QuestionHi. I have a ring which appears to be a large tahitian pearl set in sterling silver. My grandpa bought it for my grandma in Japan in the 1950s. Anyway, i dropped it the other day as i was trying to put it on and it had like a spiderweb looking crack where it smacked the floor. today when i went ot put it on, it appeared as though some of the outside of it where it is cracked came off. Is there anything to be done to repair this without replacing the pearl? maybe some kind of tahitian pearl-colored paste or something?
AnswerJanie, what came off the pearl was the nacre layer. Nacre is the stuff oysters use to make a pearl. In cultured pearls there is a core which was inserted into the oyster and the oyster added the nacre to make it into a pearl.
Unfortunately, due to the particular and characteristic luster of nacre, I know of no way to reproduce that look.
Most any thing short of "pearlescent" nail polish of the right color would look simply painted on and repairs would be very obvious. Even the nail polish would have to be the right shade or feathered into the unbroken areas and the repair would still be quite visible.
I believe, unfortunately, replacement of the pearl is the best option. This might not be an inexpensive option, considering the value of these pearls on today's market.
I wish I could provide better news but must tell it honestly.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. September 6,2007 7:23pm
