New to pearls educational help needed

[D&T]

Hi Guys, well my first posting question here on the pearl side and I don't know much about pearls, I have just one of each pearl earrings, pendant bought oooh so long ago when I used to work at department store, so not sure if they were the greatest quality, but I sure love them its been 12 years since I last bought pearls, and now I'm looking for a simple pendant like pictured, but hope you all can give me some additional feedback and what if this is a yay or nay. price seems very reasonable. Feedback fantastic. and the color looks awesome. I really like the pinkish/lavender color but not sure what I need to know before buying?


ETA: its only $22 so what can go wrong right?

but I don't want some plastic fake though
TIA

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310159906275&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[Streeter1]

It seems like a fantastic deal, especially if it truly 18k. The gold alone could coat you $22.

 

[cellentani]

Hi D&T - nice to see you over here too! The auction picture looks lovely, but I would have some concerns. It doesn''t state anywhere on the auction that the pearl is natural, or if the color is natural. Dyed pearls are very common. Also, the bale looks very thin - you could always have it replaced, but it would cost you double or triple the price of that pendant. Try asking the seller if the pearl is freshwater and of natural color, and see what she says.

I''ve been looking for a pendant too, and if I find anything, I''ll let you know!

 

[D&T]

Thank you Streeter1 - you are right on the gold portion of it.

Cellentani - I was afraid of it being dyed was one of my concerns. I'm ok with the thin bale as I like dainty things anyways. I wanted a simple pendant with a nice color in this color range not the Ivory since I already have one. But I guess I can ask them about the dyes, and I hope they are honest about it

ETA: maybe it is dyed becuase he seems to have multiple of this auction? not saying that it can't be natural but to have a listing for multiple items of the same color - idk- just rambling but I'll double check

 

[Indylady]

Is that seller reputable? I see that their feedback is 100 percent, and Chuyun Jewellry's prices are great, but I'm not really feelin' it.


The seller doesn't show you side views of the studs that he sells...I think this is a little sketchy; I've ordered a lot of cheapie studs, to find that the posts are really really poorly glued on and there's no 'cup' to hold the pearl at all, and the posts eventually end up falling out. They also have a lot of 'stock' photos and multiples on hand, and while this isn't necessarily bad, pearls are organic and often look different, so unless I really trusted the seller to have great quality pearls and an excellent return policy, I wouldn't buy a piece that I couldn't see an actual photo of.

$22 dollars isn't a huge waste, and you might discover an excellent seller by taking the risk, but if it were me, I would probably go with someone with a reputation, like Pearllunar on Ebay or Pearl Paradise.

ETA: Good to see you over here D&T!

I had a thread a while ago about a single pearl I bought from Pearl Paradise, a AAA half drilled 9-10mm Freshwater with incredible orient for about $18. I was trying to set it into a pendant just like the one you pictured, but it proved harder than I expected.

 

[D&T]

Date: 8/6/2009 10:05:55 PM
Author: szh07
Is that seller reputable? I see that their feedback is 100 percent, and Chuyun Jewellry''s prices are great, but I''m not really feelin'' it.


The seller doesn''t show you side views of the studs that he sells...I think this is a little sketchy; I''ve ordered a lot of cheapie studs, to find that the posts are really really poorly glued on and there''s no ''cup'' to hold the pearl at all, and the posts eventually end up falling out. They also have a lot of ''stock'' photos and multiples on hand, and while this isn''t necessarily bad, pearls are organic and often look different, so unless I really trusted the seller to have great quality pearls and an excellent return policy, I wouldn''t buy a piece that I couldn''t see an actual photo of.

$22 dollars isn''t a huge waste, and you might discover an excellent seller by taking the risk, but if it were me, I would probably go with someone with a reputation, like Pearllunar on Ebay or Pearl Paradise.

ETA: Good to see you over here D&T!

I had a thread a while ago about a single pearl I bought from Pearl Paradise, a AAA half drilled 9-10mm Freshwater with incredible orient for about $18. I was trying to set it into a pendant just like the one you pictured, but it proved harder than I expected.

