I love Chaumet! If not too off-topic, for various reasons beyond covid am stuck in the US for the foreseeable future and wonder if anyone knows where/how to buy it here?
What Other Jewelry Brands Do You Buy/Wear?
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I love Chaumet! If not too off-topic, for various reasons beyond covid am stuck in the US for the foreseeable future and wonder if anyone knows where/how to buy it here?
Those of us in Canada have an authorized luxury jewelry store (Birks) which sells Chaumet, Messika, etc (VCA is located inside that same main store in Toronto). They will sell to customers in the US - I asked for someone last time I was there a couple months ago. At the moment (unless things have changed) I dont believe there is a retailer or boutique in the US (I may be wrong). I do know Chaumet will ship directly from France to you in the US. I know ordering sight unseen can be a bit unnerving as pictures and real life can often be different. Im sure an SA would be willing to send you videos etc if you requested.
Dear BigAkoya,
I would like to know your opinions on Mikimoto pearls. I tried on the two strand pearl choker with the buckle today and found out that it costs more than vca 10 motif necklace. Is Mikimoto necklace worth the price?
Is a choker elegant when there is a tail dangling ? I tried on the boucle precieuse. Since I have small neck, there is quite a bit of dangle at the end. I think it's easier to match with my outfits as I can see the pearl clearly even worn with a shirt. I can see myself wearing it with casual and formal outfits.
What do you think about this necklace? I know I won't add 10 motif to my collection now after trying the Mikimoto, I quite like it. Not sure about the price and it's dangling tail though.
I would like to know your opinions on Mikimoto pearls. I tried on the two strand pearl choker with the buckle today and found out that it costs more than vca 10 motif necklace. Is Mikimoto necklace worth the price?
Is a choker elegant when there is a tail dangling ? I tried on the boucle precieuse. Since I have small neck, there is quite a bit of dangle at the end. I think it's easier to match with my outfits as I can see the pearl clearly even worn with a shirt. I can see myself wearing it with casual and formal outfits.
What do you think about this necklace? I know I won't add 10 motif to my collection now after trying the Mikimoto, I quite like it. Not sure about the price and it's dangling tail though.
Hi! Well, this is a complicated answer, but I will do my best to help you out.
Yes, Mikimoto can get very expensive. Of course, there are lower priced pieces, but for a fine strand, it's can get into serious money.
Is it worth it to me? Absolutely. I am sure you know by now I am a huge fan, and for pearls, I only buy Mikimoto.
I would say if you are looking for brand recognition on jewelry and want people to recognize it when you wear it, Mikimoto is not it. It is the most understated, no one really knows you are wearing Mikimoto. For some people, they will only spend big money on something that is brand recognizable. It's all preference.
So then why do I buy Mikimoto? I love pearls, and I buy Mikimoto because their pearls are amazing and top quality. Their akoya pearls glow like no other, they are like glass. Yes, I am sure one can go to a pearl dealer and get similar no name pearls, but for me, I also want the Mikimoto name as they are the reference. No one knows when I wear my pieces, and I never say anything. Jewelry is personal. I know, and that matters to me.
What I would recommend is you go to a store that carries Mikimoto.. The best would be if you can go to a Mikimoto boutique. Look at the strands and see their glow. Look at different sizes of the pearls, small and large. Akoya pearls will get exponentially expensive after 8.5mm becuse those large sizes are very rare. Ask to see large ones if you they hae it, the largest akoya is typically 9mm-9.5mm. There will only be a few of those strands due to its rarity. The price of those will be very high, some near $100K for a strand. I am not suggesting you look at these to buy. I am suggesting you look at these to see and understand akoya pearls and Mikimoto. Once you see the beauty, the glow, the perfection of each pearl, you will know if it's worth it to you, or not. Pearls are the only gemstone that is not shaped by man to create it's beauty. It comes out of the oyster shell as-is, you are seeing near perfection in nature. A Mikimoto strand is fully matched, super perfection. If you like what you see, now you know what to look for. Then look at sizes you like and your price point. The smaller pearls will glow just the same; they are just as beautiful. Seeing the larger size pearls helps to see the full beauty of a single pearl.
On your necklace, I think that necklace is very creative as you can also wear it as a bracelet. While creative, I think you will tire of it after a while. For me, I like classic pearl strands, and I wear them with everything... from shorts to suits. I would suggest you look at a single or double strand without the buckle. I think it is is more classic and more lasting.
You may also want to try on some earrings, maybe some simple studs. I think you may like them. I think pearls light up your face and make it glow. For me, if I could only keep one piece of jewelry, it would be one of my long Mikimoto strands.
