You may be familiar with the iconic and ubiquitous conch shell (pronounced, “kahnk”). The shell itself is a very beautiful pink, and the gastropod inside is used to make delicious dishes like conch salad. What you may not know is that conch can produce a pearl like other mollusks. Found in significant numbers in the Caribbean, these populous conches rarely make a pearl. Their shells are extremely thick and curved, and it’s difficult for an irritant to pass through the shell and start the process that ultimately creates a pearl.
These rare pearls are not to be confused with so-called shell “pearls,” which are carved out pieces of the shell itself. Shell pearls are not rare at all.
One in about 15,000 conches produce a pearl, and of those pearls, only one in ten will be gem quality–a rare pearl indeed. A pink, round or near round specimen is the most valuable. Because conch pearls are non-nacreous, some would argue that they are not pearls at all–but we can all agree that they are rare, natural and beautiful gems. Nacre is a coating made by mollusks, and we love it for the luster it creates!
Determined to work with this rare gem, New Gild asked locals around Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas, but the pearls are so rare no one had any on hand. Ultimately, a supply partner in Hawaii helped find the perfect specimen…a small, pink, fully round pearl of exceptional gleam.
New Gild’s design team immediately began noodling on what a special specimen like this would look best in–something gorgeous in its own right, but nothing that would overshadow the pearl. Sleeping Beauty turquoise came to mind, with its pure, consistent blue and lack of black matrix. Tiny, sparkly pink spinels were chosen to tie the elements together. Based on an original design drawing, CAD work began, and details were fussed over.
When the design process was completed, a 3D printer was used to print a wax model of the ring. This wax was used to examine the design in hand, as well as to ensure that the stones fit perfectly. Then, using lost wax casting, the wax was converted to a gorgeous 18K yellow gold ring! Kelsey set the stones under his microscope, with exacting precision.
The finished ring is a gorgeous combination of natural materials, design, and craftsmanship! We’d like to hope that the pearl’s rarity is celebrated and shown off–come in and see it for yourself. If it’s not your cup of tea? Let us help you find your own special piece in our gallery–or we’ll make one for you!
