Cook Islands Keshi Bracelet

[Perle]

Btw, I still have not decided what to do with them yet. They are a fun novelty but we have been so busy with the day to day we have not sat down to figure anything out yet. I have considered buying several kilo, drilling and matching them in China, then creating multi-strand necklaces.

What do they call the necklace with chain in between? Tin cup? Maybe something like that, with or without diamonds sprinkled along the chain (bezel-set). Tiffany does something along those lines. Or is that just too easy?

They would have to be drilled lengthwise, so maybe that would add to the challenge level . . . .

Perle

 

[Hanaleimom]

What do they call the necklace with chain in between? Tin cup? Maybe something like that, with or without diamonds sprinkled along the chain (bezel-set). Tiffany does something along those lines. Or is that just too easy?

They would have to be drilled lengthwise, so maybe that would add to the challenge level . . . .

Perle

I think Tin Cup style is nice too. But gold is so expensive right now...

 

[SteveM]

... trying to get to important points?

Josh, I can't tell offhand if you covered everything, but your post was superb and much appreciated! (And yes, if you would just share a photo of that keshi drop with your wife's name on it?)

 

[pernula]

Accidental or not, they are beautiful!

Josh: thanks for the interesting info.

Steve: I hope the second bracelet matches well with the first one!

Jeremy: if Pearl Paradise was to offer some keishi pearls, whether Tahiti or Cook Island in origin, or South Sea, I would be very interested to get some--both smaller and larger ones.

Cheers,
Pernula

 

[SteveM]

I hope the second bracelet matches well with the first one!

Arrived this week, bracelet with a nice range of 22 jumbo 10-12mm gray/charcoal/blue/green/platinum iridescent keshi. As an extender the attempt was to provide a family likeness but matching was certainly impossible. Unfortunately I had a terrible time focusing the entire piece.

At just over 16 inches total length, the effect is not as desired. My wife does not like such large pearls as a collar. Perhaps another neck?

The bracelet was sent on approval and may be returned. Look forward to comments and suggestions!

 

[pattye]

My, my, would you look at your reflection in those keishi!! That is amazing!! Well, a little off the subject, but will put the "thinkin cap" back on---------seems like the magnetic clasps are a bit large, and the total length too short---------?? Does your wife like it as a bracelet??

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

 

[SteveM]

Yes, too short, too much clasp. We won't keep another keshi bracelet if the necklace extender idea doesn't work out. And my wife is getting a bit impatient for this exercise to conclude, so she can order a safety chain for the original bracelet and start wearing it regularly!

Still, those are 22 very nice keshi that would be a shame to send winging back to the Cooks?

 

[pattye]

Geez, if the price isn't too high I would like first dibs on it!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time, but not quite enough keishi yet

 

[Nerida]

I'm second in line behind Pattye (who already has the most stunning collection of pearls, just from the ones I've seen in the posts!!)... I think as a bracelet stand-alone, it is just completely awesome, and I for one would be happy to waste my day staring at it on my wrist..

That said - I can't do big pearls on a short length either - no balance unless you are extremely tall and thin - has to have a big more length -18" minimum, and then the clasps would be completely too obvious..

 

[Ingykiz]

IMHO, I think the first bracelet is a stand alone piece. Maybe you could figure out a way to attach a high karat gold chain (simple) when you want to wear it as a necklace. I think it would be stunning just those few beautiful pearls around the collar bone.

 

[Nerida]

Yes, I agree - I think I was confused as to which one may be on its way back to the Cook Islands - if Steve's wife EVER tires of the first bracelet, please, Australia is beckoning....

 

[SteveM]

#2 is the one on the blocks, and if it could find a good home among this 'family' that would certainly be a worthy conclusion. The designer would agree regarding the original bracelet's stand-alone intent, and I greatly appreciate his effort to try to make the necklace option happen.

I'll try to get a good shot of bracelet #2 on its own and post ASAP.

 

[pattye]

I KNEW you meant bracelet #2------

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

I actually have some Cook Island pearls----------some baroque and some round (& off-round) from Carolyn awhile back--------they are lovely.

 

[Nerida]

I did say you have a formidable collection, Pattye!
If I had been following the thread more closely, it would have been obvious it was No 2, but hey, I'm still keen No 1! Those colours are magnificent!

 

[pattye]

That was truly sweet and kind of you to compliment my collection, Nerida!! And I absolutely agree with you, Bracelet #1 is Just Crazy Gorgeous and Amazing!!!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

 

[Nerida]

Are you copy writing for Carolyn now? You forgot INSANE and BREATHTAKING! I dream of a personal collection like the pearls I've seen of yours Pattye - please forgive my envy!

 

[Perle]

Not to mention WILD and OUTRAGEOUS! I love her designs . . . .

Another great bracelet, Steve!

Perle

 

[SteveM]

OK, second bracelet deserves a bit more attention. Sun came out and my four-year-old Nikon Coolpix 7900 did fairly well, although still not the best at capturing color?or maybe the blue background has somewhat sapped the pearls' true color impact. Bracelet #2 is the large picture (yours truly and trusty tripod reflected in the clasp), insert offers a side-by-side comparison of the two.

#2 is no slouch, lessened only as a result of the prior existence of #1. At 10-12mm these are giant keshi in their own right, and there is more than just a little matching going on (including an elongated white centerpiece in #2 that recalls one of prominent pearls in #1).

Handling the sheer pearl weight of both bracelets (about 400 carats altogether!) has been quite enjoyable, I have to admit?

 

[Sueki]

Magnificent, Steve.
I adore both sets of pearls.
They are so lovely; if it were me, I'd hate to part with them.

 

[john675]

I agree with Sueki. They are stunning pearls and you are lucky to handle them. Maybe you need a bracelet to go with your wife's?!
John