I hope you can get to a store and look at the some pieces. You can then decide if Mikimoto is worth it to you, and if you want to start collecting.
I hope this was helpful. Good luck to you, and I hope you fall in love with Mikimoto.
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Thank you for your help.Hi! Well, this is a complicated answer, but I will do my best to help you out.
Yes, Mikimoto can get very expensive. Of course, there are lower priced pieces, but for a fine strand, it's can get into serious money.
Is it worth it to me? Absolutely. I am sure you know by now I am a huge fan, and for pearls, I only buy Mikimoto.
I would say if you are looking for brand recognition on jewelry and want people to recognize it when you wear it, Mikimoto is not it. It is the most understated, no one really knows you are wearing Mikimoto. For some people, they will only spend big money on something that is brand recognizable. It's all preference.
So then why do I buy Mikimoto? I love pearls, and I buy Mikimoto because their pearls are amazing and top quality. Their akoya pearls glow like no other, they are like glass. Yes, I am sure one can go to a pearl dealer and get similar no name pearls, but for me, I also want the Mikimoto name as they are the reference. No one knows when I wear my pieces, and I never say anything. Jewelry is personal. I know, and that matters to me.
What I would recommend is you go to a store that carries Mikimoto.. The best would be if you can go to a Mikimoto boutique. Look at the strands and see their glow. Look at different sizes of the pearls, small and large. Akoya pearls will get exponentially expensive after 8.5mm becuse those large sizes are very rare. Ask to see large ones if you they hae it, the largest akoya is typically 9mm-9.5mm. There will only be a few of those strands due to its rarity. The price of those will be very high, some near $100K for a strand. I am not suggesting you look at these to buy. I am suggesting you look at these to see and understand akoya pearls and Mikimoto. Once you see the beauty, the glow, the perfection of each pearl, you will know if it's worth it to you, or not. Pearls are the only gemstone that is not shaped by man to create it's beauty. It comes out of the oyster shell as-is, you are seeing near perfection in nature. A Mikimoto strand is fully matched, super perfection. If you like what you see, now you know what to look for. Then look at sizes you like and your price point. The smaller pearls will glow just the same; they are just as beautiful. Seeing the larger size pearls helps to see the full beauty of a single pearl.
On your necklace, I think that necklace is very creative as you can also wear it as a bracelet. While creative, I think you will tire of it after a while. For me, I like classic pearl strands, and I wear them with everything... from shorts to suits. I would suggest you look at a single or double strand without the buckle. I think it is is more classic and more lasting.
You may also want to try on some earrings, maybe some simple studs. I think you may like them. I think pearls light up your face and make it glow. For me, if I could only keep one piece of jewelry, it would be one of my long Mikimoto strands.
I hope you can get to a store and look at the some pieces. You can then decide if Mikimoto is worth it to you, and if you want to start collecting.
I hope this was helpful. Good luck to you, and I hope you fall in love with Mikimoto.
I walked pass their pop up store at a mall and immediately fell in love with this strand because all the pearls are in pink tone, it gives a warm glow. They also have pearls that are not in pink tone. I forgot to ask the grading of this particular strand.
I hope I can find a double strand that can be worn as a choker. I like a pearl choker than a necklace.
I tried on vca 10 motif many times and it does not work for me so when I know this pearl choker might work, I was surprised.
You are already a connoisseur as your eye saw the different pearl tones. Yes, pearls typically come in two overtones, Mikimoto calls them Rose Overtone or Silver Overtone. It's preference as to what you want. You already know about grade levels, so you can decide what grade you like. I want to point out, whatever grade you decide, all Mikimoto pearls are already at the top 5% of quality pearls. There is no average or bad Mikimoto strand; all are top notch.
On the choker length, I really love chokers too. At one point, I was thinking of getting jumbo size pearls and wearing them as a tight choker, like Wilma Flinstone.
I think chokers are gorgeous, and a double-strand choker would be beautiful. You can also wear it with many outfits, casual and dressy. It can look elegant or goth, depending on your outfit, versatile. As FYI, if you find a strand you like but it needs to be shortened to make a choker (I have a thin neck, and I recall you said you do too), you can always take those extra pearls and make a bracelet. All you need to do is buy a few extra inches of loose pearls needed to make a 7" bracelet (Mikimoto will match the pearls for you). Then, buy the clasp, the M charm, and poof... now you have a bracelet. More importantly, you are not wasting those extra pearls. Just a thought in case you decide to customize the length of your pearl necklace.
I am glad you finally found a short necklace you like. Good luck pearl shopping! I am so excited for you!
