Necklace question

[newbie76]

Hi Folks -

I had a question for people... I'm looking to (quickly) get a pearl necklace for my wife... is it better (investment/fashion) to get something like a strand of traditional pearls (e.g. cultured, fresh water, etc...) and get a string, or to buy something like a single conch "pearl" and have it as a pendant type? i.e. if I have, say $2000 and can buy 1 nice conch pearl and make it into a necklace, is that better than buying a string of pearls?

 

[naria]

I don't think either one is better. They are just different choices. If your wife is more traditional, I might go with a strand of pearls. If she is less traditional, a pendant (either conch or something else) with a setting you feel fits your wife's personality might be best.

Another question to ask yourself, is when do you foresee her wearing her new treasure? Conch pearls are very susceptible to UV light so they should only be worn after dark to maintain the color of the pearl for as long as possible. Otherwise, they are known to bleach. Other types of pearls are not as affected by sunlight so might be more appropriate if she would wear it during the day.

If it were me, with a $2000 budget I might get her a nice Tahitian strand from one of the online sellers. It is somewhat traditional because it is a strand of pearls, but less traditional than white pearls. Tahitian strands come in either single color strands or multicolor. The later being even less traditional than the former. Anyways, I got mine from Jose at http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/tahitian_pearl_necklaces.htm . He has a larger stock than appears on the website so it is worthwhile to email him other forum members have said. Others have also had good luck with PP tahitians as well as from other well respected sellers you will find throughout this forum.

 

[misskittycat]

What is her style like? Is she a modern, quirky dresser or more traditional? And can you give us an age range? If she's youngish she is more likely to prefer a pendant or some modern style pearls. If it's a significant birthday or anniversary present, something more classic might be appropriate.

Pearls are very personal, I would say. I wouldn't be all that impressed if my husband bought me an 18 inch strand of 8mm akoyas. Totally not my style, no matter how pretty they are. These, on the other hand, are totally my style: http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/south-sea-pearl-necklace/freeform-baroque-south-sea-pearl-necklace-wnme.htm

Or these: http://www.pearlparadise.com/18inch-AA-94-to-115-mm-Drop-White-South-Sea-Pearl-Necklace3497.aspx

Have you talked to her about what she likes - or maybe get her best friend to sound her out? It's a large investment to make I'd say so it would be great to get her something she'd love!

Hope that helps a bit

 

[seaurchin]

I don't think I'd get such a speciality item as a conch pearl unless I knew she specifically wanted it. To most people, it would probably not look like much. They wouldn't even know what it was so, it would not have the showy-offy fun.

I think it is hard to go wrong with the basic nice white akoyas. Most people are not pearlies like us on these boards. They might even think the baroque tahitians/south seas looked cheap or like there was something wrong with them because they're not round, haha. It seems most ladies get the classics first. If they go on to be really into pearls, that's when they branch out.

Assuming she is not familiar with pearls and not on the edgy, hippy side, I think something like this is a great bet. Akoyas are so mirror-like and lovely! I would be careful to check the return policy (also, any customization beyond choices offered on the page may affect returnability):

http://www.pearlparadise.com/7580-mm-White-Akoya-Pearl-Necklace--2605.aspx
AAA quality, 7.5-8mm, 18 inch- $1,400

http://www.pearlparadise.com/8590-mm-White-Akoya-Pearl-Stud-Earrings261.aspx
AAA quality, 8.5-9.0- $300

The pearl size is nice, noticeable. I believe 18 inch is the most popular length. Earrings a size up pop more, in my opinion, rather than having that standard "just another pearl from the strand" look. I would go for rose/silver overtone and choose whichever metal goes with her wedding rings, white or yellow gold.

That's what I would choose, unless there were other factors, like above or like the others have mentioned. Let us know what you get!

 

[NacreLover]

He already purchased something.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/where-is-the-best-place-to-buy-pearls-in-toronto.185324/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/where-is-the-best-place-to-buy-pearls-in-toronto.185324/[/URL]

 

[seaurchin]

Oh, good choice!