(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK CITY — TARA, a high-end pearl and pearl jewelry brand, is unveiling its most significant acquisition of all time at the upcoming Centurion Jewelry show, Jan. 29–Feb. 2, 2022, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix.
The Royal Natural Melo Melo pearl, weighing 183.22 cts. and 29 mm in size, will be on display at booth F102. Its retail price is $1 million.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) examined the pearl, calling it noteworthy “because it is extremely rare to encounter a natural pearl of such size and round form whilst also exhibiting a defined ‘flame’ pattern on its porcelaneous surface.” Further, GIA found its “coloration resulted directly from the host mollusk and not as a result of any treatments.” Plus, while many Melo pearls examined by GIA are smaller and have surface imperfections and cracks, this one is “relatively free of blemishes and has no signs of any surface alterations.” Finally, the GIA comments on the unprecedented size of the pearl, saying it is “one of the largest tested by GIA and any pearl connoisseur would truly prize.”
Melo Melo natural pearls are from the Melo gastropod genus of sea snails found in the waters surrounding Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, the Philippines, and even north to northeastern Australia. Sonny Sethi, CEO of TARA, sourced this incredible natural beauty several years ago and is now ready to debut it to the jewelry world. “Finding this pearl was like winning the mega millions. This is the most expensive, single pearl we ever acquired in our career.”
To make an appointment to see the pearl in person, email Renee@tarapearls.com or sonny@tarapearls.com.
Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless
When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time.
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Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."