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Pearls in SMTB?

yssie

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This is the text of the current SMTB mandate:
Brag shamelessly about your Bling, engagement, anniversary or any other ring here. Pictures are mandatory! No simulants please - only genuine gemstones. No Pearls either.

@psadmin, @Garry H (Cut Nut), @John Pollard Is there any possibility of reconsidering the ban on pearls in SMTB?

My first thought:
SMTB is all about showing off nature-gifted bling. Pearls, whether cultured or not, are impossible to create without an oyster, and they form as genuinely and unpredictability as any mineral in rock. I say “genuinely” because natural pearls are of course products of luck, and cultured pearls are nucleated with beads made of crushed nacre - they too are wholly organic in composition.

My second thought:
Pearls and diamonds are a classic combination, especially in the bridal industry. SMTB sees much more traffic than the Pearls subforum. Permission to post pearl pieces in SMTB would drive awareness of pearls and would increase interest in diamond+pearl and CS+pearl pieces. Right now, many PSers and viewers without accounts are unaware that beloved PS sponsors who are diamond vendors first and foremost are also excellent choices for pieces that combine diamonds and pearls!

And my last thought - for now at least:
PS is a world-wide wealth of information. This forum has real power in the jewellery industry. The pearls industry is... I’ll be kind and just call it “woefully backward”. No globally-respected grading authorities. No universal grading system. No standardization of evaluation tools or methodologies. Everything still done by word of mouth, no “insider knowledge” without a relative on the inside. This is an industry that, in 2021, somehow still encourages and celebrates opacity. Exactly where diamonds were a couple decades ago.

PS was instrumental in pulling the diamond industry forward into objectivity, standardization, and transparency. That maturity has bled into coloured stones - in large part, I believe, because coloured stones are permitted in SMTB. People are always going to be most interested in what they see most often, and people ask questions about what they’re interested in, and people asking questions leads to people becoming more educated and demanding improvement. The pearls industry desperately needs the sort of improvement that we’ve already seen PS enable and become known and respected for.

Edit - tags for admin/owner/education lead.
 
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Crystal_Dreams

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I agree with yssie on all of the above points and would also like to see pearls allowed on SMTB. Cultured pearls are organic and natural. Every single one is different, because of natural factors inherent to the oyster that creates it, the water temperature, the location etc. none of these things are controlled by man.

I first came to PS in search of more information about diamonds after looking for diamond studs, then an engagement ring. Since then, I’ve also learnt about coloured gems! And different cuts! Coloured diamonds! And so much more. The way in to each of these (highly dangerous and addictive!) rabbit holes has ALWAYS been through SMTB for me. I see a beautiful piece that someone posts, and off I go!!

Although I’ve always loved pearls, that isn’t something I’ve been able to share with this community despite wanting to (and despite having diamonds set with my pearls!) because pearls aren’t meant to be on SMTB.

Despite having been a PS member for years and a lover of pearls for at least as long, I have to say that I didn’t even realise there was a pearl sub forum on PS, and rarely visited it till more recently because there was so little traffic there. I too believe allowing pearls in SMTB would increase traffic to the subforum.

More recent threads have been highly informative, though that certainly wasn’t the case for many years. The pearl industry is a funny one. As Yssie said, it’s opaque. There is no clearly standardised system for grading. As a consumer, it’s difficult to educate yourself on the product... which to ME at least is in part the point of a place like PS. I credit this forum as being the main source for me being an educated and well informed consumer when it comes to diamonds and coloured stones. I would like to see that same sentiment extend to pearls, and believe that allowing pearls on SMTB would really further interest in pearl related bling and sharing of pearl related information!
 

LLJsmom

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Gotta say, I never understood why they were separated in the first place. Aren’t pearls legit jewelry? Sorry maybe I’m being too simple minded. It’s late. But pearls are gorgeous and they’re important jewelry right? Weren’t they even more widely coveted and included in “important” historical pieces before diamonds?
 
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Agree wholeheartedly. I can kind-of understand why the distinction and separation of lab grown/simulant from natural; but pearls are also a natural gemstone. If we’re going to nitpick, we have a “show me your VCA jewelry” thread on SMTB that has some mother of pearl pieces on there... so why is MOP ok and pearl not?

