Sea of Cortez Pearl Strands - Photos

[CortezPearls]

Hello everyone,

We haven't fully recovered from the devastating effects of Hurricane "Jimena", but on this ocassion I want to share with some photos of what we consider to be our finest pearl necklace so far...as I have mentioned before, we only produce ONE PEARL STRAND PER YEAR of this quality.

Christened with the name of "Stella Maris" (Stars of the Sea) by its owner (name and other details cannot be disclosed), it contains 49 Gem-grade Sea of Cortez Cultured Pearls. Sizes range from 11.4 mm (central pearl) to 8.6 mm.

Hope you enjoy the photos!

[Caitlin]

Thanks, Douglas,
That strand is mind-blowing, to say the least! It's like diffuse Abalone colors!!! Each pearl has so many colors.

Simply, PMC pearls are the most beautiful cultured pearls in the world.

[smetzler]

An impressively effective way to thumb one's nose at disaster!

[pearlescence]

Beautiful.

[Nerida]

Oh, that is beautiful. Like the colours of the night.

[Ash]

Beautiful and divine are those pearls. Lucky is the recipient of that strand!

Hope you will recover quickly from Hurricane "Jimena".

cheers
Ash

[pattye]

Oh! Just to see this one in person-- it's magnificent in photos!! Am now enjoying it as my desktop background----We all so eagerly look forward to your harvest photos, Douglas! And you always thrill us!

[la_corsetiere]

That's an absolutely exquisite strand, Douglas!

Sheri

[Kevin Canning]

just awesome Doug! Does it have an owner yet?

[GemGeek]

Lucky owner! ;)

[pattye]

Pinch me, do you mean you are the lucky owner??

[knotty panda]

I'm completely speechless. Is this from this harvest or a culmination?

[purlgurl]

OOOOh Blaire!!!! really??? You lucky thing! I just had a call from one of the WAGS I will be be-jewelling for a red carpet event later this month & they would be perfect! She is wearing silver. Ah well, now on with the hunt for silver pearls, and nothing will compare I'm sure. Thats the trouble with seeing these extraordinary examples, it raises the bar for what we want.

[Amrita]

Amazingly beautiful!!

[Pearly Shell]

Truly beautiful! What a thrill to see your work produce something so incredible!!
Bravo!!

[jerin]

Truly beautiful and something to wish for!:)

[Josh]

HOLY FRIJOLES hermano Douglas!!!!!!! That is amazing. I'm really, really glad that Blaire is the lucky recipient too because that means that I'll get to actually see it during some ruckusing occasion in the near future! Yahoooo! (thank you Knotty for bringing my attention to this via Twitter).

[Nerida]

Lucky owner! ;)

very very lucky owner, hey??

[Nora]

Lucky owner! ;)

I wish this very, very lucky owner to use it in health!

[Cathybear]

oh it's GLORIOUS!

[Hanaleimom]

Wow, lucky owner! It's magnificent. I love the magenta and turquoise ones.

[CortezPearls]

This unique necklace was the culmination of 3 continuous harvests (2007-2009) and the lucky owner is a very refined Lady of the city of Monterrey, Nuevo León, México.

I am very happy to say that most of our finest strands have stayed in Mexico...except for the 2004 "Marie" necklace that went to Florida, USA, and the 2005 "Costanza" necklace that went to Italy.

Sigh! We did not have enough time to shoot photos of the necklace on a beautiful woman (they were all running for dear life as the hurricane lashed Guaymas). :eek:

[Pearl Dreams]

Wow, the colors are surreal.

[GemGeek]

Thanks for the good laugh! No, I meant that the owner sure was lucky. The PP exotics wiped me out for now. ;) If it were mine, I certainly wouldn't be quiet about it!

[Chameleon]

WOW! Just amazing!!

/Thats the trouble with seeing these extraordinary examples, it raises the bar for what we want/ - so well put, Purlgurl.
I keep wanting more and more. The pearls what were nice few months ago, just do not work for me any longer.

Really lucky owner of these extraordinary beauties! :)

[GemGeek]

Thats the trouble with seeing these extraordinary examples, it raises the bar for what we want

Let me save you the trouble of searching for better pearls. For cultured pearls, Sea of Cortez pearls are the most beautiful in the world. Even the least of the harvest are gorgeous and they'll have you turning them and trying them out in every light to appreciate their color shifting abilities. ;)

[pattye]

It's true! Unique qualities are found only in Sea of Cortez cultured pearls and mabes. The harvest is only--about 3000 actual cultured pearls--and about 5000 mabes. Very few full strands at all.

