GSS set, aka, "There's no such thing as a free lunch":

[BAS]

In the Fall, my bff from college treated me to a sushi lunch so we could catch up. Over lunch she admired my baroque silver/blue akoya set, wishing she had pearls other than "black and white" (Tahitian and WSS). She wished she had golden pearls. I asked her if she was serious, because I knew Hisano and Jeremy were heading to HK soon, and her wish never had a better chance of coming true. Yep, she was serious.

I contacted Jeremy and Hisano and lo and behold, they found two extraordinary strands. My friend chose one, leaving the truly exceptional strand available. Mind you, both strands were absolutely gorgeous. But as a pearl collector, I knew the one she left on the table was a once-in-a-lifetime strand. I was never drawn to GSS, but I fell hard, real hard, for this deep golden round strand. Here's Jeremy's casual shot from HK:

 

[BAS]

I ended up buying this strand and a pair of (even deeper) golden ovals for earrings:



Here are both strands pre-strung. Mine is the outer strand:

 

[BAS]

Then came the fun of choosing a clasp and designing findings for the ovals. I was fortunate enough to meet with John, Hisano and Jeremy at PP the next month to discuss options. Hisano and I ended up with "sister" diamond toggle clasps for our GSS strand and tin cup. John used 18 carat gold for the findings and toggle clasp. I wanted a simple, classic and elegant design:











Toggle Clasp Sisters!

 

[pattye]

BAS, just spectacular pearls in every way! Congratulations to you both!!

 

[BAS]

I haven't received the strand restrung with the toggle clasp yet, but here are glamour shots courtesy of PP and Jo:

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Gorgeous goldens! I love the earrings in particular.

 

[suchi]

Spectacular set!

 

[BAS]

And finally, a few neck shots (with a temporary ball clasp). First with my Golden Lantern pendant, then with a robe and with a blue nightgown:

 

[BAS]

Thank you pattye, Pearl Dreams and suchi. I can hardly wait to see the strand with it's new toggle clasp! My friend is likely getting the same clasp for her strand.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Just fabulous!!!

 

[CricketBug]

How spectacular! I haven't had an urge for GSS pearls... until about now. Those are gorgeous! Congratulations on a purchase you'll always be happy for!

 

[Gemandpearlover]

I can actually feel the luxury through my computer screen. They are gorgeous and you are as well BAS.

 

[86Corvettegirl]

Oh, my, BAS!!! Those GSS are spellbounding!!! Congratulations to you & your friend for such beauties! PP knocked it out of the park with these!!

 

[Charlotta]

Those goldens are just beautiful. Love the findings to. Such a gorgeous strand.

 

[Bcm21mk]

I agree with my other Pearl guide Sisters, your GSS pearls are magnificent. I love the beautiful and oh so easy to handle clasp. Your earrings are so beautiful and special. Enjoy your goodies.

 

[BWeaves]

Wow those are gorgeous, and so is that pendant. I didn't even know a diamond toggle clasp was an option. I love a good toggle. Easy to use, and if made right, it won't come undone until you want it to. Plus, yours will sit diamond side up and not flip on you. Love it.

 

[CathyKeshi]

BAS, both you and those incredible GSS pearls are luminous and beautiful! The pearls really are once in a lifetime, and that clasp is breathtaking!!! Wear your new lovelies in great good fortune, dear

 

[SydK]

Wow! Just wow!

 

[Red]

Those are stunning, BAS, and just right for you. I'm thinking of your Madamas, in particular. Enjoy these, as I'm sure you will.

 

[linda.wald]

As my father-in-law used to say: Oh, My, My!