In general though, I would propose a single SMTB spanning across ALL categories, with the various subfora serving as “rocky talky’s” for the different categories of stone. We can have a basic tagging and filtering system to keep things clean and orderly and allow people who don’t want to see pearl/coloured stone/MMD pics to just filter those out. For eg, the requirement when making a post is to tag the metal/metals and the stones used. People can further add tags like “mixed metal”, “lab grown”, “natural”. Perhaps even require people to enter at least 1 tag of each category - metal, stone, lab/natural. Often in SMTB the focus is on the piece as a whole, not a specific stone (stone discussions are usually restricted to RT), and we have some very talented jewelry designers who make pieces using pearls and MMDs. Would be great if people could get more exposure to them and would also make the forum easier to navigate!

Hope I didn’t digress too much from your point @yssie.
 

yssie

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@AllAboardTheBlingTrain The RT model is what I’d love to see here too - keep the technical mumbo jumbo here, in the Pearls subforum, but allow the “come share my shiny!!” in SMTB.

I like your idea for general improvement! The one addition I would make is that the category selection options should be finite - avoid spiraling into Instagram-esque hashtag proliferation ::)
 
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@AllAboardTheBlingTrain The RT model is what I’d love to see here too - keep the technical mumbo jumbo here, in the Pearls subforum, but allow the “come share my shiny!!” in SMTB.

I like your idea for general improvement! The one addition I would make is that the category selection options should be finite - avoid spiraling into Instagram-esque hashtag proliferation ::)

That’s a great idea! Perhaps we can narrow down the tags to the following:

1 metal tag (WG, RG, YG, Plat, Silver, Titanium, Mixed-Metal, Other)

1 origin tag (lab-grown, natural, simulant) - corresponding to the main stone in the piece (eg a natural sapphire with LG melee would be tagged as natural).

0-3 stone tags (names of popular stone types including moissy, and “others” and “multiple” options)

This would mean each piece would have a max of 5 tags, which shouldn’t be too bad.

Why I thought including sims makes sense is that currently lab grown coloured stones are in fashion jewelry; but in the tagging system you could make “lab grown ruby” a perfectly valid entry; and then moissy and CZ get left out. A possible solution for this would be to allow LGDs but not other lab grown stones since there is a definite pricing/rarity difference; and so make the categories “mmd” and “natural stones”.
 

lissyflo

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Count me as another who would love to see pearl jewellery being included in SMTB! I'm not sure I understand why they've historically been excluded?

There have been some truly jaw-dropping items posted in the pearls subform that I don't think receive the exposure or appreciation that they deserve because they can only be shown in a specialist forum that most people may not visit. Yssie's WhiteFlash sprinkle is the perfect example of a combined pearl and diamond piece, elevated above a straight DBTY by the pearls in my view. MakingTheGrade's ombré necklace is a fantastically edgy, beautiful piece. Such pieces include pearls, but first and foremost these are stunning pieces of jewellery.

Similarly, when there's a reveal of Mikimoto AAA pearls that are the only example of their quality and size available at the time in North America (I think I'm right in staying that, @yssie?), it feels anomalous that the post is effectively hidden away in a PS 'corner' (anyone else now have the Dirty Dancing "No-one puts Baby in a corner" line going around their head, or am I showing my age?!).

I agree with previous posters that including pearls in the general SMTB forum would likely benefit both members and vendors by driving exposure and interest. I, like other posters have said, didn't realise until comparatively recently that there was a pearl sub-forum, and it's often chance encounters with new items that ignites interest. The greater the potential for exposure, the greater the benefits for all.

And I whole-heartedly agree with Yssie's comments on the potential the change could have for clarifying and enhancing the sector. It's really quite scary buying pearls, especially online, exactly because of the issues Yssie raised (plus they're extremely hard to photograph true to life), so any momentum that could add pressure to unify grading etc would be very welcome by large numbers of consumers, I'm sure.

(ETA: I've just realised that your pearl/diamond sprinkle was posted in SMTB, Yssie. I'm more confused now! In my view the pearls elevate that piece beyond a standard DBTY. It seems odd that posting it in SMTB is fine as long as the necklace includes diamonds but a pearl by the yard using the same pearls wouldn't be allowed in SMTB!)
 
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yssie

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@lissyflo It honestly didn’t occur to me to not post it in SMTB - I just thought something like “Whiteflash, PS, DBTY, SMTB”! But there have been so many pearls posted in SMTB over the years - as pieces in collections, as combo pieces with other gemstones, in branded jewellery as mentioned earlier. Thinking about it now - removing all those threads would wipe out a significant amount of SMTB content that’s been shared by a large and diverse group of PS members!

