enbcfsobe
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2007
- Messages
- 1,154
So...after a lot of browsing and reading I bought some keshi pearls online from a vendor that has been used by folks on PS before. I was lusting after the silver-blue color of the akoyas from PP, but wanted some funky shapes and a more casual look. I found 2 strands of silver-blue keshi listed at 8-12mm, 2 16" strands, and after much agonizing over whether to buy these or just go for some of the more common metallic or pastel keshi strands I went ahead and ordered. Getting ahead of myself a bit, I also ordered beader's secret in 2 colors (Mist & Sky) from Pattye and needles, as well as a shortener clasp from an etsy findings vendor. All but the last have now arrived. Plan is to make an endless 35-36" strand out of two 16" strands and then use the shortener to give options for doubling.
But, I am learning how complicated it is to buy pearls online, and realizing that maybe I should have asked for more advice before ordering The pearls were not listed with a grade, and perhaps I should have asked more questions. I am happy overall with the color -- it is more silver than blue, but has some lovely overtones in blues and purples. The majority of the pearls seem to be high luster or maybe even metallic (I think, but I'm no expert!). I will say, however, that I was surprised at 2 things -- (1) the difference in surface quality between the 2 strands and (2) the seriousness of some of the surface blemishes. The color and size were pretty accurate to the pics, but the blemishes were not apparent. I have a 7 day return period (they arrived yesterday). I paid around $50 per strand including shipping. This is around the same cost as what look like quite nice white/metallic keshi from some recommended vendors, though the recent etsy find by crickett sells keshi of similar size for substantially less (though shipping/returns to/from China are not convenient to me at all).
There do not seem to be any similar color pearls available anywhere, and while am a little disappointed with the surfaces of some, I am still leaning toward keeping them. I did want to figure out whether I grossly overpaid and should return or whether the variation I am seeing is typical in keshi/baroque pearls, and also to gather suggestions for what to do with the less attractive pearls (leave them out and lose the length? wire-wrap them into earrings?). Probably 6-8 of the pearls have pretty obvious issues that surprised me a bit. See pics below and thanks in advance for your thoughts!!
ETA: these are all iphone pics, sorry!
In diffuse sunlight (by window in PM, sun on other side of house)
Some seem quite lustrous and blue
Others seem to have white splotches that aren't lustrous at all (is this what is meant by chalky?); probably 2-4 have larger areas of this
This is a better example of a dull white area
A few have a pinhole, which doesn't bother me so much (should it?)
(These are under the overhead lights after sundown)
This shows one with pretty purple reflections but an odd white dull spot on the "horn" at the top
This was the most troubling -- it has a huge cavity that is dull and kindof icky looking
Another good picture of a white dull splotch
But, I am learning how complicated it is to buy pearls online, and realizing that maybe I should have asked for more advice before ordering The pearls were not listed with a grade, and perhaps I should have asked more questions. I am happy overall with the color -- it is more silver than blue, but has some lovely overtones in blues and purples. The majority of the pearls seem to be high luster or maybe even metallic (I think, but I'm no expert!). I will say, however, that I was surprised at 2 things -- (1) the difference in surface quality between the 2 strands and (2) the seriousness of some of the surface blemishes. The color and size were pretty accurate to the pics, but the blemishes were not apparent. I have a 7 day return period (they arrived yesterday). I paid around $50 per strand including shipping. This is around the same cost as what look like quite nice white/metallic keshi from some recommended vendors, though the recent etsy find by crickett sells keshi of similar size for substantially less (though shipping/returns to/from China are not convenient to me at all).
There do not seem to be any similar color pearls available anywhere, and while am a little disappointed with the surfaces of some, I am still leaning toward keeping them. I did want to figure out whether I grossly overpaid and should return or whether the variation I am seeing is typical in keshi/baroque pearls, and also to gather suggestions for what to do with the less attractive pearls (leave them out and lose the length? wire-wrap them into earrings?). Probably 6-8 of the pearls have pretty obvious issues that surprised me a bit. See pics below and thanks in advance for your thoughts!!
ETA: these are all iphone pics, sorry!
In diffuse sunlight (by window in PM, sun on other side of house)
Some seem quite lustrous and blue
Others seem to have white splotches that aren't lustrous at all (is this what is meant by chalky?); probably 2-4 have larger areas of this
This is a better example of a dull white area
A few have a pinhole, which doesn't bother me so much (should it?)
(These are under the overhead lights after sundown)
This shows one with pretty purple reflections but an odd white dull spot on the "horn" at the top
This was the most troubling -- it has a huge cavity that is dull and kindof icky looking
Another good picture of a white dull splotch