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Originally Posted by Carl
#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?
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Well, I don't think it is a bad idea at all. I'd bet on a smaller natural pearl in a fairly protective setting.
- why smaller (say, 7-8mm): because it sits lower on the hand and has altogether fewer chances to get banged around. A natural pearl over 6mm would be a respectable choice, I think...
- why natural: I think it should be a pearl of solid nacre. Natural pearls are a spectacular choice, but cultured pearls can be all-nacre too - a symmetrical saltwater keshi (tall button, round...), or freshwater as recommended by Inge's post before me. Obviously, cultured freshwater pearls are the easiest option here by a hundred miles!
- why saltwater: I am not sure about this, but some say saltwater pearls are harder and take wear better. It is known that their nacre is more densely packed... so I ten to believe this claim. Haven't tried it out or anything.
- what's 'protective setting': IMO a wide-ish frame of small stones around the pearl are even safer then a bezel - you get a 'barrier' against side knocks. It doesn't have to have a ton of rock: but if narrow, I'd leave an airline between the frame and the pearl. Also, if the pearl is peg set (I still favor this), it better be that it's bottom does not touch the finger or else the friction may eventually dislodge the pearl. It happens on stud earrings - learned it the hard way recently.
Bottom line: this is not going to be a 24/7 ring, no matter what the setting looks like. So... I wouldn't try too hard to come up with a bullet proof ring model. Just enjoy the pearl
My 2c.
No expert here: this is what I've decided for a prospective pearl ring for myself. This will be meant for occasional wear - like most jewelry, but unlike the usual American engagement ring.