PS is special in that it’s the only totally independent, non industry affiliated forum for pearls that I’m aware of. I want to understand why this mandate is in place, and more importantly I would love to find out if there is space to discuss taking a more flexible approach to pearls in SMTB moving forward ::)
 
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mrs-b

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Bling is bling - makes no difference to me in what form that bling comes. Ergo I totally agree with you, @yssie, on this.

If we're going to be technical, any pearl piece with the faintest inkling of diamond should be allowed, tho it makes far more sense for that not to be mandatory.

Here's hoping the admins agree with us; some of the most amazing pieces to be posted to PS are pearl pieces, especially these days as they seem to be having a PS resurgence.

And now that I think of it - I posted my new blue pearls on OEC drops on SMTB. And my big blue pearl dangling off its diamond heart. And...and... Oh dear. I hadn't even thought of this!
 

yssie

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Thank you to everyone who's shared thoughts so far!!

For full disclosure here - I've emailed PS admin to make them aware of this thread. I will also go ahead and preempively request that we continue to keep this conversation clean, kind, and civil - we've all seen other threads on similar topics in other subforums turn sour and I really don't want this one to go that way. This thread will of course remain open or be closed as PS mod/admins wish.
 

elizat

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I think it would make sense to allow pearls in SMTB. So many pieces are combined pieces that use pearls or feature pearls. Pearls with diamonds, pearls with diamonds and gemstones, etc. They are a natural gem and it would seem to make sense. So many antique pieces feature them too- think moi et toi, with a diamond and a pearl, or a brooch that is mostly diamonds, with tiny seed pearl accents. Keeping the nitty gritty here, would make sense, as some folks probably don't have the interest level in the technical stuff.

The tagging concept makes sense as well, is it is possible.

Allowing them in SMTB is similar to the cross over with the antique forum. Antique diamonds and gemstones aren't solely allowed in that sub-forum. They are allowed in both places.

Plus, knowing that there are really *great* pearls out there is a good education point. I didn't really know that until this past year. I didn't have an appreciation for the differences.
 

lambskin

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Bling is bling - makes no difference to me in what form that bling comes. Ergo I totally agree with you, @yssie, on this.

If we're going to be technical, any pearl piece with the faintest inkling of diamond should be allowed, tho it makes far more sense for that not to be mandatory.

Here's hoping the admins agree with us; some of the most amazing pieces to be posted to PS are pearl pieces, especially these days as they seem to be having a PS resurgence.

And now that I think of it - I posted my new blue pearls on OEC drops on SMTB. And my big blue pearl dangling off its diamond heart. And...and... Oh dear. I hadn't even thought of this!

I have been wondering why those gorgeous blue akoyas were also not posted on the pearl forum. They are so beautiful and would be really admired and appreciated on that forum too. I do not mind if some piece gets posted on more than one appropriate forum as it does help not to miss it.
 

mrs-b

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I have been wondering why those gorgeous blue akoyas were also not posted on the pearl forum. They are so beautiful and would be really admired and appreciated on that forum too. I do not mind if some piece gets posted on more than one appropriate forum as it does help not to miss it.

No real reason - just didn't think of it, to be honest. I think there's also some rule about not posting the same thread (or piece maybe? I can't recall) on more than one forum. I think, too, I was primarily sharing how I was wearing those specific diamond studs these days. I don't wear them with anything else, and they were bought, specifically, to go with pearl jackets. Price-wise, the diamonds are by far the predominant piece in that equation, so all things considered I went with the diamond forum.

So that's my logic! No offense intended to the wonderful pearl forum!
 

Daisys and Diamonds

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Bling is bling - makes no difference to me in what form that bling comes. Ergo I totally agree with you, @yssie, on this.

If we're going to be technical, any pearl piece with the faintest inkling of diamond should be allowed, tho it makes far more sense for that not to be mandatory.

Here's hoping the admins agree with us; some of the most amazing pieces to be posted to PS are pearl pieces, especially these days as they seem to be having a PS resurgence.

And now that I think of it - I posted my new blue pearls on OEC drops on SMTB. And my big blue pearl dangling off its diamond heart. And...and... Oh dear. I hadn't even thought of this!

I think ive missed the big blue one on the diamond heart :(2
Ill have to go searching

I must say the pearl sub forum is the only one i regulary check to see what's new

Where should one post mother of pearl ? - im confused now
 

lambskin

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No real reason - just didn't think of it, to be honest. I think there's also some rule about not posting the same thread (or piece maybe? I can't recall) on more than one forum. I think, too, I was primarily sharing how I was wearing those specific diamond studs these days. I don't wear them with anything else, and they were bought, specifically, to go with pearl jackets. Price-wise, the diamonds are by far the predominant piece in that equation, so all things considered I went with the diamond forum.

