Opinion on Black Freshwater Upgrade?

[MoonSprinkles]

Also, was curious of what you all did when you started out collecting? Did you go right for bigger strands or did you do pendants and earrings first or does it not matter?

 

[BWeaves]

NEVER be afraid to send something back. That's why the best vendors have good return policies. It's your money and the vendors want you to be happy. I've bought and returned quite a few strands, but I'm thrilled with what I have and do not regret returning what didn't work for me.

I think I went for full strands first, and then started getting into pendants. A pendant should be an exceptional pearl. Earrings were always in there somewhere. I think pearls aren't interchangeable like other gems. Each necklace or earrings is unique, and that's doubly true of T's.

 

[MoonSprinkles]

NEVER be afraid to send something back. That's why the best vendors have good return policies. It's your money and the vendors want you to be happy. I've bought and returned quite a few strands, but I'm thrilled with what I have and do not regret returning what didn't work for me.

I think I went for full strands first, and then started getting into pendants. A pendant should be an exceptional pearl. Earrings were always in there somewhere. I think pearls aren't interchangeable like other gems. Each necklace or earrings is unique, and that's doubly true of T's.

I will keep that in mind about returning. I get so anxious dealing with vendors (any vendors, it's part of anxiety for me) so I try to have as little contact as possible but I am finding that to get nice pieces of jewelry in general sometimes one needs to have personal contact with the seller. I think I am slowly getting a little better at it.
That's what I love about pearls, they have a lot of character. My style is more "rustic" I guess rather than what I call "jewelry store" if that makes sense so the organic nature of pearls appeals to me. What I really need, more than anything, is patience!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I find tahitianpearls.biz website a little maddening because when you see something you like and click on it, often as not it's already sold!

However, if something you see and like is marked "sold", you can contact the seller, José, and ask if he can make up something similar to the one that was sold. Many vendors have lots more pearls in stock than what they have on their websites. Inquiring doesn't obligate you to buy, either.

 

[jesskat]

What Karin, Jersey, and BWeaves said - all solid advice! Save up and buy the best that you can afford, because this exactly:

This is what's super hard for me right now, because it's taking me awhile to save up for what I truly want, and I'd like something in the meantime XD One of these centuries I'll find what I'm looking for in Tahitians that isn't a $5k price-point... I just never seem to be able to find the colors I want in anything OTHER than rounds, which is killing me, because I actually really like baroques/circles.

Or, y'know, you FINALLY get the sale email and you go after the necklace you've been dying for only to find someone beat you to it in the 10 hours since the email went out XD *cough cough the recent Kojima one that got away*

 

[jesskat]

I find tahitianpearls.biz website a little maddening because when you see something you like and click on it, often as not it's already sold!

However, if something you see and like is marked "sold", you can contact the seller, José, and ask if he can make up something similar to the one that was sold. Many vendors have lots more pearls in stock than what they have on their websites. Inquiring doesn't obligate you to buy, either.

That's great to know, PD, because I also have a similar frustration with that site

 

[MoonSprinkles]

I find tahitianpearls.biz website a little maddening because when you see something you like and click on it, often as not it's already sold!

However, if something you see and like is marked "sold", you can contact the seller, José, and ask if he can make up something similar to the one that was sold. Many vendors have lots more pearls in stock than what they have on their websites. Inquiring doesn't obligate you to buy, either.

I noticed that about the site, and wondering why they keep the sold ones up! For inspiration, maybe?

This is what's super hard for me right now, because it's taking me awhile to save up for what I truly want, and I'd like something in the meantime XD One of these centuries I'll find what I'm looking for in Tahitians that isn't a $5k price-point... I just never seem to be able to find the colors I want in anything OTHER than rounds, which is killing me, because I actually really like baroques/circles.

Or, y'know, you FINALLY get the sale email and you go after the necklace you've been dying for only to find someone beat you to it in the 10 hours since the email went out XD *cough cough the recent Kojima one that got away*

It sounds like we are in a similar boat! I know what you mean, I don't mind saving up but I would like a few things to enjoy in the meantime.

