How to clean pearls at home, especailly pearls from the 1950's? Some people suggest washing them with castile soap and soak in distill water.
Help! Want to buy pearls...
- Thread starter gmel
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It's just a brand name, Jaimie. Sort of like when people talk about "Tiffany diamonds" and much like Tiffany diamonds, the brand name attachment runs up the price considerably. Granted, Mikimoto pearls are fantastic, but you can get "no-name" pearls that are just as nice for much less money if you know what to look for and where to look.
Dentalfloss: the only safe way to clean pearls is with a soft cloth, slightly dampened with water. If they have discolored from perfumes, body oils, etc., you might want to take them to a professional jeweler that knows pearls very, very well. It's too easy to damage the nacre on natural pearls if you aren't careful.
Thank you for saying that. I take pride in some of my good pearl necklaces because I've been fortunate to find great pearls on some of my wholesale trips. And learning to knot silk was a challenge - so when I finally mastered it I was so happy to celebrate!
Of course I'm not "Mikimoto" - I'd love to own a strand myself! LOL But I take just as much pride in my work as so called "name brand" designers do. I even saved a coworker $1,000 on a strand of 10 mm ivory pearls she purchased off of a site I can't recall now. But when she got them they were gross - nowhere near round, no lustre, just icky. And she paid $1300. I was able to make her a necklace for $300 hand knotted on silk with gorgeous 10mm near round pearls. It turned out so great and I was super excited...as was she!
I was able to make her a necklace for $300 hand knotted on silk with gorgeous 10mm near round pearls. It turned out so great and I was super excited...as was she!
Oooooo, we need to TALK, Casto! PM me if you don't want to post any details here, but if you can work your magic on a strand like that for that price for me? You've got a customer!!
I'm more than happy to provide details! 
The markup on pearls is INSANE!!! Freshwater pearls are very inexpensive - although the nicer you get the more expensive they are (of course).
My mom and I were drooling over pearls at the wholesale show in Tucson this year - there were several gorgeous strands of huge (8 - 14 mm), nearly round, ivory and multi colored pearl strands ranging in price from $50 to $200 a strand.
Of course, we also found some Akoya pearls that were wholesaling for $10k+! Phew...those were gorgeous too. LOL
Anyway, my coworker wanted a 15-16 inch with gold findings and large 9-10 mm freshwater near round pearls. And like I said...the strand she'd purchased online was horrid. Pits and discolorations (not all the pearls the same color but not on purpose- blech!) and dull.
So, yes, name brand designers are great but us little guys can do fantastic work (hello Elena!!!) too - we just don't have the same PR machine on our side. LOL
Another option for anyone who wants the look without the price tag - Shell Pearls. They're manmade using the shell of the oysters which are ground down and sprayed onto a mother of pearl base until they are the size desired. They have an array of gorgeous colors and are way inexpensive in comparison to "real" pearls (they're still 'real' just not freshwater or saltwater and no nacre). I'm going to pick some up at an upcoming show. They are fully round and very, very pretty. No synthetic (glass, crystal, or plastic) can compare.
The markup on pearls is INSANE!!! Freshwater pearls are very inexpensive - although the nicer you get the more expensive they are (of course).
My mom and I were drooling over pearls at the wholesale show in Tucson this year - there were several gorgeous strands of huge (8 - 14 mm), nearly round, ivory and multi colored pearl strands ranging in price from $50 to $200 a strand.
Of course, we also found some Akoya pearls that were wholesaling for $10k+! Phew...those were gorgeous too. LOL
Anyway, my coworker wanted a 15-16 inch with gold findings and large 9-10 mm freshwater near round pearls. And like I said...the strand she'd purchased online was horrid. Pits and discolorations (not all the pearls the same color but not on purpose- blech!) and dull.
So, yes, name brand designers are great but us little guys can do fantastic work (hello Elena!!!) too - we just don't have the same PR machine on our side. LOL
Another option for anyone who wants the look without the price tag - Shell Pearls. They're manmade using the shell of the oysters which are ground down and sprayed onto a mother of pearl base until they are the size desired. They have an array of gorgeous colors and are way inexpensive in comparison to "real" pearls (they're still 'real' just not freshwater or saltwater and no nacre). I'm going to pick some up at an upcoming show. They are fully round and very, very pretty. No synthetic (glass, crystal, or plastic) can compare.
Wow! That is a beautiful necklace!
OK, at a glance: freshwater or Tahitian?
I stickwith the safe bet, only Mikimoto. That way you know exactly what you are getting. Any fine jewelry store should carry them. I have a 20 in. strand of 6mm and they are all I will ever need. My mom left my daughter her Mikimoto cluster ear studs. 6 5mm pearls per. I wore them on my wedding day and hope she will, too...
Okay...I went ahead and bought a strand of large freshwater pearls. There was a trunk show at the Wynn hotel last weekend, and could not say 'no'. This should tie me over for a few more months until I find my 'perfect' strand. With all of your help, I have decided to go Mikimoto. Now the 'new' question is....What is considered a 'good' size? I at first was thinking 15mm, but I would like to be able to wear with jeans as well as special occasions.
What do you all think is a 'good' size???
TIA
What do you all think is a 'good' size???
TIA
OK, at a glance: freshwater or Tahitian?
Hmmm...very hard to tell. They make beautiful peacock colored freshwater pearls nowadays but those are so stunning...I'm not sure.
^^^I'm glad you said that! I was very curious to hear your take on them.
They were sold to me as freshwater (at freshwater pricing), but I really think they made a mistake! It was from a large online company that was in a huge personnel transition at the time I bought them. They also sold/sell Tahitians. I have quite a few Tahitian pearl pieces and these pearls are dead ringers for Tahitian. When I lay them side by side, it's hard to tell the difference. I asked my local GG how to tell the difference. He said the only way was to actually x-ray them so he could see the center. I'd LOVE to think I've actually got a Tahitian necklace and may do that one day.
They were sold to me as freshwater (at freshwater pricing), but I really think they made a mistake! It was from a large online company that was in a huge personnel transition at the time I bought them. They also sold/sell Tahitians. I have quite a few Tahitian pearl pieces and these pearls are dead ringers for Tahitian. When I lay them side by side, it's hard to tell the difference. I asked my local GG how to tell the difference. He said the only way was to actually x-ray them so he could see the center. I'd LOVE to think I've actually got a Tahitian necklace and may do that one day.
Here's my little loverly one I told you about. Whatcha think?
I saw a Mikimoto necklace very similar to yours with rose gold links between pearl....price was $32K
gmel, it depends on your height/weight/size as a person. Can you state your height and weight approx. and are you small boned or large boned. For me, I am petite and on the shorter side. I would probably choose 10mm or 12mm max. That way I could wear them casually or formally.
Also, go to an upscale department store and try on some Majorica costume pearls. They always have sizes up to 14mm when I have looked at them. They will also have various lengths. That way you can see what looks great on you in a relaxed environment and what makes you "happy".
You can then enter the store to purchase your pearls (Mikimoto) with much more confidence and knowing what you want. You will make a better decision because you will know exactly the size YOU want and no salesperson will pressure you.
Also, go to an upscale department store and try on some Majorica costume pearls. They always have sizes up to 14mm when I have looked at them. They will also have various lengths. That way you can see what looks great on you in a relaxed environment and what makes you "happy".
You can then enter the store to purchase your pearls (Mikimoto) with much more confidence and knowing what you want. You will make a better decision because you will know exactly the size YOU want and no salesperson will pressure you.