hsn

[pearliegirlie]

Does anyone know anything about design by turia on HSN? How is it, & are the pieces a good value?

 

[pattye]

Looks like a newer line, without many customer comments. But seem like lower grade pearls, since that info is not given at all. One has no idea what color the pearl will be, if it will have overtones, type of blemishes. Pretty risky, IMO. Perhaps better to pay a little more, buy from one of the members here, and be more certain of receiving quality pearls.

 

[DavidL]

looks like the pearls have a lot of imperfections -quote from the pearl and black spinel bracelet
"Received this a week ago and bought 2 bracelets and the ring. Very disappointing as the pearls, most of them, have serious imperfections! The pearl in the ring, has a 'dent' in it at the very top, obviously not well chosen to be in a ring. Considering the price for these, I would have expected to receive selected, flawless pearls. The luster is gorgeous, however this is not enough for me to keep them. Going back..."
From the cluster ring:
"I could not wait to get this ring!!I was surprised that 3 of the pearls were not sitting flush on their pins, and sure enough the first day I wore the ring, off flew the pearls! I was so lucky to find them on the lawn I was standing on. But really the craftsmanship is horrid and not worth the price at all. Unless you like crwaling around the ground looking for pearls. So the ring will be returned."

 

[pearliegirlie]

Wow, what does she mean, dents? Can tp's have dents? Is that normal?

 

[Caitlin]

Dents and divots are common in Tahitians. (if that is what you meant by tp. Nevertheless a ring should not have one on the top. the fact that it does, means there is a worse problem on the bottom! The workmanship sounds lousy!

If those are FW pearls, there is even less excuse for a divot on the top!

 

[pattye]

Yes, this is just one type of blemish that can occur on Tahitian pearls.

Here is an explanation of Tahitian Pearl Grading from here on Pearl-Guide.
South Sea and Tahitian Pearl Grading
Grading South Sea and Tahitian PearlsWhile there is no internationally recognized number or letter system for pearl grading, there are best-grading practices that are accepted and recognized by all professional pearl dealers within the industry. Understanding grading attributes and quality characteristics of South Sea and Tahitian pearls is imperative to properly shop and compare.

Pearl Grades Are Combinations Of Many Different Value FactorsAs pearls have many differing value factors such as shape, luster, size, and surface quality combining together to produce a unique gem, grading pearls can become very difficult. Although it is possible to grade each value factor individually, most purveyors of this gem rely on a simple letter-grade system. The grading assigned will rarely be absolute, varying from one dealer to the next, but if the seller is honest, the grades should give the consumer a practical basis from which to judge the quality of the sellers wares.


Which System Is Correct? The AAA-A System Or The A-D System?

Confusion abounds regarding the use of the A-D system (the Tahitian System) or the AAA-A system, popularized by the late Kokichi Mikimoto. While some pearl dealers swear by one method, another seller may use the other. So which is correct? The answer is simple ? they both are.

As there is no International mandated system for grading pearls, nor is there an absolute alphabetical system, both systems are used interchangeably. Their use is largely based on location, but even this is a general rule of thumb, by no means absolute.

Related Article and Forum Threads
:
- Pearl Quality Factors
- Pearl Colors
- Pearl Luster
- Pearl Matching
- Pearl Surface
- Pearl Shapes
- Pearl Sizes
- Pearl Grading Standards
- Standardizing Pearl Grading
- Unacceptable Grading Systems


Both Systems Are CorrectIn the USA both systems are often used by different pearl companies, which is considered completely acceptable if the seller makes it known what system is being used, and has an accurate representation of the quantified qualities.

In producing countries such as French Polynesia and Australia the A-D system is nearly universally used by producers of Tahitian and South Sea pearls. However, when the pearls are auctioned in Hong Kong , these same producers utilize the AAA-A system when selling to wholesalers.

Courtesy of Cultured Tahitian Pearl Grading by PearlParadise.com

A-D (Tahitian) Grading AAA-A Grading Grading Description and Criteria
Top Gem Gem Grade Flawless pearl with excellent luster
Pearl exhibits no inclusions or imperfections prior to setting or drilling

A AAA Flawless on at least 90% of pearl?s surface
Only 10% of pearl?s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only a single deep inclusion allowable
Pearl should drill or set clean to virtually clean
Luster is very high

A/B AA+ Flawless on at least 80% of pearl?s surface
Only 20% of pearl?s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only one or two deep inclusions allowable
Pearl should drill or set clean to nearly clean
Luster is high to very high

B AA Flawless on at least 70% of pearl?s surface
Only 30% of pearl?s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only one or two deep inclusions allowable
Pearl should drill or set nearly clean
Luster is high to very high

C A+ Flawless on at least 40% of pearl?s surface
Up to 60% of pearl?s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Deep inclusions are limited to 10% of pearl?s surface
Luster is medium to very high

D A At least 60% of pearl?s surface will exhibit flaws
Deep inclusions and/or white spots within inclusions on up to 20% of pearl?s surface
Luster is poor to very high

*Cultured Tahitian pearls that do not fall into a category above, or do not meet the minimum nacre depth requirements of 0.8 mm per radius, do not pass the mandatory examination of the Ministere de la Perliculture of Tahiti. Those pearls are refused for export and destroyed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry the link wouldn't work, so I've copied it here from the information section before the Forum.

Some Tahitian pearls not meeting the minimum standards discussed above were smuggled out of French Polynesia and are still on the market. Unfortunately, many of us are still seeing them offered at the gem shows. They are so ugly you would not believe it-dull, beads showing, lots of pitting, dents, white spots, misshapen, etc.

If Turia was selling A and B grade pearls, you can be certain they would be saying so!

Buying a pearl with very high to high luster combined with careful drilling and setting minimizes the effect of blemishes and makes them less noticeable.

 

[pearlescence]

I have a necklace up on the website which is made from really bonkers Tahitians, with rings , bumps, lumps and all sorts of irregularities but big pearls and very characterful. I make no apologies, and really rather like this necklace - in a time of ever better fakes, it is clearly real! (and a bit fun)
http://www.pearlescence.co.uk/product_info.php/cPath/127_185/products_id/2713

 

[pattye]

Agreed, Wendy! A fun necklace! Good luster and one can see exactly what one is buying! Definitely pearls with "Character!" I would wear them in a minute!

 

[pearliegirlie]

That necklace is lovely! Thanks for the info everyone.

 

[Caitlin]

I rather like it too. Kind of gnarly, even witchy. Fit for a women of character. I hope you get to do a series of them!