I am curious to see how the untreated Akoyas compare with the Sea of Cortez pearls I already have, the size is similar, and the color silver blue with lovely overtones of other colors.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Raisondetre]

Do post pics when you get them. I'll be away for 3 weeks so it'll be next month before I get a chance to. But then there will be new stuff from next month's specials ...

[john675]

I knew nothing about baroque Akoya's before reading this post. Now I want some ;-) The color is wonderful. I think I am way too late for Jeremy's pearl frenzy at PP. I did find these on Ebay, though (but that's scary in its own right - a vendor in Hong Kong that I know nothing about but they can be had for about $150). Am I in the right area, concept wise? I'm new to the whole idea.
John

It's hard to tell from a photograph, but they look good. Did you already purchase them, or is it a photo from the posting? Your only worry would be if they are telling the truth about being akoyas, but the lustre looks like the harder, sharper lustre of akoyas.

Are you turning into a pearl connoisseur? I think you're on the right track.

Blaire

[pernula]

Pattye,

Just curious, how does the color of untreated baroque Akoyas compared to that of silver blue Sea of Cortez pearls or platinum blue South Sea pearls?

Thanks,
Pernula

[pernula]

john675,

Sorry I am not an expert. Does the seller indicate those are Akoyas and provide some ratings? E.g., high luster slight orient ?

pernula

[john675]

Originally Posted by GemGeek

Did you already purchase them, or is it a photo from the posting? Your only worry would be if they are telling the truth about being akoyas, but the lustre looks like the harder, sharper lustre of akoyas.

Are you turning into a pearl connoisseur? I think you're on the right track.

Blaire

Thanks for replying, Blaire. I would love to turn into a pearl connoisseur but I have a long way to go to match your shopping prowess. I enjoyed your shopping posts from your trip.

I bought a couple strands as gifts from Pearl Paradise when I read about Jeremy and his store in the Wall Street Journal - that seemed to get me started. I spread out to a 12mm Tahitian, a 13mm South Sea champagne, and a 12mm FW each on a leather choker for me from Pearl Paradise as well. Now I am just mesmerized by the beauty of pearls in general. My sisters are feeling pretty lucky about my new hobby.

I didn't buy the baroque Akoyas yet - but I am tempted...

John

Originally Posted by john675

Thanks for replying, Blaire. I would love to turn into a pearl connoisseur but I have a long way to go to match your shopping prowess. I enjoyed your shopping posts from your trip.

I bought a couple strands as gifts from Pearl Paradise when I read about Jeremy and his store in the Wall Street Journal - that seemed to get me started. I spread out to a 12mm Tahitian, a 13mm South Sea champagne, and a 12mm FW each on a leather choker for me from Pearl Paradise as well. Now I am just mesmerized by the beauty of pearls in general. My sisters are feeling pretty lucky about my new hobby.

I didn't buy the baroque Akoyas yet - but I am tempted...

John

I just love it when men wear leather pearl chokers. No joke, I think it's hot. I'm trying to talk one of my manliest friends into getting one. He's not so sure. Do you only wear them with casual clothing?

Now you need a Sea of Cortez pearl to round out the set!

The great thing about giving pearls as gifts, is you get to see them again. I sometimes hate to part with the necklaces I make, so it helps when they go to someone I know. That gives me visitation rights.

Welcome to the club, John!

Cheers,
Blaire

Hi John,

these untreated Akoyas do look very good, I think the overtone looks like Aqua-green to me. I too have a very lovely silver-aqua coloured strand I bought from Jeremy and those are of course definitely untreated but I have to say - this strand does look great and so is the price if they are real untreated Akoyas.

As I can see You too are hooked by now and Your lucky sisters will probably get pearls from now on if I am not mistaken.

I do admire men who have the guts to wear pearls - my husband has a large baroque Tahitian on leather, it just looks fine and so far nobody has said something stupid about him wearing it!

Tell us and make some photos next time You are on a buying spree...

[john675]

Blaire and Inge, I think the pearl choker for guys is great. I don't see why we can't enjoy pearls too, and it looks masculine to me (on me?). Pierce Brosnan was on a cover of GQ with one, so I feel like I am in good company ;-) I actually started wearing the black Tahitian to work in the summer because it is too hot for a tie. It dresses up my look a bit, compared to just an open shirt, and is a lot more comfortable. And you're right, Inge, it makes birthday and Christmas shopping for my three sisters easier and a lot more fun for me now that I am intrigued by the whole pearl thing.

Pernula, there is not much discussion on the listing about the pearls except this: On offer is a unique, baroque in shapes, genuine silver Akoya pearl necklace. Each pearl has been professionally double hand knotted and the clasp is made of solid 14k-white gold." I think I'll take a chance and see. I'll try to post a picture when I get them if I win the bid. Wish me luck!

John

[knotty panda]

John: Is the picture your posted supposed to be of the strand you bid on? The reason I ask is, the description says white gold clasp, but the picture looks yellow gold from where I sit. I'm concerned about a switch-er-oooo.

[john675]

You have a good eye - I didn't notice that at all! I'm checking to see what they say...
John

I bought one strand untreated baroque Akoya necklace from PearlOutlet's Sept special. it is beautiful with silver-rosy overtone. I gave it to my cousin from japan whom i haven't seen for 10 years last week. She loves it!!!! Now every woman in my family wants to have one, but my mom wants one made by South Sea pearls, I checked PP site, they have some really nice SSP & Tahitian Baroque necklace. Maybe I will get one for her b'day next year & ask my husband to buy me one too.

[pearl-man]

Originally Posted by john675

I knew nothing about baroque Akoya's before reading this post. Now I want some ;-) The color is wonderful. I think I am way too late for Jeremy's pearl frenzy at PP. I did find these on Ebay, though (but that's scary in its own right - a vendor in Hong Kong that I know nothing about but they can be had for about $150). Am I in the right area, concept wise? I'm new to the whole idea.
John

I wouldn't purchase anything so easily imitated or misrepresented at any time especially if they are several thousand miles away. Treated FWCP can easily immitate natural color Japanese Grey Akoya. You should know they might Chinese Akoya and have the same authenticity as the lead toys and dog food poison. buy from someone you have recourse with.
pd

[pearl-man]

Originally Posted by GemGeek

I just love it when men wear leather pearl chokers. No joke, I think it's hot. I'm trying to talk one of my manliest friends into getting one. He's not so sure. Do you only wear them with casual clothing?

Now you need a Sea of Cortez pearl to round out the set!

The great thing about giving pearls as gifts, is you get to see them again. I sometimes hate to part with the necklaces I make, so it helps when they go to someone I know. That gives me visitation rights.

Welcome to the club, John!

Cheers,
Blaire

Nothing wrong with perls for men if he likes it and the "guys" don't harass him too much. What might becomea problem is how they are attached to the leather/silk. Just in case, sometime in the future you should change your mind try to keep the hole size no larger than 1mm. 1.2mm. That way if you should like to mix with another strand at some time or wear in the conventional way a super large hole will not be an impedence.
PD