Yeah, I''m a bit hesitant because of the highlighted, so I should just go with my gut instinct, I''m afraid of the "glued" on look lol... even if it''s only $22, I don''t want to keep wasting $20 here and there since I can''t see these in person and returning with the postage would be ridiculous anyways only to find a good one and out $300 later kwim

. I''ll check on the other vendor you suggested.

 

[Indylady]

So you are looking for a round, simple, non-white pendant?

I just looked at Pearllunar linky and they don''t seem to have a lot of pendants.

I''m definitely on the boat with you about not throwing out $20! It really starts to add up and you end up with a lot of things you never end up wearing often.

 

[D&T]

I had a thread a while ago about a single pearl I bought from Pearl Paradise, a AAA half drilled 9-10mm Freshwater with incredible orient for about $18. I was trying to set it into a pendant just like the one you pictured, but it proved harder than I expected.

szh07 - I forgot to ask you on this, how come its hard to put into a pendant? I saw a LOGR ring for a pearl mount, and wondered how that works?

ETA: thanks for the link, I'll save them to my seller list as well

 

[D&T]

I just got word back from the seller that they are natural and not dyed...

 

[D&T]

arggh- I just took a leap of faith and just bought it...lol I really like the color from the photo- if it doesn't work out, I'm sure my DDs will love them

 

[cellentani]

Keeping my fingers crossed that your pearl will be surprisingly beautiful. I hope you post pics when you get it - oh wait, you''re a CS forum girl, of course you''ll post pics!

 

[Streeter1]

Date: 8/6/2009 10:47:49 PM
Author: D&T
I just got word back from the seller that they are natural and not dyed...

The seller is being honest with you about the color. That color is one of the most common freshwater pearl colors produced naturally. If it looks like the picture, it certainly isn''t dyed. Hopefully the bale is not too flimsy and really is 18k!

 

[D&T]

Date: 8/7/2009 10:23:25 AM
Author: cellentani
Keeping my fingers crossed that your pearl will be surprisingly beautiful. I hope you post pics when you get it - oh wait, you''re a CS forum girl, of course you''ll post pics!

I sure will post pictures, I might just have to take some pictures of my only other two pearlies too...lol

 

[D&T]

Date: 8/7/2009 10:24:18 AM
Author: Streeter1

Date: 8/6/2009 10:47:49 PM
Author: D&T
I just got word back from the seller that they are natural and not dyed...

The seller is being honest with you about the color. That color is one of the most common freshwater pearl colors produced naturally. If it looks like the picture, it certainly isn''t dyed. Hopefully the bale is not too flimsy and really is 18k!

Streeter! I appreciate your reconfirm....whew! I don''t look at a lot of pearls as you can tell, I wish I would have paid more attention when I went through a Pearl jewelry shop in Hawaii - I can''t even remember the name, it was one of the largest too (back then I wasn''t too much into jewelery)- well I''m keeping my out now

 

[cushioncutnut]

Date: 8/7/2009 10:55:49 AM
Author: D&T

Date: 8/7/2009 10:24:18 AM
Author: Streeter1

Date: 8/6/2009 10:47:49 PM
Author: D&T
I just got word back from the seller that they are natural and not dyed...

The seller is being honest with you about the color. That color is one of the most common freshwater pearl colors produced naturally. If it looks like the picture, it certainly isn''t dyed. Hopefully the bale is not too flimsy and really is 18k!

Streeter! I appreciate your reconfirm....whew! I don''t look at a lot of pearls as you can tell, I wish I would have paid more attention when I went through a Pearl jewelry shop in Hawaii - I can''t even remember the name, it was one of the largest too (back then I wasn''t too much into jewelery)- well I''m keeping my out now

Could it possibly be called Maui Divers? My mom bought me a tahitian pearl pendant when she went to Hawaii years ago. They do have an internet set now.

I am glad you decided to take the plunge! I hope they are even more pretty in person. I was considering a pair of freshwater dangle earrings from Pearllunar for $70 in 14kg ....so I think for $22 and 18k.....you done GOOD!

