Mikimoto or No?

[Dreamin_Sqaw]

and these.....

 

[GemGeek]

Marianne could be right about onyx chalcedony. But since you referred to the wet look, it made me think of calcite. Calcite beads are almost always coated in wax because they are soft and don't polish well. That would be a sign that they might not be chalcedony. Chalcedony takes a great polish, so it doesn't need wax. Calcite can also have agate-type banding and golden colors are common.

When I was taking gem identification, they occasionally slipped in banded calcite. The first time I saw it, I was stumped. I had only seen solid-colored or colorless calcite. Because it is soft, it is hard to get a good refractive index reading, which is the key to identifying it. My instructor said that it was one of the stones most often missed on the 20 stone exam.

Okay, too much information, but I hate to waste my graduate gemologist training.

 

[Dreamin_Sqaw]

GemGeek,
thanks so much. And no way! there is never to much information..... Im bound and determined to learn all I can about this stuff. thanks

 

[Dreamin_Sqaw]

Lisa C,
Sorry I almost missed this post from you. I just don't know how to tell what is under that goop. One day you guys will have me educated.
Yes most of her stuff was never worn. She was a widow the last 40 years of her life, and no children. She traveled and bought as a way to keep busy. She would buy, bring home, and store it. She was a comfortably wealthy woman but I think this is what kept her feeling alive and not so lonely. She became a patient of mine later in her life, then transformed into a dear friend. I miss her terribly. So funny, people that knew her throughout her entire life would always say "boy is she a mean one" when I first started caring for her. But we both were strong headed and stood our ground and became so close. All her friends were in shock! I never left her home without her saying "I love you" to me. Her friends were amazed. they had never saw her accept or take to anyone in her life.

 

[GemGeek]

I've always been attracted to difficult people. Most of the time, if you can get through the hazing, they make the best and most loyal friends. That's a great story!

 

[Dreamin_Sqaw]

Yeap GemGeek I have been blessed. I love my job and it ha brought some great people into my life. And agree, the difficult ones are my favorite. I just love a challenge. Lol . Most of the time they are not as " hard" as they try to act. I think some just hide behind that to keep thselves safe from the world. I have met all kinds during the past 7 years of home health care.

 

[Caitlin]

I love you, GemGeek! What a great person!

 

[mojcasss]

Dear all.
Im new here, looking for pear earrings for my girlfriend. I am slowly learning about pearls
I am looking at these earrings: 7mm A quality ?280
http://www.mikimoto.co.uk/jewellery/earrings/basic-stud-earrings-in-white-gold.html

I have a next question: are this A quality Mikomoto OK, or should I look for higher quality, or better freshwater pearls.
I am also little confused, because my local Mikimoto dealer offered me this earrings with freshwater pearls for the same price as are this saltwater A on their web site.
Thank you for your help!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Hi mojcasss,

Generally speaking you will get more for your money with freshwater pearls.
• The highest grade freshwater pearls are very lustrous. Some even have a metallic luster that is similar to the luster of akoya pearls.
• Most freshwater pearls are all nacre-- no bead inside. Akoya pearls have a bead nucleus that is covered with nacre.
• Even if you prefer to buy akoya pearls, remember that with Mikimoto you are paying for the brand name. Incidentally, grade A is their second-to-lowest grade (A1 being lower).

Are you sure you want earrings that size? 7mm is good for a younger girl or someone with petite ears or for an everyday pair (it's harder to use the phone while wearing large studs). But many of us prefer a larger size. With freshwaters you can go larger for the same (or less) money.

 

[mojcasss]

Hi mojcasss,

Generally speaking you will get more for your money with freshwater pearls.
? The highest grade freshwater pearls are very lustrous. Some even have a metallic luster that is similar to the luster of akoya pearls.
? Most freshwater pearls are all nacre-- no bead inside. Akoya pearls have a bead nucleus that is covered with nacre.
? Even if you prefer to buy akoya pearls, remember that with Mikimoto you are paying for the brand name. Incidentally, grade A is their second-to-lowest grade (A1 being lower).

Are you sure you want earrings that size? 7mm is good for a younger girl or someone with petite ears or for an everyday pair (it's harder to use the phone while wearing large studs). But many of us prefer a larger size. With freshwaters you can go larger for the same (or less) money.

Here are some to look at (vendors are members of Pearl-Guide):

In the UK:
Pearlescence.com
akoyas: http://www.pearlescence.co.uk/product_info.php/cPath/193_251_256/products_id/1062
freshwaters (scroll down to the studs): http://www.pearlescence.co.uk/index.php/cPath/104_176/sort/2a/page/2

In the USA:
Pearl Paradise.com: http://www.pearlparadise.com/c-47-white-pearl-earrings.aspx
Pearls of Joy.com: http://www.pearlsofjoy.com/Pearl-Earrings_c_17.html
Pure Pearls.com: http://www.purepearls.com/pearl-earrings/by-color/white-pearl-earrings.html

First thank you for quick answer!

I think 7mm pearls will be fine for her.
I know I am paying more for Mikimoto, but she more likes bit of theatre then just pure quality pearls. I had similar problem when buying Tiffany diamond ring, when I sacrificed diamond quality for brand name, but she absolutely loved it

I would just like to ask if Mikimoto A quality pears are OK quality, and they won't look totally odd and be damaged after few years?
Thank you so much for help!