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Thoughts on WF for Sourcing Akoya Pearls?

N

NavyLanguage828

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 4, 2023
Messages
71
Hi! First time posting in the pearl forum, but have nothing but AMAZING things to say about the folks over in “Rocky Talky.”

Looking for a beautiful set of simple, natural pearl studs approx. 7.5mm for my wife. I purchased her engagement and wedding rings from Whiteflash and couldn’t be happier. I asked if they do anything like pearls and they said they do, but it’d be custom work.

Thoughts on AA 7mm Akoya pearls on platinum studs with la pousette backs from this well-known diamond vendor? Should I secure them elsewhere?

Recs on this endeavor? Thanks in advance!
 
There are many people who are more qualified to answer this, but I’ll take a stab at it. I’ve gone through Takahashi (on Instagram) and absolutely love my akoya studs and necklace. A pleasure to work with and beautiful product. The downside, no returns. They have enough positive reviews on here that I found that acceptable. I have 8.5mm gem luster akoyas and I literally marvel at their beauty when I wear them. I purchased the earrings and loved them so much that I then had a 7 station akoya necklace made.
Pearl Paradise is a solid choice, as well. I have not purchased from them, but I have inquired about some studs and they were very lovely to speak to.
Moline Pearls is another source that gets rave reviews! I have spoken to Andrew but didn’t buy. He is a lovely, kind person to work with.
Good luck with your search! Akoyas are such a romantic choice, I’m sure your wife will love them!
 
Also not an expert but seconding what @MamaBear said! I would get pearls from an expert pearl vendor, the same way you got your diamonds from an expert diamond vendor.

I believe Moline has an upgrade policy a la Whiteflash, if that's something that appeals to you. I have purchased a few small things from him and have chatted with him a ton and he's delightful. Being able to make a return or exchange would be good because 7.5mm, while a classic size, may feel too big to some people and too small to others. I also have Takahashi pieces purchased through a Pearl Paradise livestream which are beautiful but that was a less 'personal' transaction. In the same way that you buy ACAs to get top cut quality in diamonds, it's often worth getting the highest quality pearls you can afford (so AAA/gem grade, etc.), especially because with only two pearls in a pair of studs the gold from the setting contributes so much to the cost percentage-wise.

To be fussy about the vocab, you're almost certainly looking for "cultured" pearls and not "natural pearls". Cultured pearls are real pearls that the mollusk forms but with human intervention to get the process started, and there are freshwater and saltwater varieties. Saltwater pearls are generally considered to be higher quality pearls. Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls and are what Mikimoto and Tiffany sell. Natural pearls form totally naturally and are well under 1% of all of the high-quality pearls out there and are a super niche item. You have almost certainly never seen natural pearls. Pearl simulants are fake pearls and can be glass, plastic, etc.
 
NavyLanguage828 said:
Hi! First time posting in the pearl forum, but have nothing but AMAZING things to say about the folks over in “Rocky Talky.”

Looking for a beautiful set of simple, natural pearl studs approx. 7.5mm for my wife. I purchased her engagement and wedding rings from Whiteflash and couldn’t be happier. I asked if they do anything like pearls and they said they do, but it’d be custom work.

Thoughts on AA 7mm Akoya pearls on platinum studs with la pousette backs from this well-known diamond vendor? Should I secure them elsewhere?

Recs on this endeavor? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Well everyone probably knows what I’m going to say but I’ll say it anyway

Go to Moline!!!!! His pearls rival Mikimoto even their best stuff. He has GORGEOUS pearls. Ask for gem quality - it really IS gem quality!
 
newtojewels said:
Also not an expert but seconding what @MamaBear said! I would get pearls from an expert pearl vendor, the same way you got your diamonds from an expert diamond vendor.

I believe Moline has an upgrade policy a la Whiteflash, if that's something that appeals to you. I have purchased a few small things from him and have chatted with him a ton and he's delightful. Being able to make a return or exchange would be good because 7.5mm, while a classic size, may feel too big to some people and too small to others. I also have Takahashi pieces purchased through a Pearl Paradise livestream which are beautiful but that was a less 'personal' transaction. In the same way that you buy ACAs to get top cut quality in diamonds, it's often worth getting the highest quality pearls you can afford (so AAA/gem grade, etc.), especially because with only two pearls in a pair of studs the gold from the setting contributes so much to the cost percentage-wise.