 

[D&T]

Date: 8/7/2009 11:33:30 AM
Author: cushioncutnut


Could it possibly be called Maui Divers? My mom bought me a tahitian pearl pendant when she went to Hawaii years ago. They do have an internet set now.

I am glad you decided to take the plunge! I hope they are even more pretty in person. I was considering a pair of freshwater dangle earrings from Pearllunar for $70 in 14kg ....so I think for $22 and 18k.....you done GOOD!

THanks Cushion- i''m not sure what the name of it is, I took a tour and it was on Honolulu, I think think they harvest and made the jewelry in house too.

Oh I hope I get to go back there again, with loads more money so I can spulrge

 

[Indylady]

Date: 8/7/2009 1:05:51 AM
Author: D&T
arggh- I just took a leap of faith and just bought it...lol I really like the color from the photo- if it doesn''t work out, I''m sure my DDs will love them

Its definitely worth a shot! It might be just as good or even better than the places we already know about. I peek into mall stores all the time; they rarely ever match up to the quality you see on PS, but sometimes I will find something great (the latest find was a pair of freshwater pearl studs from Dillard''s ''Sterling Silver Collection'' that were Fresadama quality for $25, perfectly rose and with amazing orient too).

The drill hole in the pearl wasn''t big enough to accommodate the finding; as I was push (very very very gently so as to not scratch the pearl) the piece of the finding that goes into the pearl broke off!! It was from PP and 14k white gold, so I was totally amazed as it how it would break so easily. The whole time, my focus had been to not scratch the pearl! It was almost silly, because I never did scratch the pearl, but broke the finding, which I never even imagined would happen.

 

[Indylady]

Date: 8/7/2009 11:33:30 AM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 8/7/2009 10:55:49 AM

Author: D&T

Date: 8/7/2009 10:24:18 AM

Author: Streeter1

Date: 8/6/2009 10:47:49 PM

Author: D&T

I just got word back from the seller that they are natural and not dyed...

The seller is being honest with you about the color. That color is one of the most common freshwater pearl colors produced naturally. If it looks like the picture, it certainly isn''t dyed. Hopefully the bale is not too flimsy and really is 18k!

Streeter! I appreciate your reconfirm....whew! I don''t look at a lot of pearls as you can tell, I wish I would have paid more attention when I went through a Pearl jewelry shop in Hawaii - I can''t even remember the name, it was one of the largest too (back then I wasn''t too much into jewelery)- well I''m keeping my out now

Could it possibly be called Maui Divers? My mom bought me a tahitian pearl pendant when she went to Hawaii years ago. They do have an internet set now.


I am glad you decided to take the plunge! I hope they are even more pretty in person. I was considering a pair of freshwater dangle earrings from Pearllunar for $70 in 14kg ....so I think for $22 and 18k.....you done GOOD!

So glad you mentioned their earrings!

linky to earrings The luster on these pearls are amazing!!! I love the look, but I just don''t like the cz''s...

 

[D&T]

Date: 8/7/2009 12:13:57 PM
Author: szh07


Its definitely worth a shot! It might be just as good or even better than the places we already know about. I peek into mall stores all the time; they rarely ever match up to the quality you see on PS, but sometimes I will find something great (the latest find was a pair of freshwater pearl studs from Dillard''s ''Sterling Silver Collection'' that were Fresadama quality for $25, perfectly rose and with amazing orient too).

The drill hole in the pearl wasn''t big enough to accommodate the finding; as I was push (very very very gently so as to not scratch the pearl) the piece of the finding that goes into the pearl broke off!! It was from PP and 14k white gold, so I was totally amazed as it how it would break so easily. The whole time, my focus had been to not scratch the pearl! It was almost silly, because I never did scratch the pearl, but broke the finding, which I never even imagined would happen.

awww bummer. How can you fix? or if you can fix for a reasonable price?

