'Splendour and Science of Pearls'

Pearls, symbols of wealth and status for thousands of years and among the best-loved gems of all time, are the focus of a new book published by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) titled: Splendour and Science of Pearls. Decades of research, compelling photography and historical anecdotes have culminated in the lavishly illustrated, 149-page book that recently debuted in Mumbai at the Institute’s regional headquarters for India and the Middle East, and at GIA’s facility in Dubai.

In the book’s foreword, GIA's president Donna Baker underscores how the Institute’s long involvement with pearl research and education is integral to GIA’s mission to serve the public trust. Splendour and Science of Pearls covers pearl history, natural and cultured pearl sources, pearls in fashion, GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™ (size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality and matching) for evaluating pearl quality, and the future of pearls.

Produced in a limited quantity, the book will first be presented by GIA to stakeholders in the pearl business. Plans are underway to offer the book for sale through the GIA online store and many of the articles and photographs will be available on GIA’s website over the next several months. To learn more about GIA’s research on pearls or its pearl grading services, visit www.gia.edu/pearl.

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