To be fussy about the vocab, you're almost certainly looking for "cultured" pearls and not "natural pearls". Cultured pearls are real pearls that the mollusk forms but with human intervention to get the process started, and there are freshwater and saltwater varieties. Saltwater pearls are generally considered to be higher quality pearls. Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls and are what Mikimoto and Tiffany sell. Natural pearls form totally naturally and are well under 1% of all of the high-quality pearls out there and are a super niche item. You have almost certainly never seen natural pearls. Pearl simulants are fake pearls and can be glass, plastic, etc.
Click to expand...

Thank you for this!!! See, THIS is why I love pricescope. Knowledgeable, honest, folks willing to take the time to answer questions and educate. And yes, please do be fussy about vocab. I’m a total newbie to pearls and am happy to get schooled. Love learning! Correct, I am looking for cultured.
 
MamaBear said:
There are many people who are more qualified to answer this, but I’ll take a stab at it. I’ve gone through Takahashi (on Instagram) and absolutely love my akoya studs and necklace. A pleasure to work with and beautiful product. The downside, no returns. They have enough positive reviews on here that I found that acceptable. I have 8.5mm gem luster akoyas and I literally marvel at their beauty when I wear them. I purchased the earrings and loved them so much that I then had a 7 station akoya necklace made.
Pearl Paradise is a solid choice, as well. I have not purchased from them, but I have inquired about some studs and they were very lovely to speak to.
Moline Pearls is another source that gets rave reviews! I have spoken to Andrew but didn’t buy. He is a lovely, kind person to work with.
Good luck with your search! Akoyas are such a romantic choice, I’m sure your wife will love them!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the helpful reply, MamaBear! This is great. I’ve already reached out to Andrew and heard back. Things are in motion and so far very impressed.
 
newtojewels said:
Any updates, @NavyLanguage828?
Click to expand...

Yes! Been working with Andrew pretty much constantly today. He’s been extremely patient with me (I’m traveling for work and couldn’t quite give him 100% of my attention) and the man knows his stuff. So far, I’d give him the highest recommendation based on his that and responsiveness alone.

Pulled the trigger on some 7-7.5mm akoya studs in white gold. Pics to follow upon arrival and gifting!
 
NavyLanguage828 said:
Yes! Been working with Andrew pretty much constantly today. He’s been extremely patient with me (I’m traveling for work and couldn’t quite give him 100% of my attention) and the man knows his stuff. So far, I’d give him the highest recommendation based on his that and responsiveness alone.

Pulled the trigger on some 7-7.5mm akoya studs in white gold. Pics to follow upon arrival and gifting!
Click to expand...

They're going to be amazing! A classic size in ACA-like quality. And yes, he's super kind and fun to work with too. I'm sure she'll love them!
 
NavyLanguage828 said:
Yes! Been working with Andrew pretty much constantly today. He’s been extremely patient with me (I’m traveling for work and couldn’t quite give him 100% of my attention) and the man knows his stuff. So far, I’d give him the highest recommendation based on his that and responsiveness alone.

Pulled the trigger on some 7-7.5mm akoya studs in white gold. Pics to follow upon arrival and gifting!
Click to expand...

Any updates?
 
Working on getting a pic uploaded.

In the meantime, I’m curious if super nice pearls like this can be worn daily?? Excluding during the obvious no-go activities, of course.
 
NavyLanguage828 said:
Working on getting a pic uploaded.

In the meantime, I’m curious if super nice pearls like this can be worn daily?? Excluding during the obvious no-go activities, of course.
Click to expand...

Nice pearls can absolutely be worn daily. I found this thread super reassuring: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...rls-with-other-bracelets-really-cause.274693/

I would suggest putting them on after doing hair/makeup, etc., and then taking them off before doing a nighttime routine and going to sleep. Don't wear them when showering, either. Otherwise they should be good to go!
 
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