Color and online purchases

[Sea Urchin]

I would have posted this in the "freshwater pearl" sub-forum but I can't get onto it, so I guess this works too.

My question might not have a good answer, but just in case... I am wondering how the heck you are supposed to have any idea what you will receive when you buy colored freshwater pearls online.

I just bought a lavender bracelet, which I posted photos of under the freshwater section. I had specified things like bright, pinkish, not dull or too dark. But still, I did not like the color of what I received. I didn't feel like putting either of us through a bunch of back and forth so I went ahead and asked them to just send me a white one instead. I know white varies too but chances are much higher that I'll be happy with them. Also, they don't usually show each individual piece but just a representative one. Even though an online pic is not the same as "in person", if they showed you some pics along with a description (like it's lighter than this, etc.) it would help a lot, but they did not seem to want to. It's probably not worth their time for the less expensive pieces ($165).

So, for future reference, I'm just wondering if you all have any better ideas on how to go about buying the lavenders, pinks, and peaches online. Thanks. ;o)

 

[Amanda]

I'm going to be unhelpful, sorry.

I think it's very important to see a pearl in person, to know whether or not you're going to fall in love with it. Otherwise it might sound perfect from the description, but there is no chemistry between you.

 

[pearlescence]

I can only say how we do this here at Pearlescence.
We sit at the computer with the raw photo and the piece and process the photo until it looks like the piece. If we can't get it very close it gets re photographed. (some pearls are shy)
Bright isn't a clear colour request...what do you mean? What do you mean by a dull colour? Pink? What is 'too dark'?
If a customer wants a specific colour we ask for fabric swatches, a cutting from a magazine, or even use the European Standard colour chart to make sure
To mis-quote some eBay listings 'send picture'.