Show me your pearl stud earrings!

[callire]

Originally Posted by jan228

I don't want to replace them every year, I want them to last forever.

They won't. That's why I didn't see the point in investing in a superfluous brand name when I can get the exact same quality for much, much less.

[jan228]

Originally Posted by callire

They won't. That's why I didn't see the point in investing in a superfluous brand name when I can get the exact same quality for much, much less.

If you take proper care of them they should. That is why women here have pearls from their great-grandmothers that were originally purchased in the 1920s. If you treat your jewelry with respect, it will last a lifetime.

In the case of pearls, I like the "superfluous brand name" and I happen to get a very generous discount. No one gasps and fawns over Pearl Paradise pearls, although I'm sure they're just as nice. That's a premium I don't mind paying, and because they are more expensive/prestigious, I treat them with extra care. I consider my pearls so be some of most exquisite jewelry I own.

[Kitsunegrl]

I wear my mom's Mikimoto 3 strand necklace often. She purchased them in 1966 for
(drumroll) $80! They are incredibly lustrous and bring such a light to my face. Love them!
I like the "superfluous brand name" too; I don't mind paying the premium and I would never dream of wearing my pearls or other jewelry in the bath.

[jan228]

Originally Posted by Kitsunegrl

I wear my mom's Mikimoto 3 strand necklace often. She purchased them in 1966 for (drumroll) $80! They are incredibly lustrous and bring such a light to my face. Love them! I like the "superfluous brand name" too; I don't mind paying the premium and I would never dream of wearing my pearls or other jewelry in the bath.

Gotta love that! I can't imagine what luxury items are going to cost to the next generation.

OK, so here's a better picture of my pearl studs with my Mikimoto pearl strand. I looked at the tags the studs came with. The generic label says 7-7.5, but the label with the price says 7.0, so I'd assume that they were 7.0.

[Cecilia2]

Originally Posted by jan228

Gotta love that! I can't imagine what luxury items are going to cost to the next generation. OK, so here's a better picture of my pearl studs with my Mikimoto pearl strand. I looked at the tags the studs came with. The generic label says 7-7.5, but the label with the price says 7.0, so I'd assume that they were 7.0.

These are just lovely! The size is just what I have in mind. Thank you for these pics!

As far as where and what type, I will be buying Japanese Akoya. Branding isn't an issue, but I would consider Mikimoto for studs.

My next dilemma is overtone. Tomorrow, I'll be going out to look. I really just want white pearls. They say Mikimoto pearls have a rose tone, but I don't see it in your pics. It must be very subtle. I definitely don't want pink pearls.



I really appreciate everyone's help. Everyone likes and wants different things, and the variety in tastes helps a novice like me define what I want, so thanks to all of you!!

[ReRe]

Mikimoto 9-10 mm Tahitian Studs in white gold.

[Bitten]

^^^ Those are gorgeous!! I'm really liking a bit of white gold detailing behind the pearl, it just seems to set of the lustre beautifully.

I have a pair of white South Seas that are 10mm - I love them and they are a definite statement piece when I wear them. I agree, if you take care of them, pearls definitely last. I have a gorgeous Minimoto antique brooch from my grandmother that is a rose gold tree design with little white pearls on the branches. My grandfather bought it for her in the late 1950s I think... the box is really beaten up, but the pearls are fab!

[jan228]

Originally Posted by Cecilia2

These are just lovely! The size is just what I have in mind. Thank you for these pics! As far as where and what type, I will be buying Japanese Akoya. Branding isn't an issue, but I would consider Mikimoto for studs. My next dilemma is overtone. Tomorrow, I'll be going out to look. I really just want white pearls. They say Mikimoto pearls have a rose tone, but I don't see it in your pics. It must be very subtle. I definitely don't want pink pearls.

There is a slight rosey hue that makes my pearls not that stark white. It's not a noticeable pink and in fact, I think it adds to the luster. It also warms up my skin tone.

