Which overtone to choose?

[wdw11712]

Hello all!

I am a first time buyer looking to decide first of all what color/overtone to select. My skin is very pale with no warmth or gold to it, just cool. I would love to see some examples from Jeremy or others of green, peacock, and dark silver to black pearls that you have, plus any advice regarding which is best with my cadaver-like skin tone. Thanks so much!

 

[jshepherd]

Hello!

We have a photo on our site that shows those different colors of Tahitians. Scroll down near the bottom on this page. Those photos could actually do with an update. We shot them about a decade ago.

With pale skin, I'd recommend staying away from lighter colors. A dark pearl like a dark silver or a dark green will tend to contrast more. If you tend to wear dark clothes, something like a dark peacock would add color and a bit of contrast too.

 

[BAS]

wdw11712 -- Welcome! Thank you for the laugh. I've never heard anyone refer to their skin tone as "cadaver-like". I'm still laughing.

I am pale and I make sure to stay away from peach colored pearls since they melt into my skin (though pink/lavender is fine). I've never tried GSS so I don't know how that color would look on pale skin.

If you want to see a variety of pearl colors against your skin, you can go to a jewelry store and try on different types of pearls. See what mm, colors and shapes you like. Then you can find much better deals and quality online.

Keep us posted!

 

[wdw11712]

For reference, this is the typical color palette that I wear and black is the most frequent of those:

I'm intrigued by the green and the peacock since green and purple are in my wheelhouse, but I wonder if those overtones might sort of wash out the black of the pearl and water it down a bit. I definitely need something dark.

 

[Renna]

Hi,

Overtones don't wash out the black. Unless you -want- a dull, solid black pearl that might as well be a plastic bead ! I think Tahitians are more like an oil slick; if the base color is dark the pearl is going to look dark, especially at a distance; but in a metallic way. Kind of like hematite stone. Still, you have to be right up close to see most overtones on most pearls. From standard social distance, I promise they'll still look dark.

https://www.pearl-guide.com/threads/help-me-choose.7988/ check out page 2 of my thread for THREE examples of my tahitians in-ear (dark green studs, silver-blue baroque dangles, and dark peacock baroque dangles), and then have a look at the options I had to choose from before I finally settled on the banded baroques (second from bottom): http://oi39.tinypic.com/14k86j6.jpg I love my peacock earrings. I wear them a LOT but no one can see the colors until I take them out of my ears to let them have a look. It's just something very subtle that enhances the sheen and brings life to the pearl. Definitely don't avoid buying an overtone pearl from worry that it's going to make it less dramatic. Nothing could be more true! The soft rainbow effect is exactly what makes pearls special.

 

[wdw11712]

You're selling me on the peacock. Ugh, this is so hard though! I'm starting to think I might get TWO pairs, one of freshwater blacks and one of Tahitian peacocks. Best of both worlds.

 

[KarinK]

This is entirely a perfect opponion but why freshwater in black? They are dyed and though it can be done well, in my view it takes away the whole point of pearls. Why not two pairs of Tahitians with different ovetones? You could get a pair of peacock and a pair as as dark as they'll go. You might look at barogue pearls. They are less than perfect round (many prefer this) and thus cost less.

This website here specialize in Tahititians and SSP, often with interesting shapes as colour. Their prices are very reasonable and several people on this forum have recommended Jos?. http://www.tahitianpearls.biz

- Karin

 

[wdw11712]

I'm just a poor person, that's why. I think I'm definitely going with the peacocks though. I don't know yet if I'll grab some freshwaters or just stick to the single Tahitian pair. The baroque idea is intriguing though...

 

[KarinK]

You can get a lot of earrings for your money if you like baroque Tahitians. Even more if you learn a bit a basic jewelry making such as wiring so you can make your own. That's what I've done - both of them

- Karin

 

[Renna]

I think you should stick to the Tahitian pair, especially if you'd just be repeating the same colors. But maybe we can help you more; do you have a specific price range for your pearls? Do you want studs? Dangles?

Definitely, definitely don't rule out drop shaped/baroque drop/baroque pearls. I don't really like that crazy-go-everywhere types of baroques, but I love drops and I've noticed that my baroques tend to have more luster and color to them than a lot of round pearls do. There's also a kind of insurance - people think pearls have to be round; you're less likely to have someone realize that you're wearing something valuable and want to rob you of it. If you can't handle anything besides perfectly round pearls, that's fine, but if you -can-, absolutely consider it. You'll save money and end up with something you really love.

 

[wdw11712]

I'm definitely looking for stud rounds first and foremost. Price range is the cheaper the better, but I don't want to skimp. A triple-A rating is a MUST for this pair. Right now I'm looking pretty seriously at these. There's potential for some baroque drops after that. I'm leaning towards peacock for the studs now, but I'm not 100% ready to commit to that overtone just yet. I think it might be very nice with my brown hair and brown eyes, though.

 

[wdw11712]

I'm going with green-peacock overtones as requested from Pearl Paradise. The pair they pulled for me has very rich coloring and is 11.15mm. They sent me a pic and I can't wait to see them in person!

 

[BAS]

Please share your picture with us! It'll make us very happy to share in your pleasure. (Smile.)

 

[wdw11712]

Here's the pic I was sent:

Pearl Paradise was super helpful in finding me something that matched my specifications. I can't say enough about them! The only problem: Now I am lusting after a strand of Tahitians on their site too.

 

[JerseyPearl]

Gorgeous earrings!

 

[GemGeek]

Those earrings would look great on me, too - also a "winter"!

 

[BAS]

Gorgeous earrings, and welcome to the club (where pearl appetites grow and Grow and GROW!).

 

[Marianne]

Just luscious pearls! Oh yes, you will definitely need a necklace now

 

[wdw11712]

Too bad the necklace is $2,800, which is more than 10% of my income. I am in love with this!

 

[GemGeek]

It never hurts to have lofty goals! Gorgeous choice.