The PEARL Lovers Thread!

[finer things]

I would recommend Akoyas if you dont already have Akoya pearl earrings. I have both Tahitian and Akoya earrings and I feel like the Akoyas, since they are a shade of white, match with more outfits. With the Tahitian, I gravitate more towards wearing things that match with black. Because of this, I feel like I can't wear brown with Tahitian earrings, so this is why I would say Akoyas first.

They are both beautiful though, and I think if you end up liking the Akoyas then you will want to get the Tahitians and maybe someday the Golden South Seas pearls as well.

 

[Onebagtoomany]

After a HUGE clear out of jewellery I no longer wear, I decided to treat myself to my first Mikimoto piece with some of the funds I went for 8mm Akoya white pearl studs in grade AAA, yellow gold (on the basis that they will be my forever pair of pearl studs for both size and quality) and am so excited for them to arrive!

 

[inareverie]

I got a lovely set of Mikimoto pearls as a gift from my mother-in-law when we got married in 2022.

 

[Pevi]

I got a lovely set of Mikimoto pearls as a gift from my mother-in-law when we got married in 2022.

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These are so wearable! I love them.

 

[TXLVlove]

I added a bit of bling to some ssp stands. I'm not sure about the Ts as the rondells are super small.

 

[Meowwu]

out of curiosity… what is the best size for a smallest strand of south sea pearl necklace? (Photos welcome!!!!

 

[caruava]

out of curiosity… what is the best size for a smallest strand of south sea pearl necklace? (Photos welcome!!!!

The best size is the largest your budget allows for. When I purchased mine, I agonised over 2 choices, one was smaller (~40% less in $). Anyway I'm glad I went larger.

Diamond and pearl shrinkage is real.

 

[Meowwu]

The best size is the largest your budget allows for. When I purchased mine, I agonised over 2 choices, one was smaller (~40% less in $). Anyway I'm glad I went larger.

Diamond and pearl shrinkage is real.

I am considering between a 9-11mm and a graduated 8-12. They are both gorgeous, though different in looks when worn.

 

[americandreaming]

After my grandmother gifted me a pair of pink Pearl earrings, I’ve been collecting. I now have three pairs of nice everyday freshwater ones and three pairs of Akoyas.

 

[Meowwu]

I am considering a pair of 8.5mm south sea keshi studs. Would love everyone’s comments on the size. TIA

 

[caruava]

I am considering a pair of 8.5mm south sea keshi studs. Would love everyone’s comments on the size. TIA

Very good size. I have some 7-8mm ones from Paspaley and they have presence on the ears but are understated when I need. 8.5mm would be even better!

 

[880]

The best size is the largest your budget allows for.

Agree. I have never regretted going larger

I am considering between a 9-11mm and a graduated 8-12. They are both gorgeous, though different in looks when worn.

I am considering a pair of 8.5mm south sea keshi studs. Would love everyone’s comments on the size. TIA

I am not tall and medium build. For my build, I find 8.5 to be a bit small. I think it’s relative. For someone more petite, or younger or who likes dainty jewelry (I am 55 and prefer larger pieces) they might be fine. Pics would help, as luster and color also play a part. Found a champagne set of pearls from family. I was thinking about something larger and more vividly colored, but the price is right in this case. At least for now

For a size comparison, in the third pic, the single pearl earring at the bottom of the pic is 11.6 mm


ETA: @caruava , thank you for your kind compliment below. I have to confess that for years I only wore large tahitian bc I felt white rounds were too classic and most of my jewelry was white gold or platinum. But, since I’ve switched to gold jewelry, I’ve become open to new things. Here is an older pic of my mixed tonal tahitian necklace (I think 10-15 mm) and a doubled strand of inexpensive freshwater. The tonal Tahitians bought in the Muslim markets in the Philippines in 1991 were a relative bargain for about 2500 USD (my memory is failing me, but I think that was about right). I imagine that the fresh waters were under 100USD. My godmother had a special shopkeeper and was able to cherry pick the best (in her opinion) from a variety of strands. And a white baroque strand from Etsy for about 500 USD in 2019 to give a sense of the lower price range and larger irregular size. Of course these don’t have the luster or higher grade of the more expensive pearls, but I bought them as fun pieces.

 

[caruava]

I absolutely love that strand @880! I can't do golden or Tahitian but champagne is on my list. I especially love the diamond set rings between the pearls.

 

[caruava]

I am considering a pair of 8.5mm south sea keshi studs. Would love everyone’s comments on the size. TIA

These are my 7-8mm studs. Hard to photograph with the current light. They look scratched up (?) but they're not. To my eye, they have a warm undertone. These are my simplest studs for when I want something worry free.

 

[880]

These are my 7-8mm studs. Hard to photograph with the current light. They look scratched up (?) but they're not. To my eye, they have a warm undertone. These are my simplest studs for when I want something worry free.
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Love the shape and luster! But your adorable dog steals the show as if to say, you’re taking a pic of me, right