If one hasn't read about them--much info can be found here on the forum, and it is fascinating!

[Chameleon]

Blaire and Pattye:
Yes, i did find about the existence of unique Sea of Cortez pearls here in the forum. Before joining, I kept coming back for hours and hours of reading. What is so great here in the forum, is that I do not even have to look for better pearls, I just keep coming across them online here ..and people are so so generous and helpful with the knowledge :)

What I meant with wanting more and better, was that seeing and learning about the variations of all sorts of pearls here, specially in such short of time, just grows my appetite and passion for more special ones every day. For example, 3 months ago ordered cheep commercial fw-strands that turned out far better than expected (with very good luster and one off-round even has orient) are just a minimum standard now. I do not exactly whine :), I know, If I order cheep commercial for crafting I could not have extra expectations...but .., I really see only the best from the order. It is mostly about luster and orient for me at the moment ...
The growth is fast here! ;) :cool:

Maria

[Josh]

OK Blaire, I guess we are calling it even.:D I'm the one that's supposed to be just joshin.:p The Ocelot isn't the only thing that costs a lot!

[GemGeek]

OK Blaire, I guess we are calling it even.:D I'm the one that's supposed to be just joshin.:p The Ocelot isn't the only thing that costs a lot!

Oh Josh, I loved the "ocelot". ;)

[Nerida]

OK Blaire, I guess we are calling it even.:D I'm the one that's supposed to be just joshin.:p The Ocelot isn't the only thing that costs a lot!

ha, that was funny... trust a naive Aussie to have fallen for that one...
But yes, I am sure that beautiful strand would 'costalot' too...

[knotty panda]

Thanks for the good laugh! No, I meant that the owner sure was lucky.

Too bad. I was all set to live vicariously. Blaire eating her Rice Krispies in her pearls. Blaire telling Octavia no, she wasn't going to share. Blaire walking into telephone poles whilst doing the bosom check. Blaire throwing out her wardrobe to color-coordinate with her pearls. Blaire doing the walking on air entrance at next year's ruckus. Ahhh, such dreams.

[Bernadette]

They have a hypnotic effect when I look at them.
Gorgeous absolutely gorgeous.

[GemGeek]

Too bad. I was all set to live vicariously. Blaire eating her Rice Krispies in her pearls. Blaire telling Octavia no, she wasn't going to share. Blaire walking into telephone poles whilst doing the bosom check. Blaire throwing out her wardrobe to color-coordinate with her pearls. Blaire doing the walking on air entrance at next year's ruckus. Ahhh, such dreams.

Sounds wonderful, except that I would be eating Rice Krispies for every meal in perpetuity! ;)

[barbie biggs]

Sounds wonderful, except that I would be eating Rice Krispies for every meal in perpetuity! ;)

I like Rice Krispies. I LOOOVE Sea of Cortez Pearls. These pictures are making me really appreciate the one I have even more.

barbie

[Miriam Reed]

Douglas, that strand is absolutely breathtaking! Even looking at the photos of them is addictive. Fortunate lady. Sigh!

[pearlescence]

Hope it gets worn and doesn't just end up in a bank vault somewhere

[smetzler]

Hope it gets worn and doesn't just end up in a bank vault somewhereCouldn't agree more. Thanks to Douglas for at least sharing it here, albeit sans neck given Jimena's tragic scattering of the guapas of Guaymas.

[barbie biggs]

Doug:
It is impossible to find words .... Beautiful work.
Thank you for sharing,
barbie

[kelluvpearls]

Beautiful pearls, I'm willing to just eat rice krispies for a year for these and I love my food. :D

[GemGeek]

I need to buy lottery tickets or start looking for a "Pearl Daddy". I want to be the person in Knotty Panda's fantasy! ;)

[CLICLASP]

This strand is incredibly beautiful,
Speaking of black beauty (more or less black I mean), IMHO the highest are Abalone natural pearls with their range of fabulous colored overtones, which only the Sea of Cortez pearls can compete with.
Thenafter, only come the Tahiti pearls, but I like them a lot anyway,

[smetzler]

This strand is incredibly beautiful,
Speaking of black beauty (more or less black I mean), IMHO the highest are Abalone natural pearls with their range of fabulous colored overtones, which only the Sea of Cortez pearls can compete with.
Thenafter, only come the Tahiti pearls, but I like them a lot anyway,Maybe Jeremy, Blaire or someone could update us on the relentless pursuit of abalone rounds?

