Recent content by KarinK

Be sure to ask for photos taken in daylight as well.

Their shape is more typical for Tahitians.

The really large hole in the first picture with the apparent build-up of material makes me think they are imitation, also the way some are peeling and cracked.

Keep in mind that 'blue' is a lot of things. I dreamed of those sky-blue Akoya with pink flashes but what i could afford looks a lot more silver blue-ish and only actually blue in certain light. I tried twice, then gave up, realising I didn't have the money for what I really wanted. I stil have...

If you search for options on Etsy you can filter for country and the price you pay is the final price. If there is anything like duty or VAT it is included in the final price. I live in Denmark where anything from outside of the EU is charged with 25% VAT. Until most online sellers started...

It is what you call a mabe pearl. You should be able to read more if you search for it here. I can't tell if it is genuine. Maybe others can. What is the metal stamped with? Your jeweller can probably test it.

The mark on the clasp is almost always the maker of the clasp. It won't tell you who put together the strand of FW pearls and sold it. Also, it mostly doesn't matter who did.

They may have believed they are. People tend to grossly overestimate the value of pearls and can be easily fooled.

You might be able to find single beads on Etsy. Just be sure to check reviews and gut feeling. Marianne has a very good point. I have worked a lot with semi-precious beads and often the holes are not drilled quite the same and if you have several to choose from, you have a better chance of...

There aren't really 'makers' when it comes to pearls - with a very few exceptions. Marking on a clasp will usually show information only about the clasp and have nothing to do with the pearls. For the pearls, most people are interested in the type of pearl and the quality. Some are interested in...

Search for a bead shop in your area so you can see them in person. It's been a while since I bought beads but I used to have a lot of choice online. I would buy less expensive beads/gems from places like Fire Mountain Gem and nicer ones at The Curious Gem.

The New York Times has an article today, It's behind a pay wall but let me just copy this small part with a name we know! "Reflecting on why demand for pearls has risen among both consumers and designers who never had previously considered them, Mr. Paspaley offered an explanation: “If you...

My friend asked me about that particular company not long ago. My reply: "Hoax. You do not hand dive pearls and you don't make enough to take 70% off. Most likely a Chinese company selling dyed Freshwater pearls. The real deal: https://kamokapearls.com"

You can make it a lot easier for us all if you give us all the information you have from the start. This sounds like you something we don't.

Who here said: "If you can't wear it, it's not a pearl"? Such a great way to define it.