I was looking at Cees pearls on instagram after seeing so many rave reviews, but I have a strong feeling any of those would be well out of my price range. For one thing they are gorgeous and look so perfect, and for another thing the prices are not listed anywhere and I tend to go by the old adage if you have to ask you can't afford it lol. Can anyone confirm? I would not want to bother him at any time if there was no way it way anywhere near a realistic amount for me.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

There is no harm in contacting him (or any other vendor), telling him your budget and what you would like to buy, and asking what, if anything, he can sell you for that amount.

 

[MoonSprinkles]

There is no harm in contacting him (or any other vendor), telling him your budget and what you would like to buy, and asking what, if anything, he can sell you for that amount.

That is true I guess. Can you tell me, is it wise to just state your budget outright? I'm not sure if it is better to name an exact amount or just a range....I know they always say when you are shopping for things not reveal your highest amount but was not sure if this applied to pearls or not.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

It's not a negotiation; you aren't buying a house -- or a car-- where you need to keep your top price to yourself. The price is what it is. There is nothing to be gained by not being candid IMO.

 

[MoonSprinkles]

It's not a negotiation; you aren't buying a house -- or a car-- where you need to keep your top price to yourself. The price is what it is. There is nothing to be gained by not being candid IMO.

Ok, thank you, that is very good to know.

 

[JerseyPearl]

Once again, Pearl Dreams makes an excellent point! Which ever vendor you choose, be honest about your budget. And if you don't see what you like in that price range, then it's ok to pass!!!

 

[MoonSprinkles]

Once again, Pearl Dreams makes an excellent point! Which ever vendor you choose, be honest about your budget. And if you don't see what you like in that price range, then it's ok to pass!!!

I am learning so much, thank you!

 

[JerseyPearl]

You should never feel intimidated by a retailer, if you do then trust your gut! And always feel free to ask for opinions here.

 

[jesskat]

It's not a negotiation; you aren't buying a house -- or a car-- where you need to keep your top price to yourself. The price is what it is. There is nothing to be gained by not being candid IMO.

I can understand when not knowing a vendor being worried about the price being artificially inflated, though. One of the things I’m finding supremely hard as someone new to the pearl space who is partial to making her own jewelry is understanding what factors make up a fair pearl price, because I have so little insight into what baselines look like and how many steps are in the chain. It feels pretty opaque sometimes.

That said, it’s been great learning about fair vendors here. I love Kojima, and look forward to being able to afford a strand from Cees at some point

 

[MoonSprinkles]

You should never feel intimidated by a retailer, if you do then trust your gut! And always feel free to ask for opinions here.

I appreciate that a lot, and I'm sure I will ask a lot more questions here in the future! I enjoy this forum so much!
I never know if I can trust my instincts though, to be honest I get rather intimidated by everyone, it take a LOT of courage for me to message a seller, or interact with someone, online or in person. My husband would tell you, I will do anything to avoid asking a person a question when we are out. Sometimes I am not sure if the problem is the vendor or my own anxiety. But I like to think I have gained a tiny bit more confidence lately.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Vendors do not exist in a vacuum-- they compete for business with other vendors. Artificially inflating their prices would be self-defeating as it would only send buyers to their competition. However, vendors who buy in bulk and travel to (say) Hong Kong, Philippines, or French Polynesia to buy the pearls they sell are going to be able to offer lower price points than those who have more intermediaries in their supply chain.

Also, some vendors may charge more because they offer more...for example, I have recently learned that there are only 4 pearl farmers that are recognized for eco-friendly, sustainable farming practices: Jewelmer, Paspaley, Cortez Pearls and Kamoka. So if you see higher prices, realize that you are contributing to cleaner oceans. (It's also very cool to know which farm your pearls came from!)

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Also, I just want to add that of all the forums I'm on, this one is the friendliest. The amount of snark one encounters on some forums would make anyone think twice about posting.

 

[MoonSprinkles]

PearlDreams, that is really interesting about where the pearls come from. Honestly I wish I could afford eco-friendlier everything.
This is such a friendly forum! I only belong to one other forum besides this one, also a very kind and friendly one; some that I have lurked on have instantly turned me off by the way the talk to each other I would be terrified to ever post, haha!

 

[pearlescence]

I'm happy to discuss 'wish lists' with regular customers and that will always include price. If they can afford $1k and I am on a sourcing trip looking at pearls specifically for them which start at $3k wholesale neither of us are going to be happy and a lot of time will be wasted.