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   Margarita Pearls – An Update from Key West
 
December 20, 2007 -- Ron Pierson
The pearls are currently in the lab at Mel Fisher’s Treasures undergoing conservation, including the 30 pearls sent to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for analysis. The GIA provided a 108-page report explaining their test results and we will continue to review the report and learn even more about these incredible artifacts including their history, current condition, and care.

The first stage of the conservation process is desalination. The pearls are placed in a 90% salt-water solution, which is gradually reduced in 10% increments over time until they are resting in distilled water at the conclusion of the process. The pearls are tested regularly to detect chlorides in the water and the testing continues until there are no longer any chlorides being detected. At that point, we will know the salt content is completely removed from the pearls.

View previous Pearl News
 Archive, June 18, 2007
 Archive, July 13, 2007
See the official press release, additional photos, and video replay of the box opening here.
 
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