South Sea Pearls

Five Virtues of South Sea Pearls

Opal

There are five virtues of fine Pearls that define their value; Lustre, Size, Shape, Complexion and Colour. Lustre Lustre is the paramount characteristic of pearl quality that is instantly noticeable. It is not only how light reflects from Pearl’s surface, but also how it seems to glow from within.  Like all virtues, the lustre of…

Opal and the Dinosaurs

Opal and the Dinosaurs

Opal

By strange coincidence and only on rare occasions, fossil bones from the Early Cretaceous period (115-100 million years) have been found which have been replaced opal. In exceptional circumstances the opal can exhibit a brilliant play of colour.  Opalised remains from the “Age of the dinosaurs” have been important for understanding past environments and the…