This description makes me want to run out and buy Mikomoto pearls! I have a bunch of Pearl strands but I just don’t find the style works for me most days. However I do wear my Pearl earrings, non studs, and would love to upgrade from my cheap market pairs. Will add Mikomoto to my shops to look through in 2022.Hi! Well, this is a complicated answer, but I will do my best to help you out.
Yes, Mikimoto can get very expensive. Of course, there are lower priced pieces, but for a fine strand, it's can get into serious money.
Is it worth it to me? Absolutely. I am sure you know by now I am a huge fan, and for pearls, I only buy Mikimoto.
I would say if you are looking for brand recognition on jewelry and want people to recognize it when you wear it, Mikimoto is not it. It is the most understated, no one really knows you are wearing Mikimoto. For some people, they will only spend big money on something that is brand recognizable. It's all preference.
So then why do I buy Mikimoto? I love pearls, and I buy Mikimoto because their pearls are amazing and top quality. Their akoya pearls glow like no other, they are like glass. Yes, I am sure one can go to a pearl dealer and get similar no name pearls, but for me, I also want the Mikimoto name as they are the reference. No one knows when I wear my pieces, and I never say anything. Jewelry is personal. I know, and that matters to me.
What I would recommend is you go to a store that carries Mikimoto.. The best would be if you can go to a Mikimoto boutique. Look at the strands and see their glow. Look at different sizes of the pearls, small and large. Akoya pearls will get exponentially expensive after 8.5mm becuse those large sizes are very rare. Ask to see large ones if you they hae it, the largest akoya is typically 9mm-9.5mm. There will only be a few of those strands due to its rarity. The price of those will be very high, some near $100K for a strand. I am not suggesting you look at these to buy. I am suggesting you look at these to see and understand akoya pearls and Mikimoto. Once you see the beauty, the glow, the perfection of each pearl, you will know if it's worth it to you, or not. Pearls are the only gemstone that is not shaped by man to create it's beauty. It comes out of the oyster shell as-is, you are seeing near perfection in nature. A Mikimoto strand is fully matched, super perfection. If you like what you see, now you know what to look for. Then look at sizes you like and your price point. The smaller pearls will glow just the same; they are just as beautiful. Seeing the larger size pearls helps to see the full beauty of a single pearl.
On your necklace, I think that necklace is very creative as you can also wear it as a bracelet. While creative, I think you will tire of it after a while. For me, I like classic pearl strands, and I wear them with everything... from shorts to suits. I would suggest you look at a single or double strand without the buckle. I think it is is more classic and more lasting.
You may also want to try on some earrings, maybe some simple studs. I think you may like them. I think pearls light up your face and make it glow. For me, if I could only keep one piece of jewelry, it would be one of my long Mikimoto strands.
I hope you can get to a store and look at the some pieces. You can then decide if Mikimoto is worth it to you, and if you want to start collecting.
I hope this was helpful. Good luck to you, and I hope you fall in love with Mikimoto.
D
Deleted member 626500
Pearls are wonderful and like @BigAkoya, I'm a huge fan.
I've seen the pink tone--that's characteristic Mikimoto, and they're very beautiful. Just make sure the pink is complimentary to your skin tone.
Pearls have an overtone and an undertone. The more you look, the more you'll see and understand and the more strands and colors you try the better idea you'll have of what looks good on you. This is where a dealer such as Mikimoto with a huge assortment is a plus.
Finally, if it's pearls that spark joy, I say forget VCA and buy the pearls. It sounds like you love the choker with the buckle. If you buy what speaks to you, you'll wear it over and over, you'll never regret the purchase and you'll certainly get your money's worth, e.g., cost per use. I say go for the pearls and later, if you want, you could fill in with something VCA. My guess though, that once you start with pearls, you may well end up with more strands, they're that wonderful.
Please let us know what you decide.
For MOP, I always like the ones with pink tone. So when I saw this double strand, I thought it's special.
I have tried on 10 motif for many times and it doesn't work well with my wardrobe. I had no idea a chocker works for me. Now I have tried on the choker and I realized a choker is all I need. I have long given up on vca 10 motif.
Here is the tricky part, I have some store credit in vca and somehow I couldn't find something from there that I am happy with. That's how I can't take action to have this mikimoto choker yet because the fund is in vca now. Of course I could still purchase it if I ignored the fact that I need to care for my safety net - the emergency fund but I will never touch it unless it's real life emergency. I have to and always watch out my spending, so I can't have vca now and can't have mikimoto choker neither.
I tried on cosmos MOP earrings in small size and it's way too big. If I am to purchase the choker, I would choose a single pendant necklace to layer underneath it. And maybe a pair of small or sweet vca earrings. I want the choker to be the center stage. Maybe I like mikimoto Pearl so much that I might consider their dangle pearl earrings. Alas, I discovered the choker way too late. I wish I could retrieve the fund from vca.
