www.virgomoon.com |
Old Biwa Pearls Necklace |
The Old Biwa Pearls Necklace includes:
|
|||||
Item
#423
SOLD
|
Japan's ancient Lake Biwa produced so many pearls that the name became virtually synonymous with freshwater pearls. The pearl producing Biwa Pearl Mussel, Hyriopsis schlegelii is now nearly extinct. It has an interesting life cycle which includes a specialized larval stage called a glochidium which must attach to the fin or gills of a fish before metamorphosing into a juvenile clam. Unfortunately today the lake is polluted and suffers from the introduction of non-native game fish. The pearl industry has been virtually wiped out. I was fortunate to find a single strand of vintage Lake Biwa pearls from the glory years of the pearl industry there. These pearls are untreated natural colors. Their luster is superb. |
Home | Add me to mailing list! | Contact Us | About Virgo Moon | Privacy Policy | Site Map |
All designs © Mary Hicklin
2001-2015