New to Pearls & The forum - Looking to purchase high quality bracelet/necklace

[Stace]

Hi All,

My wedding is upcoming and I was interested in purchasing a high quality bracelet and MAYBE a matching necklace as well as loose pearls to have earrings made by my jeweler.

I've read quite a bit on the forums but I'm still not 100% which way to go with the pearls. My jeweler had White pearls with a gorgeous Ivory w/ a hint of pink undertone. He didn't have enough to make a bracelet though and they weren't as smooth as I'd like.

From what I'm reading, Freshadama pearls might be a good choice. I want something that will become heirloom pieces.
Are Akoyas a bad choice because the nacre is thinner/less durable?

I'm hoping someone can steer me in the right direction.

I'd also like some recommendations for websites that have high quality pearls I could purchase from (someplace I could trust).

Is pearlparadise a good site?

Thanks everyone,
I'm sorry if my questions have already been asked, I just don't know where to begin!

S

 

[Caitlin]

Hi Stace,
Welcome!
You have already learned a bit! Pearl Paradise is a good place to start. They are excellent and have a big selection. I like to use them as the gold standard for camparison for quality and price. Only if I saw something PP did not have, would I consider buying elsewhere. Or wanted something I didn't see on PP. Other pearl dealers have the equivalent of freshadamas- just look for the top of the line freshwaters on a site. Or, look no further than Pearl Paradise..... Freshadamas are heritage quality pearls that can be worn everyday, because the nacre, though it wears invisibly, will never wear off until the pearl is gone because they are solid nacre! That would take a century of everyday wear, to do. So there are thousands of hours of wear in a freshadama and it will still be in excellent shape for a future daughter or niece to wear everyday.

As a test, I wore a freshwater pearl bracelet for over 18 months without taking it off even to do dishes or shower. (It was strung on a synthetic thread, not silk) It never got worn or lost its shine. In fact, my subjective feeling is that it was even shinier!

 

[pearlescence]

Pearl Paradise is a great choice for pearls in the USA (I assume you are in America by your spelling of jeweller)
Why have pearls made into earrings by your jeweller? All of us sellers are more than able to make earrings from pearls, probably more ways than the average jeweller.

 

[Stace]

Hey,
I would love to have someone make them but I wouldn't know where to begin (or with whom). Does someone have a recommendation for someone that does this? Does Pearl Paradise do this? I'm looking for something similar to these (pic below) but with a larger pearl at the bottom.
I want it to match my bracelet/necklace perfectly in color.

Thanks!

 

[pearlescence]

The only way to get a great match is to get all the pearls at once. I have had people contact me a year after buying a necklace saying ' now I want the earrings, can you send them?' errrrrr

 

[Stace]

I was thinking of buying the Freshadama bracelet/necklace and then buying the loose pearls to match for the earrings.
Then I'd have my earrings made to match the style I want with the loose pearls.
Is there a website or vendor here that could make my earrings using the matching loose pearls?
Would single drilled or double drilled be better?
I'm assuming single.
S

 

[Caitlin]

Call Pearl Paradise. They do have jewelry designers on staff. Since you had a picture, I am guessing someone has already made these earrings and you want some like that? The diamond finding may be available to professionals as a premade piece, but you will probably have to buy the diamonds or whatever stone you put in there, as well. It will certainly be an heirloom piece!

 

[Stace]

Thanks Ladies. I will try that. Are there any vendors on this website other than pearl paradise that would make jewelry for me using my pearls once I purchase them?

 

[Caitlin]

I don't know- Pearl Paradise is huge compared to about any other online vender and has designers on staff. You might ask Sarah from Kojima - she is a designer, herself and does fabulous work. I wish I could remember which thread she posted that delicate multicolored stones bridal piece! .

 

[pearlescence]

I don't understand why you plan to buy your pearls in one place and have the items made by somewhere else. By far your best plan is to go to one expert supplier for the whole thing.

 

[Stace]

I'd like to buy the Freshadama pearls since I'm hearing it's a reliable source for great quality pearls. Unless someone could recommend someone to me that has great pearls and can custom make my earrings...

 

[KarinK]

I'd like to buy the Freshadama pearls since I'm hearing it's a reliable source for great quality pearls. Unless someone could recommend someone to me that has great pearls and can custom make my earrings...

Hi Stace - and welcome

Both of the vendors Caitlin suggested are able to sell you great pearls as well as custom make your earrings. There are even more options on this forum. Just look at the posters with websites links and send them a PM or an email with your request.

- Karin

 

[Stace]

Pearl paradise is helping me with my request.
What mm of pearl do you recommend for someone petite for necklace? 6.5 to 7, 7 to 7.5 or 7.5 to 8?
Thanks ladies
S

 

[Alex]

Hi Stace - it's always a personal thing, but if in doubt, 'go large' - 7.5-8.00 does not look that big once they're on

I have bought Freshadamas from PP, and they are astonishing - wonderful pearls

PP also have a separate 'Clasps and Findings' section - so you might even find something you like for the matching earrings !

Happy Wedding !