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Japster · Jul 19th, 2009, 02:11 PM

Beautiful Candace!

Japster · Jul 19th, 2009, 02:15 PM

I am often asked which Pearl books I recommend for good reading. I am not compensated in any way from this, just one of my favorites. There is a great book by Fred Ward, called Pearls. It gives great tips on buying, caring for pearls and about the different types of pearls. He also will autograph any books you buy directly from him. I just interviewed Fred and we talked about pearls, the industry and post harvest treatments. the interview is here:
Eretz Elana: Interview & Review of Fred Ward's Pearl Book

Japster · Jul 20th, 2009, 02:29 AM

I've had several people ask me for tips on pearl shapes and also on luster. One important thing to remember is that the luster on different species of pearls will be completely different looking. For example, very high luster Tahitian pearls will often have a very mirror like luster where you can really see yourself in the pearl. They may even look metallic. South Sea pearls have a very different luster. P. maxima oysters deposit a thick coating of nacre (2 to 6mm!) more quickly than oysters in a cooler climate (like Akoyas) so the the thick nacre produces a soft glow rather than a metallic sheen.

One of my favorite tips on luster is the following from The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide by Antoinette Matlins:

The Four Rules of Luster
The secret to a fantastic strand of pearls is to look for intense luster because it creates an optical illusion that makes subtle differences less obvious. The more intense the luster and orient, the less noticeable all other factors are.

1.) A slightly off round or button shape pearl will look ROUNDER because of the optical illusion created by its radiating glow.

2.)Moderate surface blemishes are LESS NOTICEABLE because of the optical illusion created by its radiating glow.

3.)Color differences are MUTED by the rainbow like iridescence that pearls with good orient exhibit across their surface.

4.) Pearls with high luster look LARGER because their glow emanates outward. Compare smaller pearls with intense luster and orient against larger pearls that are dull or chalkier. You'll see that the smaller lustrous pearls appear to be larger than the actual larger ones.

Japster · Jul 20th, 2009, 03:07 AM

Here is a great example of mirror like luster on a Tahitian strand. I probably should've put clothes on when I took the pic. Just kidding!

Baby Boo · Jul 20th, 2009, 04:01 AM

i love this thread and the pics.. E your stuff is STUNNING

oranGetRee · Jul 20th, 2009, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by Japster

Here is a great example of mirror like luster on a Tahitian strand. I probably should've put clothes on when I took the pic. Just kidding!

Japster, you are so funny!!! Jokes aside, this set of tahitians are simply stunning. Love them

thanks for all the eye candies!

Japster · Jul 20th, 2009, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by Japster

1.) A slightly off round or button shape pearl will look ROUNDER because of the optical illusion created by its radiating glow.

Here is a great example of the above. These are more than slightly off round, but they still look incredibly roundish because of their gorgeous luster.
Take a look at this strand
Very Off Round-triangular
Here they are on:
Pearls ON

risingsun · Jul 20th, 2009, 01:47 PM

This thread is wonderful!! Thanks so much, Elana

tulip618 · Jul 20th, 2009, 02:07 PM

Thanks Elana!!!
Do u mind sharing to us how to tie knots when stringing a pearl strand??
TIA!!!!

FlgirlFM · Jul 20th, 2009, 03:58 PM

OMG I love those whites!!! Fabulous Elana (heading to see them on your site right now)!

Japster · Jul 20th, 2009, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by tulip618

Thanks Elana!!!
Do u mind sharing to us how to tie knots when stringing a pearl strand??
TIA!!!!

I actually saw a great video on stringing here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjjKy5aBsws

I string somewhat similar but without the tweezers. At the end I use french bullion and re-thread through a couple pearls so the end knot is within the necklace. If that makes any sense. lol.

UBU90 · Jul 20th, 2009, 10:09 PM

Hello,
This is a fantastic posting! I love pearls and the information here is fantastic!
I have a pearl question that I would appreciate some advice on.

I am looking into a set of Thaitian pearl ear rings.

The specs are as follows:-
2 x 13.3mm pearls Thaitian
18K White gold setting
2 x diamonds

The price is in Australian dollars as I am in Australia - but AU$1 = US$0.80 approx.

The retail price is about $5600- but the jeweller has a 1/2 price deal and he wants $2800

Pearls are amazing and I think 13.3mm is a good size. Jeweller told me he is making very little - GFC and all.

I don't mind if the jeweller is making some money - but is this an ok deal?

habanerita · Jul 20th, 2009, 10:26 PM

I will let the expert ladies answer your question, but I have to tell you those earrings are absolutely gorgeous!!!!!how big are the diamonds........love the setting and the pearls are gorgeous. I think 2800 Australian Dollars must be around $2,250.00 US Dollars..........So beautiful!!

UBU90 · Jul 20th, 2009, 10:41 PM

Diamonds just under 0.4ct each. I think the total diamond weight for both ear rings is 0.74ct.

