pretty clasp just need pearls

[Beth C]

Hi all I'm new here and very new to pearls.

I bought a lovely vintage/antique pearl necklace clasp comprising of eight small seed pearls surrounding a eight sided cut garnet, it measures 8mm diameter. My problem is b=getting a nice string of pearls to get this made into a choker. I have looked on ebay but either miss out or end up with faux pearls or very poor quality, i haven't paid full price so haven't really lost out. And the one or two I have bought are wearable as costume jewelery. But I can't afford to keep going down that route!

So as a complete newby to the forum and to pearls I was wondering if anyone has any info which could help me. I would like a traditional classic choker which could be worn with either pearls or clasp forward. I was hoping to get a vintage rope of pearls as the clasp is vintage but am very wary as the only way I know to get such is by bidding on ebay and I don't have money to spend inordinate amounts or to lose.

I found a pearl wholesaler called WSPearls.com but couldn't find any reviews, so have been wary to buy.

Obviously I am willing to save up to get the best I can but am at a loss how to go about it as yet.

Thanks for any help.

Elizabeth

[Caitlin]

Welcome Beth
May we have a photo of the clasp?
You can get a fine strand and the dealer will attach it to your clasp. Look around here through our big online dealers and also our designer/makers for the perfect strand of pearls. What is your budget? We will be full of advice with a little more info-

[pearlescence]

We need to know where you are

[Beth C]

Wow what quick and kind replies,
not sure how to upload photo but will try later

I am in the north of england.

Elizabeth

[waimeamomi]

Then the person who posted above you, Wendy, is a GREAT source for you. Check out her website. There may be others as well, but there she is right above your head (figuratively on the forum). :)

[Caitlin]

Sheryl beat me to it, but Wendy is positively psychic to tune in so quickly, isn't she?. She's very experienced, you can get any kind of pearls you want from her and she will have good advice helping you choose just the right strand for the clasp.

[pearlescence]

I have a very advanced pearldar!
Please do indeed contact me either via my website or a pm through the forum and I am sure we can find you just the right pearls
Does anyone else have the feeling that Beth C will turn out to live just six doors away?
Thanks Sheryl and Caitlin

[GemGeek]

Pearlnography and now Pearldar. What a vocabulary we have here! ;)

[Beth C]

hi All
thanks for showing such interest,
I have a few photos of the clasp but am unsure how to insert into forum can anyone explain it to me please.

Thankyou

[Beth C]

Hi Wendy,
by the way I'm in lancashire

Elizabeth

[Beth C]

httphttp://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn143/floragala/clasp.jpg

[Beth C]

looks like that was beginners luck trying to upload reverse view but not succeeding :(

the clasp measure 14mm in diameter not as as previously posted i just checked.

Elizabeth

[Beth C]

http://http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn143/floragala/openview.jpg[/IMG]

[pattye]

That's lovely! It definitely looks lonesome for some pretty pearls to go with!

[pearlescence]

so am I...on the coast

[Beth C]

as to budget I don't have lots of money, but would be willing to wait and save for the perfect accompaniment, I can go to hundreds i guess but definately NOT thousands LOL .
I did see one company where you could buy 4-6 pearls at a time and save up that way but I don't know if that is a good idea.

The other thing I've been thinking is i would like to know how to string my own necklace but, I haven't had much luck finding classes in the area.

[Beth C]

Hi Wendy
sorry didn't see your post!

I'm in the hills in the ribble valley!

Elizabeth

[pattye]

Hi Beth C,

Just my opinion, but not a good idea to buy a few pearls at a time, they just won't match.

Hopefully you can meet up with Wendy, as she is certainly an expert, and can help you find just what you want. If you choose freshwaters, they are very reasonable in cost, and beautiful; no need to spend thousands at all!

[Sueki]

Hello Beth C,
Welcome to the forum ! :)

You would do well to get in touch with Wendy - she has beautiful pearls, and right on your doorstep too.....
No pesky import taxes to pay.....:(

[Caitlin]

Maybe you could watch her string and knot your necklace, but be careful, knotting, like pearls, is very addictive-better than a video game!

Since that is a dressy kind of clasp, I would be tempted to put a few sapphires in the strand itself.

[pearlescence]

You aren't far, so come down to the workshop and we can work out your design and you can pick exactly which pearls you want.

[Beth C]

thanks for all your kind replies, i fell in love with the clasp when I saw it ... silly me so wet behind the ears didn't realise that matching the pearls would be tha hard part lol

anyway I'm away for a few weeks after the weekend but will definately be talking to Wendy on my return.

once again thanks to all for your input and kindness

Elizabeth

[Beth C]

just saw this on ebay looks great fun ... certainly haven't got enough to buy it tho.http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/A-WONDERFUL-DECO-NECKLACE-BEES-PEARLS-18K-PLATINUM_W0QQitemZ170369852658QQcmdZViewItemQQptZV intage_Fine_Jewelry?hash=item27aad5a4f2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[Chameleon]

... but be careful, knotting, like pearls, is very addictive-better than a video game! ...
[/QUOTE]

That is so true :):).
First neclace was hard - making the knot close on the right spot. But since then fun fun fun...

Maria