Precious Luster: On Pearls and Value

​In this wide-ranging and entertaining talk, Paul Callomon explores the concept of value through one of its best-known historical emblems – pearls. Starting with their genesis within the shells of living oysters, we see how this one-time natural rarity and talisman of royal status was transformed into a mass-produced product that nevertheless retains its preciousness.

Paul Callomon is Collections Manager in Malacology and General Invertebrates at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia. Though originally a designer, his lifelong engagement with shells led him further into collecting, research, and publishing about them during a prolonged stay in Japan. His interests today focus on the social history of natural science, both in the West and in Japan, and on the museum as a metropolitan and cosmopolitan forum. He has advanced degrees in Museum Leadership and Science, Technology and Society.

Registration is required; includes choice of wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverage, and light snack.

Purchase Deadline: Wednesday, 4/10/2024 12:00 PM