My small collection

[LouiseH]

I don't post much here on PG, but I've been lurking and learning for a while. I thought it was time to put up some photos of my small collection of pearls.

The first pearls that caught my eye were multicolored CFWP, so I bought this necklace. While they aren't perfectly round, I love the colors.

I then found a bracelet to "match," but find that wearing both at the same time seems like too much. I often wear this bracelet with several sterling silver cuffs. Layering bracelets is very trendy right now with the younger set! You can tell from my neck and wrist shots that I am not "younger."

-Louise

 

[LouiseH]

I found that when I looked at my first two pieces, my eye was always drawn to the one or two super shiny, metallic beads, so my next purchase was this bracelet:

The shape is really "eggy" on these, but the luster is wonderful! And I love the purple with green overtones. My husband doesn't like these because they don't look like "pearls" to him, so I told him he can't borrow them

 

[LouiseH]

The latest type of pearls that have caught my eye are the lumpy, bumpy, wrinkly ones. Since I can't afford Japanese true Kasumis, I started looking at the Chinese look-alikes. I drooled over Catherine Cardellini's collection, but wanted to dip my toe in the water with something less expensive. When I found an eBay seller offering these for a great price, I jumped.

This necklace seems to be the hardest to capture in a photograph. The colors are much more golden, with lots of green and lavender overtones. I think sometimes that combination is called "pondslime"?

These are my favorite so far and I've been wearing them everywhere. Even though they are big (12mm) and HEAVY, they seem less formal than the smooth pearls, less dressy and more casual. They are also the most fun to just run my fingers over while I'm wearing them, each pearl is differently lumpy and yet overall rather round.

I have a couple pairs of plain pearl earrings, too, in various colors. Now I'm looking for more baroque and interesting earrings, similar to Adeline designs. My pearl tastes have definitely evolved, mostly thanks to what I have read and seen here. Thanks to all of you for your knowledge and enthusiasm!

And since I had help taking the photos, here's a shot of my lovely assistant:

-Louise

 

[Caitlin]

Hi Louise
Fantastic choices! You seem to adore the multiple color effects, as do I. I think the kasumis, especially, look great on your skin. You really seem to know what looks good on you colorwise! thanks for adding to our magnificent photo collection!

 

[Alex]

Hi Louise - love the wonderful pearls, and love your 'assistant' too

also liked the bit about 'my husband can't borrow them' !!

terrffic !

 

[pattye]

LouiseH,

Love your choice of pearls! You have some top ones, right out of the gate! Aren't those big Chinese Kasumi fun??!! Did you knot them yourself?

 

[LouiseH]

Thanks, everyone!

Pattye: No, I didn't knot them. They came as a complete necklace. The silver clasp helped to keep the price down.

I'd like to try my hand at knotting and jewelry creation one of these days, but my available space is very limited. We live full time in our motorhome (caravan for non-North Americans) and we drive almost daily. Keeping a beading workspace in a moving vehicle would be tricky, but do-able. We are actually looking to move aboard a boat, which will have more storage and work space, so I'm putting off all sorts of projects until the right boat appears. Then I can concentrate on how to set it up so that pearls don't roll into the bilge!

-Louise

 

[Caitlin]

Wow! Do you write a blog? If so, it is one I would love to read! Part of me has also wanted to "bead while traveling".

 

[Alex]

Funnily enough, I came accross this link, whilst looking at the 'Paspaley is mixing in stones for the Christmas collection' thread under SSP, by seaching for 'pearls-and-kunzite'

http://www.catherinecardellinipearls.com/?subject=necklaces&page=154

small world....

 

[LouiseH]

Caitlin: I don't personally write on it very often, but my husband updates our blog every time we move to a new place. I occasionally add photos or videos.

Lately, I've been interested in updating my clothes and jewelry and have been reading many personal fashion blogs. While most seem to be by fresh young things who can wear a burlap sack and look good, I follow several ladies over 40 who are redefining what is flattering and appropriate for the more mature woman. This is making me want to start my own blog, and perhaps that's another thing that will happen when the boating starts.

The world of retired RVers/caravanners is casual to the point of frumpy dumpiness in many cases. But recently, I've been drawn to beautifully made things from top quality natural materials like pearls, leather, cashmere, silk, etc. Why are those reserved for "dressing up" and "special occasions"? When purchased judiciously (thrift stores and eBay), a single cashmere sweater is maybe twice the price of an el-cheapo acrylic one and will last for a decade. PG has been a fantastic way to learn how to buy pearls so that they don't break the bank.

This is the one life we have; why can't it be filled with sensual beauty? I think you pearl fanatics know what I'm talking about!

Our travel blog: http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com

-Louise

 

[Caitlin]

Louise
Thou art a person after me own heart! I don't do the caravan part of it, but I do the rest!

Alex. Cathy Cardenelli is a long-time member here! We know her well. Her stuff is great- we should put some pix up in the designers corner!

 

[GemGeek]

The cat is a gem, too!

 

[Caitlin]

Adeline. Your post isn't here, but its poetry is as splendid as your decorative touches on pearls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Adeline Leigh]

The latest type of pearls that have caught my eye are the lumpy, bumpy, wrinkly ones. I have a couple pairs of plain pearl earrings, too, in various colors. Now I'm looking for more baroque and interesting earrings, similar to Adeline designs. My pearl tastes have definitely evolved, mostly thanks to what I have read and seen here. Thanks to all of you for your knowledge and enthusiasm!

-Louise

Thanks for the shout out, L. I promise I will be back in six months, beading and wiring as if my life depended on it.

I know, I love these textured pearls too. Every night, my bedtime routine is to caress my pearls. I open up my stash and catch a whiff of the sea (or perhaps it is river since the bulk of the pearls are freshwaters) and proceed to, like you, run my fingers over the bumpy terrains of the the pearls. I will also admit to putting the smooth fireballs to my lips and cheeks, something very calming about the cold surfaces. OK, I am obsessed!

And although I'm still in my late thirties, I follow mature fashion blogs rather than those of my contemporaries. I'm an old soul! Two faves:
http://passagedesperles.blogspot.com/
http://afemmeduncertainage.blogspot.com/

Here's to your travelling blog as well!

 

[Ash]

Fabulous Pearls and your assistant is precious!!!

Cheers

Ash

 

[mausketeer]

hi louise! welcome! you sound like you will fit right in with us folk here on the pearl guide. i think we`re a bit of a mixed bunch but one thing we have in common, we`re all pretty interesting! (if i do say so myself!)

living in an RV? (my keyboard is stuck on french characters - don`t know how to get it off! darn cats trying to type again...... that is supposed to be a question mark) that`s one of my dreams! travel across the country (whichever one i`m in!) in a vintage airstream! and a boat! my gosh! JEALOUS!

you know your cat is going to think you bought it for HIM (er, HER). lol

- jodie -

(forgot to comment on the pearls! lol..... don`t you LOVE those huge chinese kasumis? - question mark! - i bought some recently too.... love them!)