However, it really depends on the pearls. I've seen Mikimoto studs that are very rosey while others, not so much. The overtones vary from rosey to peachy, etc. I would recommend looking in person. An overtone might clash with your skin tone. For me, the slight pink worked well, but it wasn't too pink that it didn't look nice next to my skin.

Here are some pics that show the color better.

[Cecilia2]

Originally Posted by ReRe

Mikimoto 9-10 mm Tahitian Studs in white gold.

These are just gorgeous! Thanks for the pics!

[Cecilia2]

Originally Posted by jan228

There is a slight rosey hue that makes my pearls not that stark white. It's not a noticeable pink and in fact, I think it adds to the luster. It also warms up my skin tone. However, it really depends on the pearls. I've seen Mikimoto studs that are very rosey while others, not so much. The overtones vary from rosey to peachy, etc. I would recommend looking in person. An overtone might clash with your skin tone. For me, the slight pink worked well, but it wasn't too pink that it didn't look nice next to my skin. Here are some pics that show the color better.

I definitely see the rose overtone in these pics-thank you! This makes me feel better, as I am considering purchasing from American Pearl, and they give you a choice of rose or silver overtones. I have neutral porcelain skin, so either would work. Mikimoto is still in the running, but I would still have to buy online, as we have no store in SF. Your pearls are pretty much spot on what I want, so this has been really helpful--Thank you!

[jan228]

Originally Posted by Cecilia2

I definitely see the rose overtone in these pics-thank you! This makes me feel better, as I am considering purchasing from American Pearl, and they give you a choice of rose or silver overtones. I have neutral porcelain skin, so either would work. Mikimoto is still in the running, but I would still have to buy online, as we have no store in SF. Your pearls are pretty much spot on what I want, so this has been really helpful--Thank you!

Chain jewelry stores like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, JD Caldwell and Bailey Banks & Biddle carry Mikimoto.

Here's a link to the site to find out if you have an AD located near you:

http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/store...ed_states.html

[Cecilia2]

Not sure if anyone's still following this, but I wanted to mention that I did get my studs. They are Mikimoto, grade A, size 6-6.5mm, and absolutely beautiful. The price was under $200.00, and I am very happy with them. I had originally thought I would 'need' grade AAA, and the AAA were spectacular......... but I just didn't end up 'needing' spectacular after all.
I appreciate all the input, especially jan228's, so thank you!

[callire]

Originally Posted by Cecilia2

I definitely see the rose overtone in these pics-thank you! This makes me feel better, as I am considering purchasing from American Pearl, and they give you a choice of rose or silver overtones. I have neutral porcelain skin, so either would work. Mikimoto is still in the running, but I would still have to buy online, as we have no store in SF. Your pearls are pretty much spot on what I want, so this has been really helpful--Thank you!

Please don't buy from American Pearl! You can check out my post in my rant thread here, or you can run a simple search at The Pearl Guide to see the NUMEROUS complaints people have with this company.

[jan228]

Originally Posted by Cecilia2

Not sure if anyone's still following this, but I wanted to mention that I did get my studs. They are Mikimoto, grade A, size 6-6.5mm, and absolutely beautiful. The price was under $200.00, and I am very happy with them. I had originally thought I would 'need' grade AAA, and the AAA were spectacular......... but I just didn't end up 'needing' spectacular after all. I appreciate all the input, especially jan228's, so thank you!

Congrats!!! I've love to see a picture. I'm sure you feel very special wearing them.

[Cecilia2]

Originally Posted by callire

Please don't buy from American Pearl! You can check out my post in my rant thread here, or you can run a simple search at The Pearl Guide to see the NUMEROUS complaints people have with this company.

I didn't buy from them. I am very happy I went with Mikimoto, and purchased in person from BB&B. I have heard mixed opinions on AP, and buying jewelry over the internet makes me nervous anyway.