Pala International has procured some high quality melo pearls from southern Vietnam. The following photographs were taken there by Pala International’s supplier.

A large-sized oval melo pearl, weighing 55 carats. It displays the characteristic flame-like coloring known as chatoyancy, produced by a particular alignment of its constituent aragonite crystals.

Escargot étrange: The marine snail, or Bailer Shell, produces the melo pearl in response to irritation, but without nacre. The animal is used for food and the shells are sold for a variety of uses. Boiling ruins the pearls, but since their prices are well known to most fishermen, the animal is searched carefully.

This slightly oval-shaped melo pearl, of exquisite luster, measures about 8.25 x 6.5 mm.

This lot of seven melo pearls was sold to Pala International. The star of the group, enlarged below, has superb color and luster. Its weight: 72.5 carats.

For more information regarding melo pearls on Palagems.com, see:

• Bill Larson in Burma & Vietnam
• Melo Pearls in Myanmar