Easing my sadness with a new pearl

[blingmeupscotty]

Sweet iridescence willy wonka! that is scrumdidiliumtious!!! <3

 

[katbran]

Frankly I think it should be drilled . It’s a small pearl and a cage will hide the fabulous colour. Plus rattling around in fixed metal isn’t going to do it good in the long run. I’d drill and use as a pendant. Get a lesser , but nice, for a bracelet dangle.!

 

[yssie]

@lovedogs Do you have the pearl in hand right now?

 

[yssie]

Here are pics in "bad" lighting (I asked Andrew to show me what happens when the light isn't ideal, so this is the pearl looking "bad"). Basically in poor lighting it looks metallic gold rather than the multicolor metallic. Still super nice!

I do want to point out one thing... For others who might see this thread. I hope it's okay to do that here.

These photos are still quite flattering in terms of both lighting and angle. Neither show the pearl at its actual #worst. It's a beautiful pearl so worst is relative, but all pearls are little changelings!

1. It's cloudy outside and the second photo was taken in diffuse light (behind closed blinds). Both of these environments create a "pseudo-lightbox" - whilst overtones aren't highlighted in either photo, they aren't exactly being suppressed, either. Truly unflattering lighting can be achieved with (A) bright direct sunlight (not going to happen for a lot of people in December!) and/or (B) taking the photo with flash. Flash is actually extremely useful when judging pairs - it's the most unflattering-to-matching lighting type I've found, so it highlights disparities and you can judge how good a match is by how minimal the disparity is.

2. I will be forthright: All the vendor photos/video shared in this thread were taken from the perspective of the top of this paintjob (or very similar). We can see that this is how the pearl is oriented relative to the lightsource from the photos - and this camera/pearl/lightsource orientation is why the phone reflection looks so black/contrasty in all these vendor pictures.


To see body colour and to get a better idea of discrepencies between pearls you'll want to ask for photos with the bottom orientation - and be sure to specify that the camera shadow should not fall on the pearl being photographed!

Here are a couple of quick snaps I took for a friend a few days ago. This photo is from the top orientation:


And this photo is from the bottom orientation - taking care not to let the camera shadow fall on the pearls:



And in this thread I explain why configuration of pearl relative to camera and light source is SO important. That top orientation doesn't just flatter all pearls, it actually minimizes differences in luster/contrastiness between superp and mediocre pearls. It makes all pearls look fantastic!

PSA: Request pearl comparison photos in multiple lighting environments

Another PSer requested more explanation on something I brought up in another thread, and I think it's a topic that's important enough to merit its own PSA. When buying pearls - once we've accounted for oyster type, size, shape, and colour, luster (and iridescence is often lumped into the term...

www.pricescope.com

I'm definitely not suggesting that folks request a series of photos with twenty degree variance like I took in that thread I linked. But if ALL vendor photos have been taken in basically the same way, then we know that that orientation highlights one characteristic (luster/contrastiness) at the expense of cataloguing other behaviours, and if you're working with a specialty vendor (ie. Not Takahashi!) then asking for additional photos taken in a different orientation is in my opinion a very reasonble request.

 

[Weecam]

Wow beautiful pearl. Can’t wait to see what you create with it.

 

[lovedogs]

@lovedogs Do you have the pearl in hand right now?

Nope, not yet. But you make great points and I think its super important to keep in mind!

 

[yssie]

I think it’s a really pretty pearl and I hope you love it when you see it! But I did want to highlight the fact that it’ll look different - yet another face! - in sunlight or under flash. Pearls are just so hard to capture without a ton of photos, seeing in-person is 100% the best way to judge!!!

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks @yssie !! Yeah, I am excited to see it IRL! I also should have been more clear about what I meant by "worst" lighting. I didnt mean "ugliest", but rather "worst for seeing multiple colors" since thats the overall look I want. I definitely should have chosen different words Haha

 

[yssie]

Saw this and thought of you!!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I love that, the colour is amazing ❤ not a GSS girl but dang. Perhaps I need to rethink my stance..

isnt that the whole point of this community

 

[michellechan2211]

isnt that the whole point of this community

Yes but my wallet is shaking in fear

 

[autumngems]

Stunning pearl!!

