Pearl help needed desperately.

[clarissa74]

Hi,
i am new to this forum and am asking for a bit of assistance.
i am only new to fine jewelery and i have a question or 2.

i want to make an expensive purchase of pearls. i am talking US$10K mark. (perhaps not expensive to some members here). i want a stunning strand of pearls to last me my lifetime.

i was thinking Mikimoto - but... is Mikimoto "Fresh Water" or "Salt Water"
i want salt water as the black pearls which are salt water are the natural color.

i ideally want a strand of quality 11-13mm black south sea pearls.

SO MY QUESTION IS - IS MIKIMOTO FRESH WATER OR SALT WATER ?

[FlgirlFM]

Hi Clarissa,

Mikimoto is saltwater.

The pearls are gorgeous, but you are paying for the Mikimoto name. 10K at Mikimoto will buy you a nice strand, but not as spectacular as you would think.

I would highly suggest contacting Japster (futurefashionista). 10K with her will DEFINITELY buy you a strand to last generations!!!!!

[Japster]

^Thanks A, for the recommend.

Clarissa, From what I understand you are asking about black pearls? Than you might be thinking of Tahitian Pearls from the Pinctada Margaritifera Oyster. A high luster strand with minimal blemishes ranges from $3-12,000 depending on the size, shape and color. Tahitian pearls have an incredible mirror -like luster, you can actually see your own image reflected in them when their luster is especially fabulous.

If you are speaking about white pearls, I would suggest South Sea pearls from the Pinctada Maxima Oyster. A high luster strand ranges from $3k and up depending on shape, size and color. At Mikimoto you are looking at a minimum of $20k but for the same quality and luster, you will pay less than half of that with most other jewelers.

Either of these pearls will last you many lifetimes. Freshwater is treated post harvest with bleach, polishing and/or dying so many times they will last only a few months to years before they start to become chalky.

I hope this helps you. Good luck in your search.

[loren]

yes, do go over to Japster's site. I bought both my dark tahitian pearls and my so so gorgeous white south sea salt water strands from Japster. She gave me incredible deals on both strands. Like you, I was on a budget ( mine was more limited than yours) and I wanted perfect pearls to last several lifetimes ( I have daughters) so I am very happy.

[clarissa74]

Thank you for the kind advice.... I love this forum.

[diazk08]

Yes, with Mikimoto, you are definitely paying for the name. In addition to Japster's sight, I also recommend you look at Pearl Paradise and The Pearl outlet. They have some beautiful pearls and are very reputable!