knotty panda
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Pearl Paradise has revamped their naturals page. There are some pretty once in a lifetime choices. Can you tell us how you're discovering these lovlies?
Pearl Paradise Naturals
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SteveM
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There is certainly an expanded selection of jewelery, rings especially (following up on the engagement ring thread?). Also quite a few loose abs, although it seems conchs are in between shipments. Jeremy will no doubt be updating us, but I don't believe it's confidential that he has been collaborating with natural-pearl-sleuth Jeremy Norris in this area (Jeremy S and N: Any update on the book?).
Knotty, you've forced my hand and I've purchased the PP ab below having had my eye on it for a little while. Abs are so difficult, especially if you aren't into size-is-everything trophy-hunting. Attractive, symmetrical shapes and usable color surface area are more rare. I satisfied the urge for large horn-shaped abs with purchase of the pearl in this thread. We christened that pearl 'La Catalina' for its Catalina Island origin (with Jeremy Norris' blessing), and will now christen this one in your honor!
Following 'La Catalina' we have acquired H. iris (Paua) in the Chatham Islands, and H. fulgens from the Pacific Coast of North America, Paua generally a better source for smaller, more intensely colored, pearls.
Source pricing for Paua is US$200 per carat, $150 if they like you (another very good reason to stay small!). Pearl Paradise is a comparatively reasonable source for larger sizes, 'La Panda' priced at $62 per carat. Jeremy has explained previously that naturals are not his main line of business and are offered primarily as a service, also to keep tabs on the exotic pearl market.
Steve
Knotty, you've forced my hand and I've purchased the PP ab below having had my eye on it for a little while. Abs are so difficult, especially if you aren't into size-is-everything trophy-hunting. Attractive, symmetrical shapes and usable color surface area are more rare. I satisfied the urge for large horn-shaped abs with purchase of the pearl in this thread. We christened that pearl 'La Catalina' for its Catalina Island origin (with Jeremy Norris' blessing), and will now christen this one in your honor!
Following 'La Catalina' we have acquired H. iris (Paua) in the Chatham Islands, and H. fulgens from the Pacific Coast of North America, Paua generally a better source for smaller, more intensely colored, pearls.
Source pricing for Paua is US$200 per carat, $150 if they like you (another very good reason to stay small!). Pearl Paradise is a comparatively reasonable source for larger sizes, 'La Panda' priced at $62 per carat. Jeremy has explained previously that naturals are not his main line of business and are offered primarily as a service, also to keep tabs on the exotic pearl market.
Steve
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boo
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La Panda - too cool!! (And also quite lovely)
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GemGeek
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boo said:
I second that!
knotty panda
Pearl Knotting & Wire Expert
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OH MY GOODNESS! WHAT AN HONOR INDEED! I've got goosebumps running up and down me! Thank you so very much! Finally, I'm at a loss for words! Oh, I can't WAIT to share this with my family! Such a beautiful pearl! Oh my!
SteveM
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SteveM
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Ingykiz said:
La Panda is 22mm long by 16mm wide. The length happily coincides with the Sea of Cortez mabe. However, we've got a number of other abs of lesser symmetry that may benefit from the soothing effect of this pearl for an ensemble to coalesce. Need to see them all together. But I can see the pendant clearly?
My wife is enjoying this process immensely, and has always appreciated fine jewelry. The challenge is satisfying my desire for originality while acquiring or creating pieces she can also enjoy!
Steve
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GemGeek
Guest
I hopped over to look at the golden buttons and wondered at their liquid beauty. Steve, you are a true renaissance man. I can't wait to see what evolves from La Panda and her sisters. I still have to visit the brooch photo on a regular basis - colorful, creative, and dare I say, PLAYFUL!
SteveM
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Hopefully it was clear in the SS color thread that we did not acquire those buttons, as the price was astronomical. An element of my desire for originality is staying ahead of the curve from a supply/demand standpoint. Clearly deep golden, perfectly matched 16mm SS buttons are ahead of me?GemGeek said:
Thanks! There was a spontaneousnous to my obsessive hunt for freeform abs and loose poe pipi last year, and I do think that the pin manages to express the pure joy taken in the process!GemGeek said:
Steve
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pattye
Guest
At the risk of being redundant---here is my abalone pendant again,
La Patricia
It has a rather simple frame of gold fitted around the edge, custom made for the abalone. I never get tired of seeing it! Yes, I named it after myself, since it is unlikely anyone else will name anything after me!
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
La Patricia
It has a rather simple frame of gold fitted around the edge, custom made for the abalone. I never get tired of seeing it! Yes, I named it after myself, since it is unlikely anyone else will name anything after me!
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
G
GemGeek
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pattye said:
I could never tire of looking at it either! It's the kind of thing that would make one willing to trade all their jewelry in exchange and just wear one thing for the rest of their life.
Fortunately, we have options!
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perlas
Guest
Hi Pattye,
The frame is perfect for your abalone pearl!
The frame is perfect for your abalone pearl!
C
Casey.R
Guest
Patty, I love your pendant. Did you have it custom set yourself?
Oh yeah I hadn't had anything named after me either until recently. I had a font named after me. It's called Casey.
Oh yeah I hadn't had anything named after me either until recently. I had a font named after me. It's called Casey.
P
pattye
Guest
No, I didn't have the frame made, it was already on the abalone when I purchased it, but I love that is is simple, handworked, and NO diamonds.
Casey, you are so funny! I'll have to watch for that one!
Thanks, all, for your kind words! I love options also, thank goodness I don't have to settle for just one piece of pearl jewelry!
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
Casey, you are so funny! I'll have to watch for that one!
Thanks, all, for your kind words! I love options also, thank goodness I don't have to settle for just one piece of pearl jewelry!
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
SteveM
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I remember this, and it is impressive, looks to be a good 25/30mm of pure color! What does the back side look like? It could be mabe, although that would not diminish its attractiveness in the slightest.pattye said:
My vision is that La Panda by itself would not need a frame, simply an attachment at the top. Should framing/wrapping be the verdict, we would gather multiple pearls in a cascade of some sort.
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pattye
Guest
Hi Steve,
The back looks like the front, only smoother, same colors, and the whole piece has a slight twist to it. I have a couple of Sea of Cortez mabe, and this is quite different.
Really, I prefer the simple approach also, so nothing takes away from the pearl, or pearls. You have done a great job so far getting designs that are wonderfully original and complimentary. I'm certain La Panda will be the same! Will wait impatiently for photos!!
Pattye
so many pearls so little time
The back looks like the front, only smoother, same colors, and the whole piece has a slight twist to it. I have a couple of Sea of Cortez mabe, and this is quite different.
Really, I prefer the simple approach also, so nothing takes away from the pearl, or pearls. You have done a great job so far getting designs that are wonderfully original and complimentary. I'm certain La Panda will be the same! Will wait impatiently for photos!!
Pattye
so many pearls so little time
N
nlerner
Guest
Pettye, beautiful pendant and a perfect design.
Enjoy !!!
Enjoy !!!
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