CONCH PEARL:The rarest and most valuable of all natural pearls, conch pearls come from many different subspecies of conch. Conch pearls used in jewelry mostly come from the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) which are found throughout the Caribbean and Central American oceans. The finest quality conch pearls have a glowing pink color and a brilliant flame pattern below the surface.
THE COLOR & FLAME STRUCTURE: The principal determinant of value for a conch pearl is its color as well as shape, size and flame vibrancy. Although many tend to be orange, yellow, beige or ivory, enough are pink for these pearls to have been known as "pink pearls" in the trade circa 1900. The most prized colors by collectors are anywhere from deep rose red, salmon orange to deep pink. It is believed by researchers that the conch pearl's color is based on its location within the mantle of the host animal and the age and color of the host's shell.
THE COLOR & FLAME STRUCTURE: The principal determinant of value for a conch pearl is its color as well as shape, size and flame vibrancy. Although many tend to be orange, yellow, beige or ivory, enough are pink for these pearls to have been known as "pink pearls" in the trade circa 1900. The most prized colors by collectors are anywhere from deep rose red, salmon orange to deep pink. It is believed by researchers that the conch pearl's color is based on its location within the mantle of the host animal and the age and color of the host's shell.