Any pearl-lovers out there?

[Irissy]

Any pearl-lovers out there? What brand sells authentic pearls as I heard there are many fake pearl scams out there. Where do you ladies buy your pearls from?

There is a recent Groupon offering the Maria-Theresa Reef Collection freshwater pearl necklace for $79 ($450 value) going on at this time. I'm interested but is aware of being scammed. Anyone heard of this brand?

 

[explorer27]

I've heard good things about Pearl Paradise...I'm about to pull the trigger on some simple AAA quality Akoya studs. It's a huge savings compared to Mikimoto and it's about time for a new pair of pearl earrings for me. Haven't heard of Maria-Theresa Reef Collection before, OP.

Does anyone have modeling pics of the different sizes of pearl studs? Either 6.0-6.5 or 7.0-7.5.

 

[Ratnapur]

I, too, love pearls, and have a nice freshwater pearl collection.

Mikimoto is supposed to be the ultimate in pearls, but I've never had any of their items. On the other end of the scale, Honora (QVC) is affordable, and the one necklace I own seems nice enough.

I really don't think nowadays there are many pearl scams. Freshwater pearls have been greatly produced for about the last 20 years, and have gone down in price. What you really need to look for is the quality of the pearls--the nacre thickness and condition (nacre is the pearlescent surface you see on the pearl). If it's too thin, it can wear off easily, and is not as nice looking. If it's too thick, the pearl seems less lustrous. Check to see if any nacre is missing or flaking off.

Other tips:

1. Observe any blemished, such as "pimples" or bumps. A few tiny pimples are acceptable.

2. Are the pearls well-matched in both size and quality of appearance?

3. High-end pearls should be hand-knotted between each pearl. This prevents them rubbing together and is also a safe-guard against loss--only 1 pearl will fall of the strand it is broken.

4. Pearls come in many colors--some are obviously dyed (such as red pearls); most white pearls get bleached to improve their looks. Even white pearls have different tones. Try on pearls to see if you look better in stark white, champagne, pink, etc.

5. When being shown the pearl strand, roll the strand on the little pad they provide. Things should roll smoothly.

6. Pearls are measured in milimeters, mm. The smaller the mm, the smaller the pearl. Each increase in mm also rapidly increases the price.

7. If you are investing in an expensive necklace, and want it to wear it forever, consider only buying a strand where each pearl is about the same size. Graduated strands go in and out of style; matched strands are the classic style.

8. Don't pay attention to jewelry store grading systems for pearls. There is no such thing in gemology for pearls. For example, one store can say the pearls are "AAA"-quality. That's meaningless. (Other gems DO have legitimate grading systems, such as diamonds.) Use your own grading system--your eyes!

 

[Irissy]

Wow, good stuff! Thank you for all the great tips. I have a pair of Honora pearl earrings... very classy brand indeed.

I, too, love pearls, and have a nice freshwater pearl collection.

Mikimoto is supposed to be the ultimate in pearls, but I've never had any of their items. On the other end of the scale, Honora (QVC) is affordable, and the one necklace I own seems nice enough.

I really don't think nowadays there are many pearl scams. Freshwater pearls have been greatly produced for about the last 20 years, and have gone down in price. What you really need to look for is the quality of the pearls--the nacre thickness and condition (nacre is the pearlescent surface you see on the pearl). If it's too thin, it can wear off easily, and is not as nice looking. If it's too thick, the pearl seems less lustrous. Check to see if any nacre is missing or flaking off.

Other tips:

1. Observe any blemished, such as "pimples" or bumps. A few tiny pimples are acceptable.

2. Are the pearls well-matched in both size and quality of appearance?

3. High-end pearls should be hand-knotted between each pearl. This prevents them rubbing together and is also a safe-guard against loss--only 1 pearl will fall of the strand it is broken.

4. Pearls come in many colors--some are obviously dyed (such as red pearls); most white pearls get bleached to improve their looks. Even white pearls have different tones. Try on pearls to see if you look better in stark white, champagne, pink, etc.

5. When being shown the pearl strand, roll the strand on the little pad they provide. Things should roll smoothly.

6. Pearls are measured in milimeters, mm. The smaller the mm, the smaller the pearl. Each increase in mm also rapidly increases the price.

7. If you are investing in an expensive necklace, and want it to wear it forever, consider only buying a strand where each pearl is about the same size. Graduated strands go in and out of style; matched strands are the classic style.

8. Don't pay attention to jewelry store grading systems for pearls. There is no such thing in gemology for pearls. For example, one store can say the pearls are "AAA"-quality. That's meaningless. (Other gems DO have legitimate grading systems, such as diamonds.) Use your own grading system--your eyes!