Jim, thanks for explaining your expertise in distinquishing polished abalone shells from abalone pearls.....very interesting and it makes perfect sense. I also think you are right about needing to see actual specimens in order to fully comprehend the difference.
It was an excellent question to be asked and you have answered and explained the answer very nicely. Thanks.
Nov 23, 2008 Rating
Pearl or shell? by: Jim
I first dove for abalone in the 50's at Corona del Mar. And went on to make my living as a commercial abalone diver in Santa Barbara. I have handled abalone and their shells all my life and have found several pearls and seen many more. There is a basic difference between shell and pearl form: a structure which is easy to see when you handle them. A piece or portion of shell that is polished (in nature or by hand) will reveal itself as being part of a shell with its layers exposed at its edges. A pearl stands allone and you can see the way the nacre has been deposited around it's variable shape.
I hope this explains it though you really must examine specimens to see the difference.
Jim
Nov 20, 2008 Rating
shell? or pearl? by: Anonymous
how can you tell if it's a pearl or from a shell?
Oct 19, 2008 Rating
Love your abalone pearl by: Kari
Hi Jim,
I just love your abalone pearl that looks like a whale....it's almost as big as one too. Well, maybe not, but it is a whopper! A designer's dream come true. I'd love to see what a jewelry maker would do with it. The vivid variations of colors makes it a gorgeous find.
Thank you for sharing and we'll love to see and hear what becomes of your whale abalone pearl.
I also think it's very interesting that you found it in the sand and didn't even have to dive for it. Wow...what a great day that was.