 

[Cinders]

When is your pearl supposed to arrive @lovedogs ? (I'm eagerly awaiting its arrival as if it were my own pearl!)

 

[lovedogs]

When is your pearl supposed to arrive @lovedogs ? (I'm eagerly awaiting its arrival as if it were my own pearl!)

Lol, tomorrow!!!

 

[lovedogs]

Its here and its magical. Andrew's pics were spot on and his video was perfect. I am particularly thrilled because I have yet to find any light where it looks "only gold" or "pure gold" , which is something I wanted to avoid.

My pics are terrible but I was attempting to show different lighting.

The pearl has either green or pink overtones depending on which side you look at.

Indoor room lighting, natural light from window behind/above me:


Against my dark blue/grey shirt


Next to my baby blues from cees


Next to a window (to my left) as the sun was going down. Next to a silver ring holder.



No natural light, just LEDs above me.



Next to my 22k band

I'm definitely leaning towars silver for the setting because I don't want it to look pure gold, and I think next to the 22k gold band is when it's the "most" gold

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

Its here and its magical. Andrew's pics were spot on and his video was perfect. I am particularly thrilled because I have yet to find any light where it looks "only gold" or "pure gold" , which is something I wanted to avoid.

My pics are terrible but I was attempting to show different lighting.

The pearl has either green or pink overtones depending on which side you look at.

Indoor room lighting, natural light from window behind/above me:


Against my dark blue/grey shirt


Next to my baby blues from cees


Next to a window (to my left) as the sun was going down. Next to a silver ring holder.



No natural light, just LEDs above me.



Next to my 22k band

I'm definitely leaning towars silver for the setting because I don't want it to look pure gold, and I think next to the 22k gold band is when it's the "most" gold

Omg GORGEOUS!!! I want it!! I wanna eat it haha

 

[yssie]

Beautiful!! And I'm SO glad you love it!! I think "Magical" is about the highest praise a pearl could ever earn

Something with three gold colours - white and yellow and pink - would be amazing!! Highlight both the purple and the green

What do you think of the Paspaley Kimberley collection? If you're still thinking about how you want to set it - you could also do a full bead bracelet with beads of other materials! Onyx, or clear drilled quartz, or even a dark wood with white and pink and gold beads...

Kimberley Pearls From Paspaley - Sandalwood Pearl Bracelets

Inspired by the rugged beauty of the Kimberley, this collection features beautiful sandalwood and hand-selected Paspaley pearls.

www.paspaley.com

 

[CMN]

Beautiful.

 

[Cinders]

Yay!!!! I have been waiting all day for your update!!! I'm thrilled you love it!

 

[Cinders]

Would you describe the overtones as strongly colored? I've been on a fruitless quest for an amazing pearl with tons of different colors---I just need something fabulous!!

Or, does anyone else have other suggestions for one (or two) spectacular pearls??

 

[lovedogs]

Would you describe the overtones as strongly colored? I've been on a fruitless quest for an amazing pearl with tons of different colors---I just need something fabulous!!

Or, does anyone else have other suggestions for one (or two) spectacular pearls??

Hmm. I'm not 100% sure how strong I would describe the overtones, but I can say that I haven't found any lighting where I can only see gold. So my guess is that it is "strong".


However, if you want a pearl with multiple overt colors (vs an overtone), I'd probably look at baroque or mabe Pearls. Despite my nightmare w the sea of cortez baroque jewelry, I've stayed on the lookout for loose pearls that I can get set locally. Found 3 on ebay from a trusted pearl vendor and took some pics w the new pearl. These have OVERT rainbow colors, but obviously it's a trade off bc they are mabes shapes and less lustrous. The gold pearl has MIRROR luster. Like I could see details of the room clearly in the reflection.

 

[Cinders]

Hmm. I'm not 100% sure how strong I would describe the overtones, but I can say that I haven't found any lighting where I can only see gold. So my guess is that it is "strong".


However, if you want a pearl with multiple overt colors (vs an overtone), I'd probably look at baroque or mabe Pearls. Despite my nightmare w the sea of cortez baroque jewelry, I've stayed on the lookout for loose pearls that I can get set locally. Found 3 on ebay from a trusted pearl vendor and took some pics w the new pearl. These have OVERT rainbow colors, but obviously it's a trade off bc they are mabes shapes and less lustrous. The gold pearl has MIRROR luster. Like I could see details of the room clearly in the reflection.

