Instructor: Starla Turner

If you want to know the difference between Akoya, Keshi, Mabé, natural pearls, cultured pearls and fresh water pearls, this class is for you. Through hands-on examination, you will learn to identify, evaluate pearls for size, color, luster and shape, as well as understand their effects on pricing. Tahitian, South Sea, Chinese, Japanese, and American pearl sources will be discussed. The basics of pearl stringing round out the class. Local pearl dealers will have items for sale after class. Information on ivory, amber, jet, shell, and corals will also be included. 6 hours

This elective will not be offered this semester. Please check back next term.