[GemGeek]

Maybe Jeremy, Blaire or someone could update us on the relentless pursuit of abalone rounds?

I think the word "whole" would be more accurate than "rounds". ;)

[smetzler]

I think the word "whole" would be more accurate than "rounds". ;)An effective way of confirming that 360-degree mabés remain a twinkle in someone's eye…

[boo]

Yarr! Tis a beAuty indeed! I'm plying my way eastward at the moment t' fetch a chest 'o silver and the precious grog of the coast, but it seems there be finer treasure by far in yon Cortez waters...

Love you guys - life is utter madness but I wanted to bid you a fond Ahoy from the road on this best of all days ;-)

[Hanaleimom]

It's nice to hear from you, boo.

[Josh]

Avast! 'Tis the best of days indeed, me hearties!

[Pearl Angel]

Josh

I have been reading this forum as I am new to the world of pearls. The photo of the "Stella Maris" (Stars of the Sea) strand is stunning. The owner has named it appropriately. I had no idea that you " only produce ONE PEARL STRAND PER YEAR of this quality."

jerlin referred me to read about Sea of Cortez cultured pearls and it has been a fascinating education.

Wishing you only the best as you continue to recover from "Jimena" :)

[Precious Pearl]

"Stella Maris" is beyond beautiful! Are there pictures available on the other pearl strands?

[Sueki]

Although mine are baroques, I have a few photos. of my Cortez strands on this site.
One of them is my avatar.
I think there is another on the "Show Us Your Pearls" forum too. :)

[pattye]

Hi Sueki,

Well, a great excuse to take a look at your album of pearls on your profile page! All so beautiful, I have no idea how you choose what to wear in the morning!

[Sueki]

That's easy Pattye,
I'm always bad tempered in the morning 'till I've had several cups of coffee, so I choose the pearls which will cheer me up the quickest......:D

And those pearls will be whatever looks good on the particular day.:)

[Precious Pearl]

Your pearls are absolutely gorgeous Sueki!

[Josh]

Hi Precious Pearl.
The Stella Maris is from the hard work of Douglas of Sea of Cortez Pearls fame. I'd like to stake claim to it that's for sure. Geez though, with all the struggles Douglas and his crew are going through, I hope everyone reading this who is on the verge of purchasing pearls of his, will reach into their pockets and support what he's doing by buying his beautiful pearls.

[CortezPearls]

A year later... but here it is... temporarily named "Bicentennial", this is 2010's best Cortez Pearl Necklace. Basically consisting of 49 near-round & round pearls in size between 8.7 and 11.6 mm. Multicolored (as usual) and made with A+ and Gem grade pearls only...

Remember the beautiful deep purple pearl with intense green overtone that came out during the first days of this year's harvest? It ended up as the centerpiece...the necklace contains pearls from the 2007 to 2010 harvests.

We also have 2 additional pearl necklaces for this year, but you can more information and photos at our blog: http://www.perlas.com.mx/blog/?p=223 (http://www.perlas.com.mx/blog/?p=223)

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

A lovely harvest indeed, Douglas!

I absolutely love the variety of colors in your pearls.

[GemGeek]

Congratulations on another colorful masterpiece and thanks so much for the lustrous photos. ;)

[Nora]

blog: http://www.perlas.com.mx/blog/?p=223 (http://www.perlas.com.mx/blog/?p=223)

Congratulation Douglas. Beautiful pearls indeed.

[Pearl Dreams]

Stunning! A pleasure to see!

[Caitlin]

Did we see that necklace? We saw one all laid out waiting for pearls.

[CortezPearls]

You did see it -partially- because it still needed some pearls and those were provided by this year's harvest. But it seems it is finally finished... a Labour of Love.

[pearlescence]

Douglas, that is beautiful.

[pattye]

And look here--soooo beautiful, soooo rare to find a full strand offered, I'm completely enamored----------http://www.perlasshop.com/products/Cortez-Pearl-Necklace-2010%252dB.html

[Caitlin]

I want to add it to the wish list- Those are the most yummy of all pearls. In person they look like Easter candies.

