A greeting with questions

[Dreamman101113]

Hello everyone, After doing some research I have decided to join in order to ask the age old question of, what the hell do I really want to buy?! For a little background my name is Josh and I am getting married this October, as a gift for my future wife I am looking to give her pearls at the end of the reception when we change. Now I am a big fan of how the Tahitian pearls look and I think she will be as well. But the question is do I go with tradition or do I venture away slightly from tradition? I could go with akoyas which are albeit beautiful just don't SNATCH my attention, or the awesome dark colored Tahitians. Now I am also looking to get her a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. I don't need them to be a perfect match but I'm not going to get her baroque shaped pearls for one piece and round for the other (unless my man matching skills suck and they actually go together quite well with some pieces). Now the biggest snag in all of this, is I'm not going CRAZY with this stuff, it's my first time buying pearls for her (real pearls that is) and I'm keeping it simple, I'd say around $1000-$1200 (tops). I know this figure seems low but it's what I can do right now. She is very light skinned and has a regular frame, I wouldn't say slender but not big by all means, she's just very white lol. These will also be for a going out type of thing not for everyday type use. I was also debating the keshi style pearl but am unsure of what her reaction would be towards them. I appreciate everyone who read this and really couldn't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge.

 

[KarinK]

Definately go with Tahitians since you like them. A gift like that should be personal, and unlike akoyas Tahitian pearls are not going to be over-processed. I second of the aboive links, Caitlin's included.

- Karin

 

[dkan 168]

I too believe the budget should be able to get a nice set of baroque Tahitians, and in the lighter silver blue/green tones.

I would opt for the following offers on Pearl Paradise:

"Charmed Collections" Bracelet - to start with a single baroque Tahitian pearl, and one can add more to it as anniversary gifts later, link: http://www.pearlparadise.com/Charmed-Collections-Bracelet-with-Removable-Tahitian-Pearl4633.aspx

For the neck, a tin cup necklace, like this one: http://www.pearlparadise.com/Tahitian-Baroque-Pearl-Tin-Cup-Necklace-Pearl-size-90100-mm2247.aspx

For earrings, I like these with round pearls: http://www.pearlparadise.com/Blossom-Collection-Tahitian-Pearl-Dangle-Earrings4001.aspx

Good luck with your search.

DK

 

[Dreamman101113]

Wow guys, I'm very pleased with the responses. I try and do what I can when I can and this is the perfect time for it, I will do a little more research but I work 3rd shift (which means I have to leave in a few minutes) so I will have to check it out when I'm not spending time with her. I will check out the silver blue akoyas, I didn't hear of them and it sounds so beautiful. I also agree about the necklaces, I don't think I need to get a strand, the tin cups are so nice, when I have more time I will comment more. Thanks again and hopefully I can continue to keep up on here, it's nice to get into something so beautiful and I hope to share it with my fiance.

 

[KarinK]

Definately check the tahitibiz-site too. They specialize in Tahitian pearls at very good prices and are given great feedback here on PG. Remember any of the vendors wants you to contact them if what you want is not on the site or if you want extra pictures.

- Karin

 

[Dreamman101113]

So after a little bit of looking on the tahitianpearls.biz website these are some of the things I think are a possibility. Honest opinions!!

http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/tahit...ahitian_pearl_earrings_with_diamonds_tead.htm
http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/tahitian-pearl-necklace/tahitian-pearls-on-silver-necklace-tnsd-14.htm
http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/tahitian-pearl-bracelet/tahitian_black_pearl_bracelet_tbct.htm

White gold on all of them because she doesn't like yellow gold. And i'm thinking 17" on the necklace if I get her that one, or any necklace for that matter. I will post again with more thoughts on some things soon to get more opinions, I only have one shot to do this and I am not going to allow myself the room for mistakes lol.

 

[Dreamman101113]

@dkan 168 I like both of those very very much, So many great choices, I just don't know which one I want to actually buy yet lol

 

[Dreamman101113]

Ok now I will make an actual non rushed post, These were some of the things I was looking at on my own from Pearlparadise;
http://www.pearlparadise.com/Day-to...ian-and-Akoya-Pearl-Tin-Cup-Necklace3887.aspx
http://www.pearlparadise.com/90100-mm-Tahitian-Tin-Cup-Pearl-Bracelet2789.aspx
http://www.pearlparadise.com/90100-mm-AAA-Tahitian-Pearl-Stud-Earrings19.aspx

