[Caitlin]

Hi Teresa
Since you are still asking the same question as in your first thread, I am moving this over to that thread.

Go to miki, then report back if you got sticker shock or if you bought.

[Ashley]

Hi Theresa,

Additionally, we really do all we can to make first time online buyers very comfortable with purchasing fine pearls sight-unseen. Any one of the vendors here will be happy to take digital images of a few strands in the 7.0-7.5mm size for you in various overtones, to show you surface quality and luster. Nothing beats seeing pearls in person, but ask and you shall receive!

[TheresaL]

Hi All,

I went to Miki store in NYC to see akoya pearls. They only showed me A, A+, AA pearls. They didn't have AAA at that time. I am not a pearl expert, but I was not impressed by the quality of their pearls, for 7*7.45mm costs $4,150 + tax. Ashley did make a very good suggestion. It will be great if any of online vendors can show me digital images of a few strands in the 7-7.5mm Hanadama, just for me to see the surface quality and luster. Thank you all for your help.

Regards,
Fei

[pearlescence]

Can I suggest that you look on the websites of the seller/members of this forum of akoya pearls to see what is shown. The sellers (who do not include me as I do have more than about half a dozen strands in stock for those who insist against advice) do not need to expend hours of energy in pursuit of one sale.

While your desire to buy the best for your mother is commendable, having asked for advice, perhaps you should take it?

[TheresaL]

Wendy,

Thanks for your advice. I am not sure if all vendors here provided actual digital images for all pearls, such as Hanadama. I do not agree with you it will take up sometime and energy to take digital images in pursuit of one sale. I think Ashley made a very good suggestion that it's very important to make first time online buyers very comfortable with purchasing fine pearls sight-unseen. I do not think you are wasting your time to taking digital photos, you are actually buidling your reputation. I would think it's understandable/reasonable for buyers that are willing to spend more than a thousand dolloars to take a look at digital images for pearls.

Regards,
Theresa

[pearlescence]

indeed, but many of these pearls are already on the websites. I think you need to narrow your request parameters before you approach dealers. If you can identify exactly what size, quality, colour, and general price range, you may find what you want generally on the websites, then it is indeed reasonable to ask for a photo of a specific strand before going on to purchase that strand.
However, if you do not have a clear and exact decision on what you want a seller could find themselves photographing half their stock

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by TheresaL

I would think it's understandable/reasonable for buyers that are willing to spend more than a thousand dollars to take a look at digital images for pearls.

Sometimes I wonder if this issue of the missing real pictures wasn't once of the factors that made Tahitian pearls of all conceivable qualities more popular online then off, LOL! (those tend to come with individual photos more often)


Still.... I'm guilty of making at least one seller take pearl photos for me uselessly. It didn't feel good to give up buying after their obvious effort ... [the respective guys might be still reading this forum; Sorry folks!] No idea how many times the might actually end up doing just that.

Clearly, it doesn't help anyone that both great and not-so-good shops have the same habit of posting 'representative photos'. Much as you say... Matter of reputation, at first sight at least.

[Raisondetre]

To be honest it's probably not that bad for the vendors to take the pictures - there aren't too many hanadama strands at any one time as they are so rare, and since the price is already listed TheresaL would already know what she'd be paying. For the Mikimoto prices she can get a Hanadama in a larger size with a very nice clasp. I was only buying freshwater baroques and it wasn't a big sale at all, but Jeremy combed through all the pink strands to find me the perfect pink strand. I didn't end up taking the recommended ones, was a total pain and wanted two strands from the stock pics (as if they weren't busy enough), requested more pics of the two strands I wanted and I got exactly that.

But I don't think any vendors are going to post pictures in this thread for this particular request - you'd have to email them individually with the specifications. This is after all a public forum, not a personal shopper's channel.

[Nerida]

My thoughts exactly, Raisondetre! If you would like photos sent specifically for your needs, contact the sellers through their online stores - that's the right place for such requests..

[GemGeek]

The kind of thing that would help me decide would be a natural light photograph of THE Hanadama strand alongside a triple A strand and a double A strand.

[lisamla]

TheresaL,

Glad you went to the Miki store to see the pearls for yourself. I too went to a Miki store and tried on pearls. While I loved them in the store, I realized (once I started my pearl education) that I was not trying on the best quality yet the price was the same as the Hanadama from the online sellers.

If you haven't done so already, I also encourage you to contact the sellers directly about your requirements. I made a purchase from one of the sellers, but had like 5-6 emails back and forth before I made the purchase. You will find good customer service and a desire to help.

Good luck!

[Admin]

Frankly TL
Most buyers call the stores or email them. Buyers can't possibly do this through the Forums for every customer!!

You need to contact sellers directly. To expect them to read every post in case there is a buyer trying to contact them is impossible.

Please call or email the sellers you want information from.

Please, no more posting on this subject here...Come back when you have your purchase in hand and give us pictures and a report. PLEASE!!!