3. Theological alignment of a given pearl group (i.e. presiding deity)
The Goddess Sri Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu, is the archetype directly connected to the Conch Pearl. It is said that in every certain amount of generations, that both Vishnu and Lakshmi (or Laxmi) incarnate as a Conch. Lakshmi is the primary image of the wealth of God and is inseparably connected to the Lord Vishnu.
4. Cosmological Inherents (i.e. gem of Heaven, Underworld)
Terrestrial gem, but this concept will be delineated further at a later time.
5. Religious or cultural significance of given pearl variety.
One who keeps a conch pearl will never be completely out of money. This is an extremely important pearl to possess for anyone aspiring to overcome random forces of economics with regard to establishment of their own financial health. The pearl is considered to attract financial resources on its own accord, and act in opposition to contrary or otherwise uncontrollable forces at work in one's life. It is also a first-priority for any aspiring gem collector, as it is considered to harness a wide range of natural forces to the benefit of the owner.
6. Cross-references noted within Varahamihira.
Brhat Samhita, Chapter 61-
"The pearl born of conch shell is round, lustrous, beautiful and moonlike."
"The pearls from conch shells... ought not to be perforated and as they possess inestimable virtues or excellences, no price has been fixed for them by the authorities."
7. Ritual handling of the artifact.
Requires no Puja or bathing, but acts on its own in alignment with Sri Lakshmi. No installation ritual is required.
8. Stipulations regarding ownership.
Conch Pearls should be closely guarded by the owner and not revealed to others. Ownership of these pearls is largely a very private matter.
9. Historical references.
Not abundant, but will be added over time.
10. State of scientific analysis.
Fully realized, no apparent new knowledge coming to the forefront.
11. Geographical origin.
Gulf Coast, and Caribbean are primary territories.
12. Scientific considerations for full overview.
Only as considered, not presently salient.
13. Archaeologist review.
Not apparently applicable.
14. Hindu intelligence.
Essential for business professionals as a fall back position against other artifacts primarily designed to aggregate power rather than financial resources.
15. Gemological opinion.
Few experts exist, although multi-generation Conch Pearl experts at Emeralds International in the Florida Keys are considered experts of record, and populate our gallery section of Sri Shankh Mani.
16. Artist overview.
Not collated herein.
17. Anecdotal reports.
Only as related.
18. Personal observances.
Two team members have reported that the conch pearls seem to spin when held.
19. Social response of observers.
As a more private piece, there should be no observers.
20. Cross-cultural references.
Not presently ascertained. Popular in the Caribbean as non-sacred jewelry.
21. Miscellaneous subtleties.
None observed presently.
22. Relative Scarcity of pearl.
Very rare, as costly as most precious stones for commensurate size.
23. Known Placements.
Not available nor apparently applicable.
24. Relative Valuation Criteria.
High end of carat weight to cost. Large variance in pricing, somewhat subjective criterion in market without Vedic valuation influence.
25. Indicated ownership benefits.
Wealth-oriented. The Conch Pearl is a Sri Lakshmi-oriented item that insures the flow of finances and prevention of financial distress.
26. Conjecture on what gives each pearl a Sacred property.
The aspect of keeping the Conch Pearl hidden tends to influence a tighter attitude towards information security in financial matters. This may not be a highly spiritual analysis, but like much of ritual practice in Hinduism, quite practical and psychologically influential in any case along the lines purported.
Our advisers in Sanatana Dharma recommended acquiring these pearls before acquiring any of the others, and we have been pleased with the resulting changes in a personal sense of value and proportion; one of which would we would be bereft without the recommended ownership of a Conch Pearl.
27. Action plan for further research.
None contemplated.
No further examination considered salient for biologist / zoologist or others.