2 Comments

  1. I visited a Hilo Hattie a few years back and voluntarily engaged the pick-a-pearl game, fully knowing that it was a gimmick. I love the psychology behind marketing gimmicks, though, so I pay to play with no regrets. 15 bucks to watch the show is pretty cheap considering what I paid to fly in. I wasn’t going to miss this.

    So, the unsettlingly attractive jewelry counter attendant picked up an oyster and cracked it open, revealing a little pearl. She commented on how nice it was and proceeded to clean it with a palm full of salt.

    Then, she offered to mount it in any number of charming pendants. I said “no way” I have never had a “real” pearl and I handed over my 15 bucks and asked for my unmodified pearl. That was kind of an uphill battle, but finally, she surrendered my little treasure.

    I then took a little time to examine the pearl and I came to the conclusion that there is no way on Earth this could be a real pearl because it is unnaturally perfect in its spherical shape. I put it in a metal bowl and swished it around and it barely makes a whisper of a sound. I did the tooth thing, and it feels like there is a layer of baking soda between the pearl and my tooth, so the roughness is there, but I think that could be simulated. I’m not sure. The iridescence is phenomenal, and it really is a beautiful item.

    I do believe I have a fake pearl. It is not responsible for me to accuse Hilo Hattie of a sleight-of-hand trick, but there is no way that a cultured pearl of this quality is going to sell for 15 bucks. Cultured pearls are a pain in the rear to make. I think the pearl makes a great conversation piece, though. Perhaps I will take it to a jeweler, someday. I don’t really want to put more money onto a fancy piece of glass.

    I did have fun with it, however.

  2. Thanks for your comment. It’s interesting that what you’ve told.
    Sincerely yours,
    Author

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