How stunning! Love the blue focal centers. The luster of the pearls is phenomenal. Great job designing this beautiful future heirloom!
The PEARL Lovers Thread!
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Thank you! They're apparently blue from some organic matter impurities from the grafting process, though they can also be dyed or irradiated: https://www.purepearls.com/blogs/news/how-blue-akoya-pearls-get-their-color
Thank you!
Thank you!OMG, that is insanely lovely!
First, I'm sorry for your recent loss. Even at 93 with a full life, I can only imagine that it was still very difficult.
Second, thank you so much! They really are crazy lustrous and it feels like such a weighty, special piece to me. I feel very lucky to have it!
Gorgeous ring! Andrew Moline is fabulous, such lovely pearls.
this brooch turned out prettier than I expected
this is the picture the store sent me.
this is the picture the store sent me.
The necklace in the photo below was being sold for around $3,200 usd. The pearls were a mix of akoya, tahitian, and south sea. I was very tempted by it but decided against getting it because I wanted to wait for colors that really make my heart happy. The colors in this neckalce are beautiful, but overall not exactly what I want.
My question is, from what you can tell from the photo, does the price asked seem reasonable for this necklace?
My question is, from what you can tell from the photo, does the price asked seem reasonable for this necklace?
Hi lovely people!
I've been wanting a pair of pearl earrings (either dangles or some kind of hoop, something I'd wear often but not necessarily daily) now for years, but I'm having trouble between akoya, freshwater, and white SS pearls. How do they compare in terms of luster and shine?
I've heard that akoyas tend to be more mirror like, whereas south sea have more of a "glow" but I'm having trouble conceptualizing the differences. Are freshwater pearls really more durable?
I've been wanting a pair of pearl earrings (either dangles or some kind of hoop, something I'd wear often but not necessarily daily) now for years, but I'm having trouble between akoya, freshwater, and white SS pearls. How do they compare in terms of luster and shine?
I've heard that akoyas tend to be more mirror like, whereas south sea have more of a "glow" but I'm having trouble conceptualizing the differences. Are freshwater pearls really more durable?
I have no firsthand knowledge with regards to durability, but I also am considering getting some freshwater pieces. The prices are much more within my reach than saltwater, and there are many beautiful colors as well as white.
Akoyas definitely can have the most mirror-like luster but not all do. The higher the luster (the more mirror-like), the more desirable they are, so the more they cost (generally speaking). See the image below from Pearl Paradise's website. These are two different Akoya pearl stud earrings that are the same size. One has a higher luster than the other and is higher in price.
I've been looking at Pearl Paradise's website at the different pearl options. I've heard they are a reputable seller, although I have not purchased from them myself (yet). Freshwater pearls seem to me like a really good daily-wear option, especially for earrings. I don't really think I need mirror-like luster on my ears. Not for daily wear, but obviously that's a matter of opinion. Here are 2 different pearl stud options from their website in freshwater. One is more yellow than the other and is priced lower as whiter is more desirable. Note that on the whiter one, the luster is only a little less than the AA+ Akoya, but $95 usd less expensive.
White south sea pearls are generally larger but more expensive, with lower luster than akoya. They tend to be larger, which for me, I wouldn't want on earrings. In fact, on PP website, I couldn't find south sea stud earring smaller than 8-9mm. If you do want large earrings though, south sea has the largest options available. If you looking at equally sized akoya vs freshwater vs south sea, the south sea will probably be the most expensive of the 3.
If I want high luster, I'll go with Akoya. If I want more affordable and durable, I'll go with freshwater. If I wanted massively huge earrings, I would look at South Sea.
What a lovely response! Honestly, I wasn't sure how to answer the question because it was such a big question rather like 'tell me everything you know' about pearls.
I am a pearl aficionado and fairly knowledgeable about pearls. I have purchased from Pearl Paradise (PP) many, many...many times...lol. They are reputable, and one of the owners is the current president of the CPAA (Certified Pearl Assoc of America). They are all about teaching people about pearls. There are many reputable dealers and many nonreputable dealers but PP is excellent.In fact, one of the services that PP offers is virtual appointments. @ReiChan1 - You may want to book one with them. They have a great set up with macro lenses, and you'll be able to see and compare very easily. They are not pushy sales people....and do their best to explain and be very candid about a pearl's features and flaws. They can show you the difference between akoya and SS. Once you've seen them together, you'll be able to understand the SS glow vs akoya mirror. And @Berengeria is correct about the sizes. Akoya oysters are very small in size, while South Sea oysters are the size of dinner plates. That's why 8+mm akoya pearls cost so much, and South Sea pearls are rarely small. See....I've already written a bunch and haven't even touched the surface of this topic.
Had a brain cramp...it's *Cultured* Pearl Assoc of America, not Certified...duh.What a lovely response! Honestly, I wasn't sure how to answer the question because it was such a big question rather like 'tell me everything you know' about pearls.
In fact, one of the services that PP offers is virtual appointments. @ReiChan1 - You may want to book one with them. They have a great set up with macro lenses, and you'll be able to see and compare very easily. They are not pushy sales people....and do their best to explain and be very candid about a pearl's features and flaws. They can show you the difference between akoya and SS. Once you've seen them together, you'll be able to understand the SS glow vs akoya mirror. And @Berengeria is correct about the sizes. Akoya oysters are very small in size, while South Sea oysters are the size of dinner plates. That's why 8+mm akoya pearls cost so much, and South Sea pearls are rarely small. See....I've already written a bunch and haven't even touched the surface of this topic.
Wow- so sorry for the late response everyone! Thank you so much for all of your detailed and generous replies. This was so helpful!
Have you been on any of their live auctions? I've sat in on a few of them. I haven't bought anything but love to look at what they have. They show everything up close, which is great.What a lovely response! Honestly, I wasn't sure how to answer the question because it was such a big question rather like 'tell me everything you know' about pearls.
In fact, one of the services that PP offers is virtual appointments. @ReiChan1 - You may want to book one with them. They have a great set up with macro lenses, and you'll be able to see and compare very easily. They are not pushy sales people....and do their best to explain and be very candid about a pearl's features and flaws. They can show you the difference between akoya and SS. Once you've seen them together, you'll be able to understand the SS glow vs akoya mirror. And @Berengeria is correct about the sizes. Akoya oysters are very small in size, while South Sea oysters are the size of dinner plates. That's why 8+mm akoya pearls cost so much, and South Sea pearls are rarely small. See....I've already written a bunch and haven't even touched the surface of this topic.
I've wondered about the virtual appointments. I would love to do one but would feel guilty if I didn't buy anything, or only bought something inexpensive.
I was so blown away by a multicolor necklace in this thread that I've been daydreaming about it ever since. I am unlikely to be able to afford anything of that caliber in saltwater pearls, but was thinking that maybe I can find something at least a little close in freshwater one of these days.
Grade AA Shikisai strand certified by the Pearl Science Lab.
This is their top 2nd grade. The top grade starts with AC instead of AA. But it comes with the round tag as pictured together with the certificate. It says Omotenashi on the tag. It means hospitality in Japanese and it is an award given to Japanese products that they think best represent their quality of service to their guests. The entire strand is 60cm long and all the pearls are south sea pearls, no akoyas. I paid $4,400 plus extra for the clasp. The price is bit high because of the length. It has to be 60cm long to be certified as Shikisai. Otherwise, the standard length is 40-42cm and the price should be much lower. All these details, the lab certificate, the tag, south sea pearls, the size of the pearls, all add up to the price. 😂
The market can be tricky especially for new buyers. Hope you find this informative and get what you pay for.
This is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!