Decisions Decisions

[Mango_smoothie]

Hello All, I have decided to make an account after reading some knowledgeable things about pearls. However, its the first time I've posted, since I would like some advice/input on a pearl necklace I plan to purchase. I want to buy myself a rope of pearls (52 inches) that would look good on me (I am 26, and am 5'4), however I am stuck on who to buy from because they offer different things. First, I would like to say that I would much rather buy a pearl necklace that's very good quality, but for rope pearls is it worth it?

I apologize, but I have seen on reddit that people would much rather buy freshwater pearls over Akoya pearls for rope necklaces because they don't damage as much Akoya's. I am not sure if that is true? I haven't seen a thread on the quality of rope necklaces on this forum.

I wasn't sure whether to purchase a 52-inch necklace from Pearl Source or Pearl Paradise. The Pearl Source sells 52-inch handama pearls and Pearl Paradise sells a 52-inch freshwater AAA pearls (7.5-8.0). Both would vastly differ in price. Because of the handama's being more costly I would opt for a smaller pearl, than the freshwater's.

Input on this would help, I'm stuck on what to get

 

[Pearl Dreams]

How do you feel about heavy necklaces? Because pearls are heavy, and 52 inches in the size you are considering will definitely be heavy!
If you can try on a 52 inch rope anywhere, I urge you to do so before buying. See if you are comfortable with that weight.

One thing about long ropes is that they tend to swing around. Personally I don't wear long ropes for that reason. I'd be banging the pearls into everything! But if I did want a rope despite that, I'd rather bang up freshwater pearls than akoyas. Not only because FWP are less costly than akoyas, but also because a solid nacre pearl is tougher than a pearl that is basically a relatively thin layer of nacre over a shell nucleus.

That's just me. I'm sure some people would feel differently about it.

Akoyas do have a higher luster than FWP in general, but the top quality FWP are beautiful!

I have bought from Pearl Paradise and can recommend them; I have not bought anything from The Pearl Source so can't comment on them.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Afterthought: If you can't find a 52" necklace to try on for weight, connect three 18" necklaces end to end (= 54" but close enough).
Even glass imitation pearls would give you a pretty good idea of the weight. Many department stores have imitation pearls you could try this with.

 

[Marianne]

For honesty and quality, I would highly recommend Pearl Paradise.