 

[D&T]

love these earrings... ahhhh,,, but one pearl at a time. I still haven''t even finished my colored stone projects yet, I''m 50% on many projects right now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/AAA-RICH-ROSE-Green-Gold-pearl-earrings-14KGOLD-MIRROR_W0QQitemZ390030195813QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Fine_Earrings?hash=item5acf9c7c65&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

 

[cushioncutnut]

Date: 8/7/2009 12:20:08 PM
Author: szh07

Date: 8/7/2009 11:33:30 AM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 8/7/2009 10:55:49 AM

Author: D&T

Date: 8/7/2009 10:24:18 AM

Author: Streeter1

Date: 8/6/2009 10:47:49 PM

Author: D&T

I just got word back from the seller that they are natural and not dyed...

The seller is being honest with you about the color. That color is one of the most common freshwater pearl colors produced naturally. If it looks like the picture, it certainly isn''t dyed. Hopefully the bale is not too flimsy and really is 18k!

Streeter! I appreciate your reconfirm....whew! I don''t look at a lot of pearls as you can tell, I wish I would have paid more attention when I went through a Pearl jewelry shop in Hawaii - I can''t even remember the name, it was one of the largest too (back then I wasn''t too much into jewelery)- well I''m keeping my out now

Could it possibly be called Maui Divers? My mom bought me a tahitian pearl pendant when she went to Hawaii years ago. They do have an internet set now.


I am glad you decided to take the plunge! I hope they are even more pretty in person. I was considering a pair of freshwater dangle earrings from Pearllunar for $70 in 14kg ....so I think for $22 and 18k.....you done GOOD!

So glad you mentioned their earrings!

linky to earrings The luster on these pearls are amazing!!! I love the look, but I just don''t like the cz''s...

I contemplated those earrings too as I thought the luster was beautiful. I do like the cz''s but I have to admit, I want the pearls to be bigger!!

 

[cushioncutnut]

Date: 8/7/2009 12:28:29 PM
Author: D&T
love these earrings... ahhhh,,, but one pearl at a time. I still haven''t even finished my colored stone projects yet, I''m 50% on many projects right now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/AAA-RICH-ROSE-Green-Gold-pearl-earrings-14KGOLD-MIRROR_W0QQitemZ390030195813QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Fine_Earrings?hash=item5acf9c7c65&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Those are lovely. I like the mirror like finish. I was considering these ...but I really need to be good!

 

[brightlight]

Date: 8/7/2009 2:14:50 PM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 8/7/2009 12:28:29 PM
Author: D&T
love these earrings... ahhhh,,, but one pearl at a time. I still haven''t even finished my colored stone projects yet, I''m 50% on many projects right now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/AAA-RICH-ROSE-Green-Gold-pearl-earrings-14KGOLD-MIRROR_W0QQitemZ390030195813QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Fine_Earrings?hash=item5acf9c7c65&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Those are lovely. I like the mirror like finish. I was considering these ...but I really need to be good!

That''s a really unique and interesting color. I''m going to be an enabler. I totally think you should get them ... unless I get them first!

 

[D&T]

Date: 8/7/2009 2:57:17 PM
Author: brightlight

Date: 8/7/2009 2:14:50 PM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 8/7/2009 12:28:29 PM
Author: D&T
love these earrings... ahhhh,,, but one pearl at a time. I still haven't even finished my colored stone projects yet, I'm 50% on many projects right now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/AAA-RICH-ROSE-Green-Gold-pearl-earrings-14KGOLD-MIRROR_W0QQitemZ390030195813QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Fine_Earrings?hash=item5acf9c7c65&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Those are lovely. I like the mirror like finish. I was considering these ...but I really need to be good!

That's a really unique and interesting color. I'm going to be an enabler. I totally think you should get them ... unless I get them first!