Those are lovely! Would you mind sharing the name of the vendor?

Of all the pearls you've seen in the last few months which ones were most impressive? (Even if you ended up returning them.)

Thanks!

I am really excited about your new gold south sea!

 

[lovedogs]

Those are lovely! Would you mind sharing the name of the vendor?

Of all the pearls you've seen in the last few months which ones were most impressive? (Even if you ended up returning them.)

Thanks!

I am really excited about your new gold south sea!

To be fair, the only legit nice Pearls I've ever seen were in the past few months lol. I think definitely the babies from Cees are the most easily wearable, but not my favorites when compared to Andrew's or the sea of cortez ones.

I think the really high quality sea of cortez ones they hand picked for me were the most *wow* when I opened the box, which is why I was SO irritated and disappointed with the disastrous quality of the jewelry itself, and even sadder that they couldnt unset the pearls for me and send them back. The SoC I just bought from Ebay were from Druzy Design, but the 3 I got were the only AAA quality he had listed. I think the nicest one I got from him is close to the ones the pearl farm picked out for me. The other 2 from him are very nice, but not *as nice* in terms of the multicolors.

The pearl from Andrew is truly unique and definitely the highest quality pearl I've ever seen IRL. My guess is that 99.9% of people would prefer his to any of the mabes I had/have, but my heart is with rainbows so for me the mabes are my #1 (but its damn close between them).

 

[Cinders]

To be fair, the only legit nice Pearls I've ever seen were in the past few months lol. I think definitely the babies from Cees are the most easily wearable, but not my favorites when compared to Andrew's or the sea of cortez ones.

I think the really high quality sea of cortez ones they hand picked for me were the most *wow* when I opened the box, which is why I was SO irritated and disappointed with the disastrous quality of the jewelry itself, and even sadder that they couldnt unset the pearls for me and send them back. The SoC I just bought from Ebay were from Druzy Design, but the 3 I got were the only AAA quality he had listed. I think the nicest one I got from him is close to the ones the pearl farm picked out for me. The other 2 from him are very nice, but not *as nice* in terms of the multicolors.

The pearl from Andrew is truly unique and definitely the highest quality pearl I've ever seen IRL. My guess is that 99.9% of people would prefer his to any of the mabes I had/have, but my heart is with rainbows so for me the mabes are my #1 (but its damn close between them).

Thank you---that is very helpful! Pearls are so hard to decipher online. Adding international shopping & communication into the mix and everything gets even trickier.

It is such a shame that you couldn't get your original SoC pearls. They really were beautiful.

 

[lovedogs]

@yssie I love your thought about something w 3 colors of gold! I'm not a huge fan of that paspaley collection (I like it in theory, but in practice the only combo I really like is w the darkest wood). But I love that they are so creative in their designs! Spanning from more 'casual' to extremely fancy is a hard task, and they seem to have mastered it!

 

[lovedogs]

Thank you---that is very helpful! Pearls are so hard to decipher online. Adding international shopping & communication into the mix and everything gets even trickier.

It is such a shame that you couldn't get your original SoC pearls. They really were beautiful.

Exactly! It's so tough. But definitely reach out to Andrew describing the types of things/colors you like. He is so honest, straightforward, and truly clear about the pros and cons of each pearl. I am consistently impressed w him in all of our interactions.

 

[Cinders]

I will definitely keep that in mind, @lovedogs . Thank you & I hope you enjoy your amazing pearls!!

 

[lovedogs]

I will definitely keep that in mind, @lovedogs . Thank you & I hope you enjoy your amazing pearls!!

Feel free to contact me on LT If you ever want advise / info on SoC mabes. I'm certainly not an expert on most pearls like yssie, but have done an embarrassing amount of looking at those particular pearls haha.

 

[Crystal_Dreams]

It’s beautiful so glad you love it and it has found a good home!! Can’t wait to see what you decide to do with it

 

[Cinders]

Feel free to contact me on LT If you ever want advise / info on SoC mabes. I'm certainly not an expert on most pearls like yssie, but have done an embarrassing amount of looking at those particular pearls haha.

Thank you, that is very kind! I very well may take you up on that offer! I love the SoC pearls but they are not the easiest to research.