Pearls expectations and prices on the rise! Pearls were plentiful in Tucson this year, but...

"Buying appeared vigorous and dealers felt it was a much stronger show than last year," says pearl expert Lois H. Berger reporting on pearl sales during the Tucson Gem Shows for The Guide's Gem Market News.

"In the Chinese freshwater cultured pearl [CFWCP] arena, there was a standout hot item called 'Petal Pearls," says Berger, G.G., NAJA, professional appraiser with Fuller and Associates, McLean, Va. She notes that their shape somewhat resembles a dogwood flower petal.

Larger sizes in fine quality, 10 X 12 mm, beige multicolor, very high luster, light blem