So that's my logic! No offense intended to the wonderful pearl forum!

I get that logic. Yet, as in ALL your jewelry, each part is such high quality and thought out as well as perfectly executed that it deserves the extra attention. Your blue akoyas are really special.
 

mrs-b

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MakingTheGrade

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I think ive missed the big blue one on the diamond heart :(2
Ill have to go searching

I must say the pearl sub forum is the only one i regulary check to see what's new

Where should one post mother of pearl ? - im confused now

I posted my MoP setting in SMTB but felt it was ok cause it centered around a 3ct earth mined diamond. And as you know it makes appearances in many of my pearl threads too!

I think it’d be nice to have pearls allowed in the main forum. Especially as they seem to be making a come back! I know many people in my social circles who are reviving pearls because of the US VP in celebration of her election to that office (VP Harris often wears pearls).
 

Daisys and Diamonds

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I posted my MoP setting in SMTB but felt it was ok cause it centered around a 3ct earth mined diamond. And as you know it makes appearances in many of my pearl threads too!

I think it’d be nice to have pearls allowed in the main forum. Especially as they seem to be making a come back! I know many people in my social circles who are reviving pearls because of the US VP in celebration of her election to that office (VP Harris often wears pearls).

You know i love your pendent!
If it were mine it would be in every thread !
That is great younger people are wearing pearls !!!

in the 90s pearls were still around (but not like the 80s)
i remenber lots of dyed FW on silver wires (i have two necklases like that)
 

Daisys and Diamonds

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I have a question off on a tangent but this seems to me a good place to ask it
Say i want to start a thread about what chain to put on a pearl pendent ? Or when i create my daisy pearl necklase that is going to use charms (not using synthetics sparkles) do i create those threads in here?
In the pearl forum ?
 

elizat

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I have a question off on a tangent but this seems to me a good place to ask it
Say i want to start a thread about what chain to put on a pearl pendent ? Or when i create my daisy pearl necklase that is going to use charms (not using synthetics sparkles) do i create those threads in here?
In the pearl forum ?

I would post it where the majority of the materials are comprised of- so if it is mostly pearl, here. If it is mostly colored stones, probably colored stones. But, that's just me.
 

yssie

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An update here!

Admin kindly reached out by email and indicated that this request had been heard and would be considered ::)

Much appreciated, thank you PS! :appl:
 

Acinom

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An update here!

Admin kindly reached out by email and indicated that this request had been heard and would be considered ::)

Much appreciated, thank you PS! :appl:

Great! Thanks for reaching out to Admin Yssie
 

Tinkybell

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Are all pearls banned on this forum? I was hoping to post my avatar ,as I have been going through jewelry this week and I absolutely love this piece. There are a few pearls on her so I did not want to break the rules .Any updates?
 

yssie

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Pearls aren’t banned in the Pearls subforum!!

@Tinkybell I’d just hit Report Concern on your last post and send the PS mods a note with your question. That’s actually something I never thought of - pearls as handles. Please let us know what their recommendation is?
 

Tinkybell

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Pearls aren’t banned in the Pearls subforum!!

@Tinkybell I’d just hit Report Concern on your last post and send the PS mods a note with your question. That’s actually something I never thought of - pearls as handles. Please let us know what their recommendation is?

Thank you. I am not sure what Pearls as handles means. My piece is more about the diamonds and history than it is about the pearl accents. It is not a big deal. I just love it . I did not post in pearls subforum, as they are just a small bit of the necklace as a whole,
 

yssie

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Thank you. I am not sure what Pearls as handles means. My piece is more about the diamonds and history than it is about the pearl accents. It is not a big deal. I just love it . I did not post in pearls subforum, as they are just a small bit of the necklace as a whole,

Please share it with us! We would love to see it. I don’t believe there are any restrictions against posting diamond pieces featuring pearls here in the Pearls subforum - we have certainly all done the same without stopping to question it! ::)
 

Daisys and Diamonds

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Thank you. I am not sure what Pearls as handles means. My piece is more about the diamonds and history than it is about the pearl accents. It is not a big deal. I just love it . I did not post in pearls subforum, as they are just a small bit of the necklace as a whole,

As Yssie says
We want to see it !
 
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