Opinions please tPFers: pearls size vs quality etc etc

[Candice0985]

I love really nice quality pearls in smaller sizes, even a 4mm or 5mm (which is hard to find) look very effortless in a long strand as does 6 to 6.5 mm I find larger pearls are harder to wear. smaller pearls in long lengths look younger and fresher I think

 

[Bitten]

If you're in doubt, wait!

I got my first good quality pearls this year. I was happy with freshwater rather than akoya, but I did make the decision to buy Freshadama. I nearly bought the 7.5-8mm, but ended up waiting for the Mothers Day sale and got 20% off, so I bought my dream size - 8.5-9mm. For reference that's the size of Jackie Kennedy's famous double strand.

I think wait for your perfect strand. There will likely be a good sale around Christmas if you can hold out...

Btw I love the suggestion of a long strand. I want one myself at some point. You could wear the rope as a double strand, long, knotted.... PP can even make one up for you with hidden clasps (screwed into a pearl) so the clasps are invisible, and then you can have several clasps spaced so you can take your rope apart into a couple of separate, differently lengthed strands plus a bracelet

Thank you so much - I really appreciate the reminder that it's better to wait for what you really want so true!

7.5-8 mm strand is $312.00 and you can use pearl points, not bad at all.
The next size 8.5-9 mm is almost double in price $762.00
The same with pearl points, but it will only give you at this price 10%.
It is possible that PP may have coupons around holidays. I agree!
I tried to post links, they would not work.

Oh, that's a great idea, I'll try to keep my eye out for any deals

 

[DS2006]

I only have the Freshadama earrings, but I have also been wanting a long strand of 32-34". I have been debating on whether to go with top quality Akoya or the Freshadamas. It would be so helpful to be able to compare in person. I find pearls harder to buy sight-unseen compared to some other jewelry items. But my advice is to always go for the best, because I usually have regrets when I don't! And that would mean Freshadama or Hanadama (or AAA). I think I would order the 7-7.5mm size for myself in a long or double strand.

Also they have other clasps and can sometimes order additional ones, so I would definitely have them finish the necklace for you. Can't wait to see what you end up choosing!

 

[Pearlescence]

It may be helpful for you to look at the other jewellery you wear. What works for you, what feels right. Is it small scale or larger - that will give you a hint as to what sort of scale you instinctively like.
However much we think we like something or others say how good something looks we often find our hand going to one or two pieces time and again -they tell us what we really like rather than what we think we like.
(BTW it takes a practiced pearl eye to be able to tell the difference between round and near round on 7mm pearls when they are around someone's neck. I would plump for lustre over perfect round or perfect surface any day)