Reputable pearl sellers in Europe (online/Ebay/stores)?

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**Chanel**

**Chanel**

Trying to b good ^_^
O.G.
Jan 31, 2009
20,657
6,413
#1
Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of add some pearls to my jewelry collection in the future. But I'm totally new to the world of the 'real pearls' as I only have one freshwater set and some Chanel 'pearl' jewelry :D.

I did a search and I already saw some nice webshops for pearls but they are all outside Europe and unfortunately custom duties are very expensive where I live (they can go up with 40%) so I prefer to shop in Europe. Haven't found a reputable shop in Europe yet.
So I was wondering, does anyone know where to buy good and off course authentic pearls in Europe, any recommendations (for stores/Ebay sellers or online stores)?

I can go to a local jewelry store but I have no idea which jewelry store is reputable and has a lot of knowledge of pearls.
So any advice is welcome ;).

Thank you in advance!
 
#3
I live in Europe too. I bought my pearls at Schoeffel's. It is a very reputable german pearl company, I can recommend them.
http://www.schoeffel-pearl.com/
As fas as I know they don't have any online store, but I wouldn't even buy pearls (and any other jewels) online, because I must see how it looks like on my skin, I wanna see the colour differences between different strands, etc. Good luck!
 
#4
Nutcracker said:
I live in Europe too. I bought my pearls at Schoeffel's. It is a very reputable german pearl company, I can recommend them.
http://www.schoeffel-pearl.com/
As fas as I know they don't have any online store, but I wouldn't even buy pearls (and any other jewels) online, because I must see how it looks like on my skin, I wanna see the colour differences between different strands, etc. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thank you, I'll definitely have a look on their website :smile1:.

tbbbjb: That's ok, I live in the Netherlands so if anyone has more recommendations, please share them with me :D.
 
#6
I'm interested in a new set, necklace and earrings. Not sure yet which pearls that I want, I'll have to do a little bit more research for that.
I prefer AA+ or AAA quality.

I wish I knew a good jewelry store with pearls near my place that I could try some necklaces but I have no idea how you can find a good pearl jewelry store.
 
#7
Good Question. I want to know this too. I was ready to order from US and take the customs but with the bad exchange rate now, buying from US is not an obtion. My local store has Schoeffel pearls but they are quite expensive. At least if you compare to the US web sites.
 
#8
Mediana said:
Good Question. I want to know this too. I was ready to order from US and take the customs but with the bad exchange rate now, buying from US is not an obtion. My local store has Schoeffel pearls but they are quite expensive. At least if you compare to the US web sites.
Click to expand...

That's true :-(
I love Tiffany's jewels, and their european prices are 30-35% higher than on the US website.
One more idea: if you have the opportunity, try to travel to Switzerland, and if you are a citizen of the EU, you can get the VAT back. But it is worth only by higher value items, of course. :sigh:
 
#9
^^ I love Tiffany's diamonds but for pearls I think they're way to overpriced IMO.
I love the pearls on Japster's website, if she only had a webshop in Europe as well that would be perfect :tender:.

Besides Schoeffel, where else to get good pearls in Europe?
 
#12
Next to Diamonds, Pearls are one of the most fascinating & versatile gem that is known to Mankind, Oldest known Natural Pearls necklace is more than 4000 years old. It is not only use as gem but also catalyst & important ingredient in some traditional medicine & cosmectic products, they are know for their calming, enhance well-being effects in medical use, whitening, anti-aging properties in cosmetic use. Pearls are also known for their Mystical Properties & Powers. Pearls come in many shapes, sizes & colors from different sources, varies in prices, many buyers are intimidated by their wide choices, today Pearl Market is a "Cultured" Pearl Market.

Pearls are mainly graded by Luster & Orient, Color, Cleanlinese, Shapes & Sizes. Shape of Pearl are mainly determined by 3 category, Spherical, Symmetrical & Baroque although they come in many shapes. Size also important, a 2mm pearl is consider small, anything over 9mm is consider big & more rare. Pearl also comes from both Fresh Water & Salt Water, Salt Water Pearl are more sought after as they are bigger in size, wider in choice also know as South Sea Pearls including Akoya & Tahitian Black etc. Large Natural/Cultured Fresh Water Pearl are very Rare can be as Expensive as South Sea Pearls provided they are not dyed. Japan's Akoya Pearl are the most well known Spherical South Sea Pearl but they are usually small in size rarely exceed 9/10mm even if they do, they command Stellar price.

What is important in buying Pearls?

1) Make sure Pearl is Natural & Authentic so buy from Reputable sources.
2) Examine & Compare the Quality as in their luster & orient etc, any blemishes etc, ask if the color is natural etc.
3) Examine it against your own skin & complexion to make sure the color of Pearls suit you.
4) Compare Sizes, what sizes you like or look good on you.
5) Last but not least, most important is your budget, work within your financial means.

Today Pearls are not as popular as other Gems compare to olden times, Pearl are simple, subtle & elegant, it is more popular with Matured ladies, a small fraction of young ladies like Pearls, Recent years some Guys will wear Pearl too but usually simple style nothing fanciful. Our Agent 007 James Bond Pierce Brosnan, he wear a big South Sea Tahitian Black Pearl with simple chain. Personally, I like Pearls but i don't wear them, i like Large, Round or Baroque South Sea Pearls in Black, Gold or Champagne. If i am able to find a Big Spherical Perfect Pearl 18mm & above, i will wear it...haha

You can get Mikimoto Pearl in Europe, they do have good selection, i think pricing should be affordable for you since you are a Chanel fan. Most Reputable Jewelers will carry some selection of Pearls, not necessary got to be of certain labels. When it comes to chosing Pearl, it's best you have a look personally, please call before heading there.

MIKIMOTO
8 Place Vendome
75001 Paris

Tel. 0033 1 4260 3355

Good Luck in finding the perfect pearls for you.
 
#14
Hi La Vanguardia,

I been wanting to ask you, the Phoenix brooch on your avatar, where is that from? Is it made of WG & Diamonds? Is it big? It look fantastic.

P.S. Sorry for the sidetrack.
 
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