Christiflora · Jul 20th, 2009, 11:01 PM

I am tempted. Those pearls have very high luster.

Jul 19th, 2009, 02:11 PM	#61
Japster OP Plays with Balls Joined: May 2006 Location: WI Posts: 7,330	Beautiful Candace!
	__________________ HUGE SALE, 50% off or more: FutureFashionista.com SALE Click here to join our facebook page and enter our bi-monthly drawing to win some sex-i-mous jewels.

Jul 20th, 2009, 02:29 AM	#63
Japster OP Plays with Balls Joined: May 2006 Location: WI Posts: 7,330	I've had several people ask me for tips on pearl shapes and also on luster. One important thing to remember is that the luster on different species of pearls will be completely different looking. For example, very high luster Tahitian pearls will often have a very mirror like luster where you can really see yourself in the pearl. They may even look metallic. South Sea pearls have a very different luster. P. maxima oysters deposit a thick coating of nacre (2 to 6mm!) more quickly than oysters in a cooler climate (like Akoyas) so the the thick nacre produces a soft glow rather than a metallic sheen. One of my favorite tips on luster is the following from The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide by Antoinette Matlins: The Four Rules of Luster The secret to a fantastic strand of pearls is to look for intense luster because it creates an optical illusion that makes subtle differences less obvious. The more intense the luster and orient, the less noticeable all other factors are. 1.) A slightly off round or button shape pearl will look ROUNDER because of the optical illusion created by its radiating glow. 2.)Moderate surface blemishes are LESS NOTICEABLE because of the optical illusion created by its radiating glow. 3.)Color differences are MUTED by the rainbow like iridescence that pearls with good orient exhibit across their surface. 4.) Pearls with high luster look LARGER because their glow emanates outward. Compare smaller pearls with intense luster and orient against larger pearls that are dull or chalkier. You'll see that the smaller lustrous pearls appear to be larger than the actual larger ones.
	__________________ HUGE SALE, 50% off or more: FutureFashionista.com SALE Click here to join our facebook page and enter our bi-monthly drawing to win some sex-i-mous jewels.

Jul 20th, 2009, 04:01 AM	#65
Baby Boo addicted to TPF Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Middle East Posts: 8,233	i love this thread and the pics.. E your stuff is STUNNING
	__________________ My Wish List - 228 Reissue last of chanel HG - 40 Birkin - Chanel Mini Flap - Chanel wallet long - Biarritz tote/hobo XL size

Jul 20th, 2009, 02:07 PM	#69
tulip618 MPH=Miu Prada Hermes Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 2,123	Thanks Elana!!! Do u mind sharing to us how to tie knots when stringing a pearl strand?? TIA!!!!
	__________________ Please check out my newest collection on page 8 ** http://forum.purseblog.com/your-bag-showcase/tulip618s-lovely-collection-290644-8.html

Jul 20th, 2009, 03:58 PM	#70
FlgirlFM Member Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 479	OMG I love those whites!!! Fabulous Elana (heading to see them on your site right now)!
FlgirlFM Member Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 479	__________________ Wish Hermes Garden Party MM in Prun, 30 Lindy, Picotin PM in Rouge G

Jul 20th, 2009, 01:47 PM	#68
risingsun Member Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,658	This thread is wonderful!! Thanks so much, Elana

Jul 20th, 2009, 10:09 PM	#72
UBU90 Sofa King Banned Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 18	Hello, This is a fantastic posting! I love pearls and the information here is fantastic! I have a pearl question that I would appreciate some advice on. I am looking into a set of Thaitian pearl ear rings. The specs are as follows:- 2 x 13.3mm pearls Thaitian 18K White gold setting 2 x diamonds The price is in Australian dollars as I am in Australia - but AU$1 = US$0.80 approx. The retail price is about $5600- but the jeweller has a 1/2 price deal and he wants $2800 Pearls are amazing and I think 13.3mm is a good size. Jeweller told me he is making very little - GFC and all. I don't mind if the jeweller is making some money - but is this an ok deal?
UBU90 Sofa King Banned Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 18

Jul 20th, 2009, 10:26 PM	#73
habanerita Member Joined: May 2006 Posts: 4,053	I will let the expert ladies answer your question, but I have to tell you those earrings are absolutely gorgeous!!!!!how big are the diamonds........love the setting and the pearls are gorgeous. I think 2800 Australian Dollars must be around $2,250.00 US Dollars..........So beautiful!!
habanerita Member Joined: May 2006 Posts: 4,053

Jul 20th, 2009, 10:41 PM	#74
UBU90 Sofa King Banned Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 18	Diamonds just under 0.4ct each. I think the total diamond weight for both ear rings is 0.74ct.
UBU90 Sofa King Banned Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 18

Jul 20th, 2009, 11:01 PM	#75
Christiflora Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,226	I am tempted. Those pearls have very high luster.
Christiflora Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,226

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