[CortezPearls]

Just another one...taken this morning with nice natural light. This one is a full frontal photo... pearlnographers abstain! ;)

[Ashley]

Oh Douglas, that's just gorgeous!!!! The colors just glow!

[GemGeek]

Douglas, you're killing me. That central pearl is screaming "look at me"! ;)

[lisa c]

Beautiful!!! It's such a treat to see the ultimate results from your harvests!

What did you ever do with that gorgeous red pearl that you posted as a single? Was it the centerpiece of Stella Maris? I'm trying to read old posts, catching up; I'm having a bit of trouble finding your old posts, the ones that are under Sea of Cortez... You were sharing your excitement, holding up a beautiful red pearl fresh from the shell...

AHA! It's the centerpiece of Boheme. What a centerpiece. What a pearl. That's my favorite of your pearls.

[Josh]

Thread bump! I missed this pearlnography the first time around. Thanks Douglas, more photos please!

[newberry]

I look forward to seeing what this years harvest brings.

[CortezPearls]

I look forward to seeing what this years harvest brings.

I can only say it will be a GREAT year...the harvest has been Amazing so far. Haven't had much time to photograph the pearls...but will eventually post some of the new photos, so stay tuned!

[pattye]

Lordy! How you love teasing us, Douglas!!!!

[Josh]

Photo, photo, photo!

[judimcc6]

Are we any closer to this year's photos???? Your pearls are breathtaking.

[Caitlin]

I saw some on his Perlas.mx blog- didn't I? http://www.perlas.com.mx/blog/ Nice article on Elizabeth Strack

[GemGeek]

Love the blog. Even more, love Los Arbolitos!!!

[Ramona]

Great blog. Yes, the art of breeding. Nature is a quick teacher that greed is no good.

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Photo, photo, photo!

What Josh said. C'mon Doug!, you're killing us!

[Caitlin]

It's worth a trip to Guaymas to eat at Los Arbolitos! None better, anywhere in the world. Los Arbolitos food is Mexican cuisine at its finest-truly world class- except for the can of tuna!!!!

[CortezPearls]

Are we any closer to this year's photos???? Your pearls are breathtaking.

Trying hard...little time, loads of work and Enrique has had a terrible time with his daughter's brain operation, so I feel like I lost and eye and an arm without him. We haven't even been able to sort the pearls out but we do have a nice baroque pearl necklace ready (thanks to the constant attention of my associate Manuel Nava)...beautiful colors, chunky baroques measuring 8.4 to 11.4 mm, 45 pearls...all from this year's (2011) pearl harvest. We'll hopefully be able to produce at least another limited edition Cortez Pearl necklace to show at the Pearl Ruckus...

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[Lagoon Island Pearls]

we do have a nice baroque pearl necklace ready

Stunning as ever Doug, although not outdone by my sincerest wishes for Enrique's family.

[Caitlin]

I am shocked and sorry to hear about Enrique's family's trials. I wish them the best in a full recovery.

That baroque necklace is absolutely gorgeous. I love the baroque shapes. In this case, they make the necklace look natural. My favorite SofC necklace so far!

Congratulations on an astounding harvest!!!

[pattye]

Douglas,

Love and prayers for your whole S of C family, especially Enrique's precious daughter.

[newberry]

Beautiful, beautiful necklace Douglas can't wait to see the other one at the Ruckus. Baroques are my favorite. Paryers and good wishes for Enrique and his family. There is nothing worse than a childs illness for a parent.

[CLICLASP]

I wish a prompt recovery to Enrique 's daughter, don't know him, but in a way, having a bunch of SoC keshis is having something from you all over there ...
**
how can I add something about those pearls I am so fond of ?
the variety of overtones is amazing, and the surface seems "hammered" due to the thickness of nacre ...
Once you have seen those pearls, you cannot forget them...

[CortezPearls]

Indeed Anna...we work intensively on our pearls so each little pearl holds our sweat, blood & tears...but also our Hopes for the Future and our Love for the Sea of Cortez and Life.

The surface of many of our pearls is hammered because as you say: the thickness of Nacre is excellent. Manuel drilled these and he said that they are simply some of the thickest pearls he has drilled this year.

