Tahitian Pearls: Industry Leader.

[PearlFlower]

Hello All,

I was wondering, is there a company that is considered the "best" when it comes to Tahitian Pearls. By "best" I mean, top quality/industry leader/long tradition/could be among first to market.

The same way Mikimoto is to Ayoka Pearls and Paspaley is to South Sea Pearls.

I definitely realize that these "leaders" of industry would charge a premium for a product that can be provided by a host of trust worthy and great companies. But I have a nag for market research when it comes to big purchases. Others might think it funny, but I love researching and comparing products, for me it is where the fun really is.

And knowing who the "best" is and what they offer always helps me mark my best value for $ spent.

Thanks.

 

[dkan 168]

Robert Wan?

DK

 

[Lindaphillipsbong]

Yes Diane; I think Robert Wan is a good comparison. But, you will pay top price for Robert Wan pearls.
I bet you could get pearls just as nice as Robert Wan pearls from a different vendor (one of the vendors found on this site), for a much lower price.
Sometimes you are paying extra just for the name.
Linda.

 

[pearlescence]

It depends. Are you looking for top grade best quality pearls or are you looking for a big well known brand? From Mikimoto, Paspaley and Wan you will certainly get pearls which live up to the brand name, but comparative pearls are also available from other sellers who don't perhaps spend quite so much on making sure of that top brand place in the market. Those brands don't necessarily have the finest pearls available. Their pearls are as fine as the finest but others have the finest too

 

[PearlFlower]

Thanks everyone. I was looking to understand who is considered the "best" in industry, this helps me mark what would be considered "expensive".
I looked at their website, and they definitely have a beautiful collection, like other reputable trust worthy and better value for $ spent companies.
But they didn't list their prices. I wonder if the prices change my location, or they are so outrageous that it would scare people from even considering them.
I always want to understand the range of value, starting from the Harry Winston s of the world to K-mart.
This helps me personally know how much is too much and how much is too little.

 

[Fabio]

Is there a company that is considered the "best" when it comes to cars ? By "best" I mean, top quality/industry leader/long tradition/could be among first to market.
As I am italian my answer is : Ferrari.
Is it the same for pearls ? Not really. There is something different : top quality. You can find top quality not only in the "best company"! And than you can have the same quality for less money. Not 80% less but maybe for 40/50% less.
But all the above have no meanings about "right" prices . It's the same for watches, a Rolex is overpriced for its technical features but why so many people buy them ? Because it is the "best" company.
The answer is only IN you. For me I don't buy Rolex …

 

[Naria]

The issue with peals is that they are a commodity. Which means that it is hard for a single seller to have a monopoly on quality. While I buy a lot of brands when it comes to fashion, I buy quality at a fair price from less famous companies when it comes to pearls.

 

[dkan 168]

I do not wish to pay through the nose and pay inflated prices for big brand jewellery.

It pains me having to pay over 130 GBP for a tiny weedy silver bracelet with a single heart motif that comes in a box that is turquoise with a white ribbon as a leaving present for a colleague not long ago, when the money could have bought something else that is much nicer and bigger. However, that was what she wanted, nevermind!

DK

 

[PearlFlower]

Pricing a very fascinating concept, especially when it comes to luxury goods. Quality/cost is of course a factor in pricing, but I also believe the idea of the "name" or desirability of a commodity creates hyped demand. The demand seems to have an in-proportional impact on the final price than Supply itself.

So yes I agree that a large portion of that price is the "name", there is little question about that. But what fascinates me more is secondary market. If you have 2 identical products you will pay more for the "label" but you will also depreciate less or retain more value in the long run.

More than Pearls I believe it is more prominent with Diamonds for example. Diamonds standards are regulated and generally agreed upon. But a quick looking through Auction results (Christies for example) will show that a Tiffany diamond with the same characteristics will fetch more than it's sister diamond that was mined by De Beers on the same day but just sold to 2 different companies. Irrational? Absolutely, but undeniable!!

I am not justifying spending "extra" for a name. These rates are out of reach and more importantly, I don't believe in allocating that much resource towards a pure luxury non-utilitarian good. But there is something to be said about the secondary market and % lost/rained in value.

 

[Fabio]

There is a big difference between diamonds or pearls and jewels. A loose pearl or a diamond or a pearl strand has nothing to do with jewels. Cartier or Bulgari or Tiffany have an higher price in the secondary market. But for pearls as for diamonds the price is only for their quality.

 

[dkan 168]

I am prepared to pay for quality, not for a name/brand, except for a few exceptions, like pens, cars, utensils and kitchen knives, etc. etc...

DK