: The marine snail, or Bailer Shell, produces the melo pearl in response to irritation, but without nacre. The animal is used for food and the shells are sold for a variety of uses. Boiling ruins the pearls, but since their prices are well known to most fishermen, the animal is searched carefully. |
This slightly oval-shaped melo pearl, of exquisite luster, measures about 8.25 x 6.5 mm. |
This lot of seven melo pearls was sold to Pala International. The star of the group, enlarged below, has superb color and luster. Its weight: 72.5 carats. |
For more information regarding melo pearls on Palagems.com, see: