Green eyed beauty - Can anyone identify this?

by Shelly
(North Las Vegas, NV)

Can anyone identify this?

Can anyone identify this?

Recently I was searching for a watch back in my old jewelry that I had in storage and came across a red velvet box. Instantly recognizing it as a gift from my Grandmother many years ago, I took it out and continued my search. While I didn't find what I needed I did keep the red box out and plan to start wearing it. I know I will be asked what it is but I am clueless. It looks like a blister pearl but the coloration is like nothing I have been able to find on line. Does anyone recognize it?

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Dec 02, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		info about your pearl
by: Anonymous

The operculum of certain species of Turbinidae is sometimes used as a very inexpensive organic "gemstone" in rings, bracelets, amulets etc. These opercula are commonly known as "cats eye" (or more recently "Shiva's eye").

The turban snail Turbo petholatus is the species whose operculum is most widely used, although the operculum of other species of Turbo are sometimes used. The operculum is almost always given a solid setting, because it has one unattractive flat and corneous side where it was attached to the animal, and one roughly hemispherical glossy side, which, in the case of T. petholatus has a dark green area.

Opercula are often used in Northwest Coast art of North America, as detailing in masks, panels and paddles. These objects are used to represent the teeth in masks, and are used as a decorative element in many of the objects which play an important part in the art and culture of Northwest Coast peoples, including dishes for food, bentwood boxes, and rattles.

Friedrich Ratzel in The History of Mankind[4] reported in 1896 that, in Oceania, chains and girdles composed of the coloured opercula of certain shells were considered valuable ornaments.
Jun 29, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Your green eyed beauty.
by: Anonymous

Hello, what you have there looks like a crap eye operculum from a sea snail. The operculum is the lid like trap door the snail retreats behind when going into it's shell. Some a gem quality and beautiful. Hope that helps.
May 25, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Not sure
by: Kari

Hi Shelly, I'm not sure either. Always hard to tell anyway with only a photo. It does look like it has pearl properties and similarities to it, although, like you said, not commonly seen. I suggest that since you live in Las Vegas, that you take it around to various jewelers in the area. Someone should be able to help you identify it. There is a large gem show there soon, so maybe get brave and ask some of the guests in town. Many of them are gem experts and someone will be able to tell you about it. That sounds like a lot of work, but it would be a fun thing to investigate. It's a beautiful piece. I love the green. You named it well. Let us know what you find out. Thanks for sharing.

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