Surprise Abalone Pearl...

by Kent Matsuda
(Sacramento, Calif. USA)

Large Oval Abalone Pearl

Large Oval Abalone Pearl

I've been diving for Abalone for close to 30 years. I never really paid attention to the Abalone pearls until the other day. I was cleaning my catch and I happened to feel this lump. To my surprise it was the largest Abalone pearl I've ever seen. I caught the abalone off the point of California's MacKerricher State Park. Anyone know where I can get this appraised?

Comments for Surprise Abalone Pearl...

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Jan 19, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		134 carat Abalone pearl
by: Bonni Cutler

Hello,
My dad just gave me a 134 carat abalone pearl he found in the 70s and I’m looking to get it appraised. I’m in San Diego. Does anyone have a recommendation
Dec 08, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Contact me
by: Kari

Hello,

Send me a message here and I'll give you the name of a friend who appraises abalone pearls.

Thanks for asking.
Kari
Oct 22, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Abalone Pearl
by: Glen

Iv got a large abalone pearl and want to get it appraised. Where in California can i get it appraised
Apr 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks for details
by: Kari

Thanks, Kent, for the details. Glad you're excited. I would say it is very exciting to find such a nice pearl and unexpectedly too.
Apr 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Abalone Pearl stats
by: Kent

Here are the statistics of the Abalone Pearl I found. The pearl is being identified as an Oval Button Shape:

Dementions: 22.32 x 15.78 x 10.09 mm

Weight: 18.20 cts.

I'll have the certified appraisal back to me in one to two weeks... I'm really excited, but even more amazed as to suggested care, marketing, and even what it takes to evaluate what you may have in your possion.
Apr 21, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Good
by: Kari

Oh, good, Kent, I'm glad you have found a local appraiser. Local is usually a plus. It is my understanding that with the verbal auction appraisals they are done on the spot in your presence, so no need to worry there about something going out of your sight. I think you will find that appraisals can vary greatly from one another. I'd be very interested in your findings. Thanks for letting me know.
Apr 21, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you for information.
by: Kent

By recommendations from another appraiser, and trusted local jewelry store, I found a local gemologist who has done appraisals of Abalone pearls. I feel more comfortable dealing with someone local and being able to observe the appraisal process, without losing possession of the pearl. I'll get back to you with the appraisal information once I get the report back.
Apr 21, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Beautiful pearl!
by: Kari

Hello Kent,

That is a lovely pearl and that's a quarter it's next to, not a dime, so it's a large abalone pearl too.

What is the carat weight?

I'm assuming you're in California. One place to get pearls appraised is through auction houses. They do that for free as a service for people which in turn helps their auction since often folks will list their items with them for sale.

One in Los Angeles is Bonhams & Butterfields located on Sunset Blvd. They also do appraisals in San Francisco.

Here's what the Bonhams & Butterfields website says.

Although our specialists are able to estimate the value of your property from photographs and descriptions, a more accurate appraisal requires seeing the object(s) first hand. Bonhams and Bonhams & Butterfields appraisal days, as listed below, offer the opportunity to get your item(s) valued in person by one of our specialists.

Once your property has been inspected, we can provide you with an estimate of what the item(s) are likely to realise at auction and advise you of the most appropriate sale. Verbal auction valuations are provided free of charge.

You can find a listing of appraisal days on the link I've provided above.

You might want to keep in mind these appraisals are often wholesale prices...what they think they can sell your pearl for at their auction. It may be worth more on a retail market.

Thank you so much, Kent, for sharing a photo of your amazing pearl!

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