Wilma Flintstone choker help

[KristinTech]

Well, maybe not quite Wilma-sized pearls! But I’m looking for a 16- or 17-inch classic strand of white pearls. I have 12,000 pearl points at Pearl Paradise, but I don’t have to get this item there. I’m open to pre-loved, but it seems that prices that people are asking can be as much as the sale this month at many vendors.

QUESTION!
I have a strand of multicolored AAA freshwater pearls from PP, size 8.5-9.0 — visually, how much larger is 9.0-9.5 when compared to that... or 9.5-10.0? Should I stick with 8.5-9.0? Size is a huge consideration for budget, of course!

I am satisfied with my AAA strand. I see the egginess of some of the pearls, but it doesn’t bother me when they’re worn.

Budget— I’m a bit flexible, but any more than $1200, and I start playing with “scared money” that belongs to my watch fund. I’m kind of all over the place with this purchase and I’d love some thoughts from others to help guide my decision!

 

[KristinTech]

https://www.purepearls.com/collections/white-pearl-necklaces/products/white-elite-collection-pearl-necklace-9-5-10-0mm


This is one I’ve seen that seems cheaper than other vendors for a large size.... thoughts?

 

[KristinTech]

Bump in size, down in grade:

https://www.purepearls.com/collecti...rl-necklace-10-5-11-5mm?variant=7281693458490

 

[pearlsngems]

Using the formula for determining the volume of spheres (and averaging the minimum and maximum pearl sizes in each strand):

A 9.5-10.0mm strand will be approximately 38% larger than a 8.5-9.0mm strand, and about 17% larger than a 9.0-9.5mm strand.
A 9.0-9.5mm strand will be about 18% larger than a 8.5-9.0mm strand.

If anyone has a photo showing strands in the 3 sizes side by side, that would also help.

 

[pearlsngems]

A consideration on length: The larger the pearls, the tighter the fit for any given length. A 16" stand of larger pearls will fit snugger than a 16" strand of smaller pearls.

 

[pearlsngems]

A strand 10.5-11.5mm will be about 44% larger than a strand that is 9.5-10.0mm.

If bigger is what you want most, the 10.5-11.5mm strand is significantly larger than the 9.5-10.0mm one.

Think carefully about the length! Unless your neck is very slender, I'd get it 18" long; you can always shorten it and use extra pearls for earrings later if necessary. Adding pearls later if it's too short will be a hassle and costly.

The AAA 18" is $1,115.20. That is within your stated budget.

 

[KristinTech]

@pearlsngems Thank you!! More to consider! I appreciate the posts.

I’m including a recent picture of me wearing the 8.5-9.0 18-inch strand. I had not thought about the larger pearls affecting how it drapes around the neck.

And a few minutes ago I discovered this comparison picture of diameter/sphere sizes...

 

[pearlsngems]

Based on that photo, unless you really want a choker, I'd go for 18".

The reason pearl size increases so rapidly with even very small increases in diameter is that the expansion is in every direction outward from the center of the pearl.

 

[Pearlescence]

Consider the metal in the clasp - a large factor in pricing from any vendor.
If you want much larger pearls consider nucleated ones. The main reason why round all nacre larger pearls are more expensive is that the longer they are growing - to get bigger - the more the opportunities for something to go wrong, poorer lustre, patchy lustre, flaws or off roundness
Switching to nuceated (now coming in around 10mm and up) reduces growth time and therefore opportunities for less than perfection

 

[KristinTech]

Okay! I pulled the trigger. I ended up going with the 18-inch 9.0-9.5 Freshadama strand from Pearl Paradise. I used my $121 in pearl points, and I’m switching out the ball clasp for an orbit clasp in white gold.

I feel good about this strand—I will post pictures when it arrives!

 

[pearlsngems]

I'm sure it will look wonderful on your neck!

 

[KristinTech]

These are so pretty! And heavier than I expected! I got them gift wrapped - I was impressed by the ribbon and thickness of the paper. I was just curious about what it was like.

I took some pictures in different lighting. Hello, GLOW!

Thank you for all the help, @pearlsngems !

 

[Austina]

Very classical & classy!

 

[pearlsngems]

They are a wonderful size and look fabulous on your neck!

 

[BrownGinger]

It looks great, I’m really loving it!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

These are so pretty! And heavier than I expected! I got them gift wrapped - I was impressed by the ribbon and thickness of the paper. I was just curious about what it was like.

I took some pictures in different lighting. Hello, GLOW!

Thank you for all the help, @pearlsngems !

Wilma herself would be impressed
beautiful.

 

[LemonMoonLex]

They look absolutely beautiful on you and compliment your gorgeous smile!
Speaking of Wilma pearls, someday I'd love to actually get an ultra large pearl necklace!

 

[RunningwithScissors]

These are so pretty! And heavier than I expected! I got them gift wrapped - I was impressed by the ribbon and thickness of the paper. I was just curious about what it was like.

I took some pictures in different lighting. Hello, GLOW!

Thank you for all the help, @pearlsngems !

Wowza! You look gorgeous in those! I think the size is perfect. They are classy and elegant, and to me at least, they say "I'm the lady in charge!" That's what I love about nice pearls, they perfectly complement a work/office outfit and also seamlessly slide into an accessory for a night on the town, or even a Sunday brunch with friends.

Bravo!

 

[KristinTech]

Thank you, everyone! I just love this strand.