I hope you can get to a Mikimoto boutique to see the collections and pieces. In the U.S., local jewelers carry Mikimoto, but they only have a very very small selection, usually a few earrings and few strands. If you can go to a Mikimoto boutique, they have a lot more pieces. NYC just remodeled their boutique earlier this summer, and it's very nice (although in my opinion they made the process far too formal). Vegas is nice too (a lot of long strands), but the bomb is Ginza. I have not been to Tokyo in a while, so I have not seen it in person since they remodeled (only in photos). If you are near Tokyo, it would be worth a hop over to visit it.
By the way, now that you are loving bold rings... pearls go great with big, over the top rings. Pearls glow, they pack a punch and make a statement, but they are a nice balance to let the ring take center stage. I think I posted photos of my Lotus and pearl bracelets earlier. Your Lotus and Noeud
would look great with pearls... a perfect complement to blingy diamonds. 
I hope you fall in love with Mikimoto too!
I like in HK, land of expensive boutiques. I think we have 7 VCA boutiques here. Just looked up Mikimoto and there appears to be 7 locations. Would looooooove to get to Japan but no way we can travel anytime soon with our crazy quarentine requirementsI hope you can get to a Mikimoto boutique to see the collections and pieces. In the U.S., local jewelers carry Mikimoto, but they only have a very very small selection, usually a few earrings and few strands. If you can go to a Mikimoto boutique, they have a lot more pieces. NYC just remodeled their boutique earlier this summer, and it's very nice (although in my opinion they made the process far too formal). Vegas is nice too (a lot of long strands), but the bomb is Ginza. I have not been to Tokyo in a while, so I have not seen it in person since they remodeled (only in photos). If you are near Tokyo, it would be worth a hop over to visit it.
By the way, now that you are loving bold rings... pearls go great with big, over the top rings. Pearls glow, they pack a punch and make a statement, but they are a nice balance to let the ring take center stage. I think I posted photos of my Lotus and pearl bracelets earlier. Your Lotus and Noeud
I hope you fall in love with Mikimoto too!
. Have to manage with what is here or what I can import in for now. Will let you know once I get to try some pieces!
@nightbefore you are too kind, I am definitely not an expert on pearls, just obsessed with them so I try to learn as much as I can.
@eletons The Cosmos would be nice with pearls, but as you said, they are big. I don't think they will go with the choker as the pearls in the choker are 5mm creating more a delicate look. I think the thick Cosmo MOP would overpower the choker. Plus, the buckle theme and Cosmos flower theme might not work together. If you decide to get a classic double strand (no buckle) and larger pearls (maybe 7mm?), I think Cosmos would look beautiful with it. In some photos, Cosmos looks similar in size to Frivole small, but in real life, Cosmos looks bigger. The reason is Cosmos is thicker and looks much bolder given the design. Of the three similar styles, to me, I find Cosmos has the largest presence, then Frivole, then Lotus.
I actually love the look of Cosmos (I tried on the RG MOP earrings). The design is beautiful, the MOP leaves are convex/rounded, like a cabochon, not flat like an Alhambra motif. The MOP then has more depth and a natural inner deep glow which is very beautiful. The one thing I do not like about Cosmos is the bezel, especially in a WG piece. I can't seem to get over the bezel which is why I have not purhased Cosmos WG. I have stared at so many Cosmos WG pieces, and my eye first goes to that darn bezel.
If I were a RG lover, Cosmos MOP in RG would be it! Cosmos MOP RG is stunning to me. Should you ever consider Cosmos, pay attention to the bezel and see if that matters to you. Since you have a credit at VCA, I think a pair of earrings is a good idea. I would save anything on the neck (choker, pendant) until you have decided if you want VCA or pearls. For earrings, as you said, maybe the VA or sweet. Since you had issues with your Frivole earrings, I think you may want to think about the thickness and tightness of the post to get them adjusted as my guess is the VA earrings will be the same (I had to adjust all my VCA earrings).
If you decide on Sweets, my two cents on the Sweets post... Sweets has La Pousette backs. I am a klutz and cannot work with squeezing those La Pousette backs. It takes me 10 minutes to put them on, and that's after I've dropped the backing at least two times!
You may be much more skilled, but as an option, VCA will switch out the backs for you to regular posts. Actually, my SA recently told me VCA will switch out the ear clips in VA earrings to regular posts also, so just FYI. The upside to having credit is now you can go through the VCA website and plan your next piece! You don't need to save or wait as the "money is there!"
I am sure you will find a VCA piece you love. Good luck to you.