Case and a method for protecting a pearl, and an apparatus for encasing a pearl

A protective case for a pearl, the case comprising:

• a wall defining a closed internal volume for containing a pearl when the case is closed,
• a first case part and a second case part, the first and second case parts each forming a substantial wall portion of the wall of the case, the first and second case parts adapted to be releasably closed together to define the closed internal volume, and each of the first and second case parts formed from a transparent material;
• an irreversible locking mechanism adapted to lock the first and second case parts together when closed and prevent the first and second case parts from being opened, such that the locking mechanism must be broken to open the case;
• wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one tooth and at least one lever, when closing the case the lever riding over the tooth without damaging the locking mechanism, and wherein opening the case breaks the at least one tooth and/or the at least one lever;
• and
• wherein the locking mechanism is located inside the case and is visible through the transparent material of at least one of the first and second case parts so that a state of the locking mechanism is discernible from an outside of the case, the state of the locking mechanism being either unbroken or broken.