[Caitlin]

Yes. That is the origin of my lack of interest in PPB's. I was taught from a young age that PPB's were vulgar and only naturals were real pearls.

As an adult, I have become extremely fond of CFWP- because they are solid nacre and thus look more natural than the PPB's do. Now we have them in gem quality and in my warped mind, they are the only cultured pearls I love. (Well, I have one Sea of Cortez mabe and one Tahitian pearl from Josh that matches the Cortez pearls (almost) in absolute beauty. I will photo them when I get them set in something wearable.

I also had a natural color (silver blue) akoya strand and my youngest had me make them into 2 bracelets with leftovers for earrings. She loves them and because they came from Jeremy, I know they are way better quality than the eBay scam akoyas.

I don't rage against PPB's any more. I realized they are the only viable alternatives for pearl lovers who can't afford naturals and that is most of us. Besides the keshi of various sea pearls is often faboo and they too, are solid nacre.

Still, my Bahraini babies are my first love and my favorites.

Below are Zoe's akoya bracelets