[quote=Carl;23419]My girlfriend decided that a pearl engagement ring would be a more sustainable/green choice as well as one that stood out as unique. I've been charged with the follow-up. I'm really getting interested in pearls, and learning a ton, but I have a number of questions.
FYI, I'd like a simple cream/white single pearl ring in a white gold band, possibly with a diamond or two on either side of the pearl.
Look at Pearl Paradise: they have very nice pearl rings, the same goes for ou other vendors of this forum like Pure Pearls, The Pearl Outlet, Pearls of Joy and many more. Just check out different threads/posts and You will get an idea and names.
Questions
#1) I've learned that pearls are a pretty fragile gemstone--I'm assuming she will wear this ring everyday for the rest of her life, so is this a smart idea, or are we just setting ourselves up for a great deal of pearl replacements down the road? Would good maintenance be enough to make the pearl last longer? Lastly, would a certain kind of setting help increase the lifespan of the ring?
Pearl rings are most safe in a bezel setting. Look up the thread under "Pearl Fashion & Style", there some of the members posted very nice examples.The lifespan of the pearl and ring depends on how careful you are avoiding bumping against hard things, surfaces and so on.
#2) It's also fairly safe to assume that I won't be able to tell my girlfriend that the pearl she's been imagining on her finger is a bad idea--so I'll probably go with a pearl. That said, which kind of pearl would be the longest lasting? I tend to like the look of Akoya pearls, but another cream pearl that lasts longer would be better, are natural pearls longer lasting?
If you are careful, allmost all pearls will be OK, most probably a Freshwaterpearl would be best for wear as it consists of 100% nacre and so will not lose the relatively thin layers of nacre that are on Akoyas and South Sea Pearls (Pearl plated beads) compared to Freshwater pearls. I donīt think that natural pearls will last longer, everything depends on the treatment the pearl and ring gets. BTW are you aware of the difference in a pearl being "natural" or a cultured pearl with natural colours (i.e. not dyed)? Natural pearls can be very expensive, that is one factor that will make you aware of one of the differences, however.
#3) I stopped by some jewelry stores to look at pearl rings and they all offer a lifetime warranty in case the ring gets damaged or the pearl needs to be replaced. But generally speaking I've only found rings I like online--do you know of any online sellers that offer warranties? Are there any risks buying rings online? (I've found a ring or two I like on Americanpearl.com: what's their reputation?)
I think it is ridiculous to give a lifetime warranty as it wholly depends on the person who has the ring. It happens that the Glue drys up in certain settings so the jeweller has to glue it again, if the pearl is not safely held by claws or a bezel setting but generally speaking I think most rings will be OK if one does not wash the dishes every day with it on the finger. I am quite certain that our vendors will give some sort of warranty and should the pearl fall off, they are certain to fix it without any great costs for you. If you choose to buy from some of our above mentioned members (vendors) there is no risk at all. You can find posts on About American Pearl under different threads, I think you can forget about them, just choose one of our member-vendors and you will be fine! They are certain to have many nice and different settings/shapes for you to choose from. As for that matter you can also buy any other pearl jewellery online (from our vendors, that is) without any risk whatsoever plus a very nice return time if you should not like the item in question (Up to 90 days without any questions asked). Regarding the bodycolour of the pearl, there are several to be had with different overtones (rose, cream, silver) and so on.
#4) Last one for now, I'm curious about industry standards for accounting for the environmental practices of the pearling industry. Of course, water quality is important in the creation of good pearls, but is there any movement of Corporate Social Responsibility, or Sustainability within the industry? Can I find any information about that from the sources themselves?
Environmental practises differ a lot as you probably know, Tahitian Pearl farmer Josh (one of our members) does a lot for the environment, the same goes for other farmers as well but the Chines for example are not so good at it, small farms do not have the means and so in a short time perspective, do not much about it. Still it is dawning on more people how important it is to be aware and do something about environmental issues. Read more on our threads "Pearl Farming" and Pearling Industry News", there are several posts on environmental issues.
Let us know what you buy, we also do like photos!
