Pearls by the Bay 2024

I am incredibly Happy to announce that this year's Pearls by the Bay event is officially set to happen on May 18th! Save the Date!

The information right from Kojima's website:

PEARLS BY THE BAY * SATURDAY MAY 18th 2024 *
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE IN MARCH 2024! ​

• Each year in May, we gather at the Casa Madrona Hotel in Sausalito, California.
• We start at 10am with a light breakfast and coffee/ tea service prepared for the group.
• Next we hear from a hand chosen group of pearl farmers, historians and pearl professionals from around the world. This lecture series is a fantastic way to not just learn about different varieties of pearls, but to meet the people who study and cultivate these gems. There is a heavy focus on ecology and the marine harmony which is VITAL to the health and existence of both farming and natural pearl existence.
• We have a gorgeous buffet lunch catered by Poggio's Restaurant, and a cocktail reception at sunset.
• Last but not least: We play PEARL BINGO for PRIZES, and trust me you will WANT TO PLAY WITH US. Every year, this is by far the funniest part of the day!
• There is plenty of time for show and tell, and catching up with your pearl friends.
• This is the only seminar of its kind .. dedicated solely to pearls.. and it is our honor to host this event.

 

So very sorry I won’t be able to make it this year!

I do encourage people to attend - it is a wonderful event!

you'll be missed! I am quite sure your other engagement will be a drool worthy adventure!

 

I got my ticket and reservations! Is anyone else staying at the Panama Hotel, in San Rafael?

 

So very sorry I won’t be able to make it this year!

I do encourage people to attend - it is a wonderful event!

Aw ... we will MISS you

 

I got my ticket and reservations! Is anyone else staying at the Panama Hotel, in San Rafael?

Yay ... We're down in Sausalito this time, it will be so fun to see you again!

 

Hisano and I are in!

 

Hisano and I are in!

And don't forget you will give a Talk!

 

Dang...I'm so sorry to miss this, we have a big graduation that weekend...my youngest is getting her PhD. Sending warm wishes to all who gather.

 

Dang...I'm so sorry to miss this, we have a big graduation that weekend...my youngest is getting her PhD. Sending warm wishes to all who gather.

Congrats to your daughter! Earning a PhD is no easy feat.

 

Dang...I'm so sorry to miss this, we have a big graduation that weekend...my youngest is getting her PhD. Sending warm wishes to all who gather.

Will miss you!

 

It's official- I am coming as well! I have my ticket, reservations and flights. I cannot wait to meet all of you! This will be my first time also. I am taking the opportunity to re-unite with an old family friend who lives in San Francisco and visit with him for a few days before. I am very excited.

 

Is anyone hanging around on the 20th? I'm planning to go sight seeing in San Francisco that day and need a pal!

 

Douglas, be sure to bring your pocket UV, we'll have that natural strand from Jeremy Norris mixed Pteria Sterna / Pteria Pinguin (we called it 'Pteria Ptimes Ptwo'), we can look for the difference. I think Jeremy had them alternating, Marianne restrung it for us one time and I think she switched two pearls for improved graduation, so there should be two together (ptwo ptogether).

 

Douglas, be sure to bring your pocket UV, we'll have that natural strand from Jeremy Norris mixed Pteria Sterna / Pteria Pinguin (we called it 'Pteria Ptimes Ptwo'), we can look for the difference. I think Jeremy had them alternating, Marianne restrung it for us one time and I think she switched two pearls for improved graduation, so there should be two together (ptwo ptogether).

I sure can!

 

That strand sounds amazing; I'd love to see that strand, and Douglas' UV investigation! I have the cultured Pinguin strand from Kojima; my first Ruckus purchase.

 

I'd love to see that strand

Here's a photo from the 2009 thread (silly at times) I just looked up. Alongside a SOC keshi bracelet, a favorite tragically lost in a vineyard in Spain a few years later. Just missed a keshi lot on the recent SOC live show that would have made a super replacement...

 

Douglas, be sure to bring your pocket UV, we'll have that natural strand from Jeremy Norris mixed Pteria Sterna / Pteria Pinguin (we called it 'Pteria Ptimes Ptwo'), we can look for the difference. I think Jeremy had them alternating, Marianne restrung it for us one time and I think she switched two pearls for improved graduation, so there should be two together (ptwo ptogether).

It was such an honor to knot up those gorgeous treasured pearls!

 

That's a gorgeous strand! I loved the bracelet length of SOC keshi; alas it was not meant to be mine; it would have been perfect with my SOC keshi necklace.

 

OH MY!! has it been 15 years! WOW! Very much looking forward to seeing you again and meeting your ever beneficial wife as well!

Sarah, from a long-lost folder on my computer I recovered just yesterday here is a candid shot from Show & Tell at Pearl Paradise Ruckus in October 2009! I see Marianne, la_corsetiere (Sheri), yourself and dear departed Caitlin.

 

Just missed a keshi lot on the recent SOC live show that would have made a super replacement...

Reviewing our pearl acquisitions in advance of next month, I realized we still had an interesting loose pearl stash, including two 3.1 gram lots of SOC keshis that Douglas brought to that 2009 Ruckus. I got them out together with some loose freeform abs, a keshi from Josh at Kamoka, and even a leftover Poe Pipi, on my first bead board purchased for the occasion. We all know how difficult it is to capture the complex colors of SOC pearls without great equipment. Anyway, I think material exists here for a nice replacement SOC bracelet for my wife, plus a couple other things…

 

Fresh off the heels of our whirlwind trip to Lake Kasumi ga Ura, Japan.. we are now in FULL tilt last minute preparations for Pearls By The Bay! Can't wait to see you all! As always, please reach out if you have any questions, or need any recommendations for accommodations.
PEARL ON!