What is a good introduction to the wonderful world of pearls?

[LVLanghanke]

Let me start off by saying that although I have only just signed up today, I have been lurking in these forums for a while (and perusing other pearl-related websites!). I quit smoking a little bit ago (it will be two months on 10/5!) and I got accepted to the university I wanted and will be starting in January. I've also made a lot of progress with my anxiety and panic disorder. These three things have convinced me that if I can stick to not smoking for three months that I deserve a reward for myself. I absolutely adore pearls, but can't really afford nice ones. As of right now the only pearls I have is a 4 piece set I got for graduation 10 years ago (I'm going back to uni after quitting the first time) and while the set has an enormous amount of sentimental value, I have come to learn through my reading that my parents paid far too much for them. Anyway, long story short, I'm looking to purchase a starter piece as a "Yay! You did it!" gift of encouragement for myself next month. I have a humble budget, but I truly love pearls and jewelry and would like to start a collection, even if just a small piece. Please grace me with your wisdom and insight and offer any suggestions!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Congratulations on quitting smoking and resuming your education! Definitely sounds like a reward is in order.

Do you think you would enjoy a pendant? Earrings? Or are you aiming toward a strand or bracelet? Or maybe a ring?

White pearls-- or non-white?

Give us an idea of what your budget for this purchase will be. Otherwise recommendations will be all over the place.

 

[LVLanghanke]

I think I would like a ring, and my budget is definitely no more than $500. As for the color, I just don't know. There are so many pretty colors, and I do love white as well! Some day I would like to purchase a nice strand, but that's just not happening any time soon.

 

[newberry]

Welcome to the forum LVL it's a great place ro hang out. A five hundred dollar budget is a very good amount. You do not have to opt for starter pearls. With that you will have many choices of exquisite pearls. Sign up on company lists for coupons because it is coming to that time of year where there are very good bargins to be had for instance Cyber Monday and Black Friday. Spend the time between now and then looking at the different websites to get an idea of what you want and like. For those sales you must act very fast espceially if it is a one of a kind. I now see you are not in the US so you will have import duties. There are a few threads here on that.

Have fun and happy pearl hunting

 

[Pareltje]

LVL welcome to the forum. I agree with Newberry about import tax. You have to be aware that if you spend $500 abroad you will end up paying more because of the import tax. And yup, your patience will be rewarded if you wait for sales, there are many times a year.

 

[LVLanghanke]

Oh, I definitely plan on buying something in the US as although I live primarily in Austria (hence the reason I have that listed here) I am actually in the US until January spending time with family and just having an extended vacation for a few months before the semester starts (also my sister just got married). Expensive gifts can also be found on Myer Catalogue. In order to choose a good one, see the Michael Hill Catalogue, too. I think it's a very good idea to look for Cyber Monday sales (I will probably buy online as there aren't many fine jewelry stores around here). Do you have any recommendations for designers or shops where I should look for a ring?

 

[KaySD]

I have two pearl rings I love from Pearl Paradise. My favorite is a two-tone Embrace ring with a Tahitian pearl, which is under $500. Sign up for the email list and you will get discount codes for Cyber Monday and other sales.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

If you like non traditional pearls, with that budget, I would go for a nice strand of ripples. You can get a beautiful strand within your budget, they are large and make quite a statement.

 

[JerseyPearl]

Also, keep in mind that each of the wonderful vendors here has more stock than they show on their websites...so look and see what you like. Then work with a vendor(s) identifying your budget...see what they can offer you and go from there! Personally, I would buy a lovely white freshwater pearl strand, as a starting point. But if you are into a less traditional, a bit more edgy look...Pearl Paradise still has their white tahitians on sale in the $500-600 range.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Links to some reliable companies (for rings specifically):


https://www.pearlparadise.com/collec...ll-pearl-rings
http://shop.kojimapearl.com/collections/pearl-rings
https://kamokapearls.com/collections/rings (their Etsy page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KamokaPear...on_id=15379169)
http://www.tahitianpearls.biz/pearl_rings.htm

 

[BWeaves]

You can get some wonderful nice pearl strands from some of the online vendors mentioned above for less than $500. Freshwater pearls are very affordable and the metallic ones will knock your socks off.

 

[LVLanghanke]

Thanks for the tips, fellow pearl lovers! I will spend the day browsing! If you don't mind, I would like to post items I'm interested in for opinions as well.

Also, Beatriz, your name stood out because your shop has been in my Etsy favorites since 2011. It was the first shop I favorited. I haven't bought anything yet, but some day! I keep getting sidetracked by perfume on Etsy.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

You have just made my day! Thank you.

And, yeah, I know. One of the first things on my Etsy wishlist was a pair of beautiful felted house shoes. 6 years later and I am still being side tracked by stones, pearls and tools. My old house shoes just ripped beyond hope of repair this morning.

 

[KatalinPG]

Hi LVL! Just wanted to say hi! I'm also from Austria!

 

[LVLanghanke]

Sounds like a perfect excuse to buy a pair! I actually am a fiber artist and have made many pairs of felted house shoes. However, I don't sell them and only make them and everything else as gifts or for fun.

And Katalin, Servus! Whereabouts are you from? I'm American, but I've lived in Wien for the past 6 1/2 years.

 

[LVLanghanke]

So, I just found out the flight is going to cost ~$300 than expected and that brings my budget down to $200, maaaaaybe $250 if my sister ever pays me the money show owes me . I think I might go for a pendant or a small strand now as the price of a nice focal pearl plus gold for the band would put me over on the ring,it seems.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

You could get the best pearl possible, set it in silver. When your budget allows it, upgrade the setting.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Or even just get the pearl (half-drilled) now and have it set later, when funds allow, in the ring setting of your choice. You could even get it set locally in Austria.
I know PP sells loose pearls and I imagine the other vendors do as well.

Loose pearls: https://www.pearlparadise.com/collections/shop-by-loose-pearls

Ring settings: https://www.pearlparadise.com/collections/pearl-rings

 

[Katbran]

Hi and Welcome ! Congrats on your new path ! Going back to school and quitting smoking - such excellent decisions ! And I'm sure taking control like that has helped with the anxiety. Given your new budget I think I'd look at a pendant. It's a piece that can be layered or worn alone. Or some lovely freshwater studs . All the companies listed are well known to everyone here. Sales happen a lot so keep your eyes open Maybe something a bit different like a colourful pearl pair - Edison pendant !?

 

[amti]

What kind of necklace did your parents purchase for you? Maybe you can get something to compliment it, like an enhancer, earrings, or bracelet? You can still find decent necklaces in the $200 range but it will have to be freshwater pearls. I'm sure you have a gold or silver chain so a pendant is always a nice choice, too. If you're going back to school, are you looking for something you can wear with casual clothes, or something more formal? The nice thing about pearls is that they are pretty universal and classic. Congrats on quitting smoking and going back to school. Both are hard to do and you definitely deserve recognition!