I'm finding that I like the blossom ones mentioned by dkan just as much if not more. For the akoya silver blue pearls, I am becoming attached to the venus collection that is on the pearlparadise website, it is just so fancy but casual and I really feel that it would just bring the wow, sexy, extravagant look to my already perfect fiance. If I find more to add before anyone comments I will just edit this post instead of spamming

 

[Sea Urchin]

Fwiw, this would be my pick, in 18 inch, which I believe is the most popular length and gets away from the choker look. With stud earrings a bit larger to avoid the "just another pearl from the strand" look and let them stand out, too. Then again, 11 mm is very large and heavy for earrings, so maybe 10.0-10.9 size would be best. To me (for the budget) necklace and earrings are standard, bracelet not necessary. Probably white gold metal to blend with the pearl color, although there's not much metal to see anyway. I think this would look quite substantial and delicious!

http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/tahitian-pearl-necklace/multi_color_tahitian_pearl_necklace_tnmu.htm -$610

http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/tahitian-pearl-earrings/tahitian-pearl-post-earrings-tepo.htm (requesting stronger peacock overtone, if available) - (AAA quality) -$412

 

[helena]

I would pick this necklace from PPs Ombre collection and blue akoya studs, if budget would allow it. They are just so beautiful.

http://www.pearlparadise.com/Ombr?-Collection-30104-mm-Akoya-and-Tahitian-Pearl-Necklace4746.aspx

http://www.pearlparadise.com/8085-mm-Blue-Akoya-Pearl-Stud-Earrings3141.aspx

 

[Red]

Ok now I will make an actual non rushed post, These were some of the things I was looking at on my own from Pearlparadise;
http://www.pearlparadise.com/Day-to...ian-and-Akoya-Pearl-Tin-Cup-Necklace3887.aspx
http://www.pearlparadise.com/90100-mm-Tahitian-Tin-Cup-Pearl-Bracelet2789.aspx
http://www.pearlparadise.com/90100-mm-AAA-Tahitian-Pearl-Stud-Earrings19.aspx

I'm finding that I like the blossom ones mentioned by dkan just as much if not more. For the akoya silver blue pearls, I am becoming attached to the venus collection that is on the pearlparadise website, it is just so fancy but casual and I really feel that it would just bring the wow, sexy, extravagant look to my already perfect fiance. If I find more to add before anyone comments I will just edit this post instead of spamming

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. I love Tahitian pearls and your gift will be a very special one for her.

I wanted to comment on the choice of earrings. I have found that dark pearls set against dark hair tend to disappear. If she has blond hair, the blossom style (or other hanging style) of earring would be great. If she has longer dark hair, I would recommend that you purchase either stud earrings, so if the pearl is dark, it can be seen against her skin; or, I would get a silvery toned set of pearl earrings that could be seen against the hair. If her hair is short, or she wears it up all the time, then it really won't matter and a blossom style Tahitian would be stunning.

Just wanted you to think about this.

 

[Dreamman101113]

@Red, Wow thank you I actually didn't think of this whatsoever. Uhm that's a good point, she does wear it up a lot and her hair is a bit longer. She has a dirty blonde hair color so the blossom may suit to be better, but now my question is, would silver blue akoya studs really throw off the flow of the tahitian necklace?

 

[KarinK]

now my question is, would silver blue akoya studs really throw off the flow of the tahitian necklace?

It's a matter of taste, I guess. I mix and match all the time, having white South Sea pearl, Kasumi pearl, and Tahitian pearl earrings and Tahiti, creme akoya, and blue akoya (the ones from PP) necklaces. I also mix in 22K earrings and emerald earrings. I usually like it better when the pearls don't match. It feels a little too formal for me.

_ akrin

 

[Sea Urchin]

Just a thought to toss in here. Some people might think it's too practical to be romantic. But, fwiw, I would rather have my husband invite me to help choose what I would like the most.

 

[wild onion]

Hi Josh - welcome, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Tahitian pearls are my passion, so I wanted to add my perspective. I love the first tahitianpearls.biz earrings you posted (http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/tahit...ahitian_pearl_earrings_with_diamonds_tead.htm) and the first pearlparadise.com link (http://www.pearlparadise.com/Day-to...ian-and-Akoya-Pearl-Tin-Cup-Necklace3887.aspx). I think those are both timeless designs (I find the Pearl Paradise tin cup more elegant than the other you posted). I have a really nice, colorful baroque tahitian strand that I almost never wear, because it looks bulky on me, and I wear dangles more than studs, for the same reason. Does your fianc?e like chunky, bigger jewelry, or is it usually more delicate (especially take note of what style of earring she prefers)? For a purchase like this, it might make sense to go with something classic (not the same as conservative!), rather than trendy.

