Pearls !!

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ksammon

ksammon

O.G.
Aug 30, 2006
1,153
1
#1
Hello EVERYONE!!

About Two years ago my wonderful b/f bought me a pearl set for x/mas and i wore it just about everyday will.. about a year later the clasp broke so he had it fixed for me .. but it broke when he was putting it on me .. long story short i feel kinda lost with out my necklace.So am in the market to buy a GOOD Brand necklace i CANT !! afford mikimoto or else i would buy it in a heartbeat ..

Thanks So Much,

PS

what the deal with PearlParadise.com
 
#2
I've purchased from Pearl Paradise before as well as The Pearl Outlet and can recommend them both!

I don't remember if it's PP or TPO, but one of them has a 'Freshadama' line which is supposed to mimic Akoya pearls quite nicely. Check those out! :tup:
 
#4
Hi, I'm sorry to hijack this thread but I have been reading all morning on this great board trying to pick out a great pair of earring for an xmas gift.

The idea started initially with Tiff sal****er but the overall consensus appears to steer me away from them. Mikimotos are top notch but well out of my price range.

I have narrowed it down to Pearl Paradise as my merchant and either Akoya or South Sea studs. I'm hearing more good things about Akoya but South Sea appears to be more valuable in terms of $$$. Please send me your thoughts/suggestions/comments/pity I really really need to make a decision on this asap.


-Should I go for Akoya or South Sea studs? Both about 8mm in size
-If Akoya, am I safe going with a rose overtone. There's a picture showing the difference but I have no clue what would look the best.
-Does their clasp provide a secure fit or should I look elsewhere for threaded?

http://www.pearlparadise.com/8085-mm-White-Akoya-Pearl-Stud-Earrings15.aspx
http://www.pearlparadise.com/8090-mm-White-South-Sea-Pearl-Stud-Earrings3769.aspx
 
#5
Akoya will have a sharper, more metallic shine than south sea, but yes, south sea are typically more valuable (and larger).

Pearl Paradise's freshadama pearls, which mimic the shine of an akoya, are NOT fake by any means. They are just freshwater pearls instead of sal****er pearls, yet they are specially selected for their incredible luster and shine. So they are real pearls, they just aren't sal****er pearls, so most people can buy a larger or longer strand than they otherwise would have been able to afford in a high grade akoya. Pearl Paradise is more than happy to help you out if you phone, them, too.

But Pearl Paradise and Pearl Outlet are both reputable sources. I am sure there are others, but I haven't done business with any others, so cannot personally recommend them.
 
#6
So South Sea would be more desired?

My link was actually for the Akoya earrings, not their Freshadama pearls I think. I've been reading that Akoya might be more durable and valuable in the long run so I'm still on the fence on which one is the best choice.
 
#7
bunder5 said:
So South Sea would be more desired?

My link was actually for the Akoya earrings, not their Freshadama pearls I think. I've been reading that Akoya might be more durable and valuable in the long run so I'm still on the fence on which one is the best choice.
Click to expand...

I don't know whether Akoya pearls are more durable than other pearls, but they are generally more valuable.
edit: South sea pearls are more valuable than Akoya, but Akoya are the most $$ among the "classic" pearls
 
#9
Yes, south sea pearls are more highly valued in monetary terms, but they are larger, have a more satin shine and are often difficult to find in round, "perfect" shapes.

As for durability, while both south sea and akoya are more highly valued than freshwater pearls, both of them are bead nucleated, meaning they are layers of nacre over a bead. Freshwater pearls are nacre all the way through, solid. So both will last a lifetime if properly treated, but the nacre actually CAN eventually be worn off an akoya pearl, especially those that aren't of the highest quality. If pearls are mistreated, all will lose their lustre and can become damaged, but akoyas may actually chip or wear through the nacre whereas freshwaters cannot.
 
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