Recently, a vein-like structure similar to that of a leaf was observed on the surface of a baroque-shaped non-nacreous natural pearl. The white and yellowish brown pearl weighed 12.54 ct and measured 13.40 × 13.12 × 12.22 mm (see above, left). Visually, it displayed a striking contrast between its white frosty surface and its underlying yellowish brown bodycolor. Higher magnification unveiled captivating formations resembling leaves with intricate vein structures (see above, right). While non-nacreous pearls exhibit various surface patterns, the distinctive leaf-like pattern observed on this specimen identifies it as a particularly intriguing non-nacreous natural pearl.
Jayesh Surve is a senior gemologist at GIA in Mumbai. Abeer Al-Alawi is a consultant to GIA.
Recently, a vein-like structure similar to that of a leaf was observed on the surface of a baroque-shaped non-nacreous natural pearl. The white and yellowish brown pearl weighed 12.54 ct and measured 13.40 × 13.12 × 12.22 mm (see above, left). Visually, it displayed a striking contrast between its white frosty surface and its underlying yellowish brown bodycolor. Higher magnification unveiled captivating formations resembling leaves with intricate vein structures (see above, right). While non-nacreous pearls exhibit various surface patterns, the distinctive leaf-like pattern observed on this specimen identifies it as a particularly intriguing non-nacreous natural pearl.
Jayesh Surve is a senior gemologist at GIA in Mumbai. Abeer Al-Alawi is a consultant to GIA.