BL- go for it

you first

I just put an offer in on a strand of necklace and lavender earrings already

this is an impulse buy

Cushion- Totally those look incredible.. I do love the mirror like finish as well... ahhhh

 

[cushioncutnut]

Date: 8/7/2009 2:57:17 PM
Author: brightlight

Date: 8/7/2009 2:14:50 PM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 8/7/2009 12:28:29 PM
Author: D&T
love these earrings... ahhhh,,, but one pearl at a time. I still haven''t even finished my colored stone projects yet, I''m 50% on many projects right now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/AAA-RICH-ROSE-Green-Gold-pearl-earrings-14KGOLD-MIRROR_W0QQitemZ390030195813QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Fine_Earrings?hash=item5acf9c7c65&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Those are lovely. I like the mirror like finish. I was considering these ...but I really need to be good!

That''s a really unique and interesting color. I''m going to be an enabler. I totally think you should get them ... unless I get them first!

LOL! Go for it! I need someone to save me from myself!! I have purchased 2 other pearl items since the last 2 threads I started and still have my eye on a few other things! Oh when will the addiction end!???

 

[D&T]

Date: 8/7/2009 3:02:41 PM
Author: cushioncutnut


LOL! Go for it! I need someone to save me from myself!! I have purchased 2 other pearl items since the last 2 threads I started and still have my eye on a few other things! Oh when will the addiction end!???

well if it isn't colored stones, then its pearls ehh? or vice versa

well its starting to become sickening to my DH now

I might have to stay off of PS for a little bit

 

[cushioncutnut]

Date: 8/7/2009 3:04:01 PM
Author: D&T

Date: 8/7/2009 3:02:41 PM
Author: cushioncutnut


LOL! Go for it! I need someone to save me from myself!! I have purchased 2 other pearl items since the last 2 threads I started and still have my eye on a few other things! Oh when will the addiction end!???

well if it isn''t colored stones, then its pearls ehh? or vice versa

well its starting to become sickening to my DH now

I might have to stay off of PS for a little bit

True! Pearls, diamonds, colored stones, etc... You name it! I enjoy them all! I just wish my wallet would get on board!!

 

[brightlight]

Date: 8/7/2009 3:02:41 PM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 8/7/2009 2:57:17 PM
Author: brightlight

Date: 8/7/2009 2:14:50 PM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 8/7/2009 12:28:29 PM
Author: D&T
love these earrings... ahhhh,,, but one pearl at a time. I still haven''t even finished my colored stone projects yet, I''m 50% on many projects right now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/AAA-RICH-ROSE-Green-Gold-pearl-earrings-14KGOLD-MIRROR_W0QQitemZ390030195813QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Fine_Earrings?hash=item5acf9c7c65&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Those are lovely. I like the mirror like finish. I was considering these ...but I really need to be good!

That''s a really unique and interesting color. I''m going to be an enabler. I totally think you should get them ... unless I get them first!

LOL! Go for it! I need someone to save me from myself!! I have purchased 2 other pearl items since the last 2 threads I started and still have my eye on a few other things! Oh when will the addiction end!???

So, ummmmmmmm ... several items have caught my eye.

 

[cushioncutnut]

Date: 8/7/2009 3:09:16 PM
Author: brightlight

Date: 8/7/2009 3:02:41 PM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 8/7/2009 2:57:17 PM
Author: brightlight

Date: 8/7/2009 2:14:50 PM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 8/7/2009 12:28:29 PM
Author: D&T
love these earrings... ahhhh,,, but one pearl at a time. I still haven''t even finished my colored stone projects yet, I''m 50% on many projects right now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/AAA-RICH-ROSE-Green-Gold-pearl-earrings-14KGOLD-MIRROR_W0QQitemZ390030195813QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Fine_Earrings?hash=item5acf9c7c65&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Those are lovely. I like the mirror like finish. I was considering these ...but I really need to be good!

That''s a really unique and interesting color. I''m going to be an enabler. I totally think you should get them ... unless I get them first!

LOL! Go for it! I need someone to save me from myself!! I have purchased 2 other pearl items since the last 2 threads I started and still have my eye on a few other things! Oh when will the addiction end!???

So, ummmmmmmm ... several items have caught my eye.

......so did you conquer your case of the blahs with "retail therapy"? If so, whaddyaget??

 

[D&T]

I just don''t have any self restraints!... I just bought these!