Were you hoping to surprise her, or give the pearls to her right away? If the latter, you have the option, in case she isn't totally in love with what you choose, to return the pearls and let her pick out something she likes. Then you get the fun of presenting her with several boxes of jewelry to open (who doesn't love that?), while not having to feel so much stress about your decision (fyi - Pearl Paradise has a 90 day money back guarantee, and it looks like Tahitianpearls.biz has a 14 day money back, 45 day exchange policy).

Please let us know what you decide! We all live vicariously through others' pearl purchases.

 

[Dreamman101113]

Yes I agree I def don't want to go trendy, she loves delicate jewelry, something subtle and simple but elegant. I always forget to see if she wears studs or dangle earrings more but either way in all honesty i don't think she would be upset with whichever.

@Karin I have thought of that but I would LOVE to surprise her with them, i also don't want to get into the bad habit before we are even married of forgetting what she likes, or needing her to pick it out for me. I am a hopeless romantic and that just ruins it for me but I do see your POV.

The pearls will hopefully be given to her near the end of the reception so it will be later in the evening, I'm sure whatever I pick she will be thrilled with because they are all wonderful pieces and I will gladly share when I do. I could not be more appreciative of everyone's time here, I know everyone has different tastes. MY biggest goal was to go to the right place, for the right price, to get the right product, and thankfully you guys have me on my way. Thanks again and I will continue to search over the next few months at LEAST so I make sure to make the perfect purchase, you guys have me excited to show you my purchase before I've made it LOL

 

[pearlescence]

A good way to get it right would be to enlist whoever knows her taste well (possibly mother or bridemaid) and ask them. Some people are very good at shopping for others. A way to tell would be to see who goes with her to chose the dress and subtly find out whether she takes that person's advice #cunning mode!

 

[KarinK]

@Karin I have thought of that but I would LOVE to surprise her with them, i also don't want to get into the bad habit before we are even married of forgetting what she likes, or needing her to pick it out for me. I am a hopeless romantic and that just ruins it for me but I do see your POV.

Nope, not me I am a hopeless romantic too and I think a real man is a man who gives his woman jewelry with the taste to choose them himself Maybe helped along with a few hints but I would have been disappointed if I'd had to choose my own gifts. Just look at Alex here at the forum. I don't recall him asking his wife about golden SSP's mounted with emeralds

I think the two Wild Onion put together look so lovely! Defiantely delicate, classic, different, tasteful - and they leave room for future upgrades in form of full pearl necklaces. There's going to be anniveseries, etc. Don't want to blow everything on the very first gift.

- Karin

 

[Dreamman101113]

I have asked for opinions from the two people I know that know her better than I do. It's been a tough choice to come up with but I think I will be able to make a confident decision when I do buy. @Karin, I def don't want to blow everything on the first gift lol I already have plans for one of our anniversaries, I plan on taking a trip to New York (we live in MA) to go see Les Miserables on broadway, she is being into theater shows lol. The two that Wild Onion mention are two that I mentioned

Although kind of out of my price range, I think I'm in love with the ombre collection on the PP website, I wasn't sure at first but with the blue color it is so beautiful, and I think with the akoya's with it, it would really help stand out with her fair skin. Not sure what everyone else thinks of the bracelet, and necklace combo, and I would look at some silver blue akoya studs 8.5 to 9 mm. I would give her one the night of the reception, one on our first night out on our honeymoon, and the last piece which would probably be the bracelet on the day before last of our honeymoon. I feel it will absolutely complete the honeymoon, and surprise the hell out of her =D

SO MANY CHOICES, WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO XD

 

[Katbran]

I like to be part of the decision...but that's cause I'm really really picky! lol I love that Ombre necklace..gorgeous. And I think this one that Helena found is lovely http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/tahitian-pearl-necklace/multi_color_tahitian_pearl_necklace_tnmu.htm. But then I'm not a fan of the tin cup style so I'll always opt for a strand.
Things to consider : You should go to a store and look at some pearl strands and check out what the sizes actually look like. People are sometimes surprised at how small some sizes can appear once they are being worn. It's very helpful to look at a strand of 8mm , 9mm and 10 mm and see what you think about size. And think about her style and what suits. Its a lovely idea to give such a gorgeous gift on such a very special day! Best wishes