And Briana -Enrique's 14 year old daughter- needs all the positive thoughts and prayers possible. He is in need of a Miracle for her...we are all praying. So, in behalf of Enrique's family: Thank You All.

[lisa c]

Thank you for keeping us updated re Enrique's daughter. Miracles do happen.

[CortezPearls]

A QUESTION FOR ALL TO ANSWER:

Do you like this "possible" pearl necklace... my associate Manuel Nava is trying to come up with an interesting necklace design, using baroque cultured pearls and keshis...he arranged the pearls in a certain way and asked me. I said: "I love it!" but then he said..."Can we get a second opinion???"...Enrique is not here...so here is your chance to play his part:

1) DO YOU LIKE THIS ARRANGEMENT FOR A PEARL NECKLACE???
2) IF NOT: HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT???

Please let me know your opinion :)

12799

[pattye]

Sigh, such beautiful pearls, yes, I like the combination very much! So beautifully matched! Approximately how long will the finished piece be? Were you thinking you'd top drill the light colored center pearl? Might prefer all 5 larger center pearls together. However you string it, it will be gorgeous! Just my 2c, of course.

[jshepherd]

I love it. I like the randomness about it that quickly becomes organized when studied. It shows the amount of work involved in cross-matching such (typically) unique pieces that are already difficult to adequately pair.

[newberry]

I really like it and could imagine adding it to my collection and wearing it.

[Caitlin]

First, the pearls and keshi are stupendously beautiful. Almost abalone-like in color range.That layout of the pearls is very nice, but if it were mine I would alternate the big pearls with the keshi and make the final 2 pearls on each side the keshi. 31 big pearls 32 keshi. I have the current layout counted and memorized; I'd try it with big, little, big, little. It is my favorite pattern for utilizing 2 sizes of pearls and will sit next to each other nicely, each reflecting the other. Try it. Keep the pearls in the same order and you will be able to change it back easily.

[Marianne]

What Caitlin said :)
But those pearls would be gorgeous in a little pile!

Marianne

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

my associate Manuel Nava is trying to come up with an interesting necklace design, using baroque cultured pearls and keshis...

I'm awestruck by this arrangement. Not for only the obvious beauty, but by what the piece says.

My only suggestion might be... a big teardrop?

[KarinK]

I loooove the pearls. Personally I would prefer one or the other, though.

- Karin

[CortezPearls]

I'm awestruck by this arrangement. Not for only the obvious beauty, but by what the piece says.
My only suggestion might be... a big teardrop?

Shucks Dave! I said the same thing...wanted a blue colored drop pearl as centerpiece...Manuel said: No!!!
Can't convince him to give up the "True Blues"...not many this year.

Well...thank you all for your input on the matter...we are changing some pearls and I'll have another pair of photos... do you like this one better???

1280612807

[Ramona]

Yes!! Though 1-2 more blueish ones towards the top would be lovely.

[Caitlin]

I like that big pearl, 2 keshi layout. takes less pearls than your first layout. The first necklace was much longer, wasn't it?

The single Blue Pearl in the middle is like the Earth in a string of Cosmic Galaxies.

Alternately, you could take the chosen galaxies of the Earth Pearl, 18 big and 40 keshi and completely randomize them. That way one can put two or three big ones together even 5, once -as long as there are 9 on a side- on the bead board, the EP at the center of course, and scatter the keshi in random numbers between. But really, Pay no attention to me, I am just tripping with your pearls! That's what I am, a bead stringer! I can't help arranging loose pearls by eye.........

xoo0oo0oo0oo0oo0oo0oo0oo0oo0ooOoo0oo0oo0oo0oo0oo0o o0oo0oo0ooxx
18 big, EP 40keshi

xooooo00oo0ooo0oo00oooooo000ooOoo0oo0oo0ooo00000oo oo0oooooooxx :D
18 big EP 40 keshi

xo0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0oOo0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o 0o0o0o0o0oxx
28 big, Earth Pearl 30 keshi.

[Marianne]

The 2 to 1 ratio is lovely. Would be happy with just the blue one tho :)

[Caitlin]

That pearl alone is worth a fortune.

[Nora]

Shucks Dave! I said the same thing...wanted a blue colored drop pearl as centerpiece...Manuel said: No!!!
Can't convince him to give up the "True Blues"...not many this year.

Manuel is right! Listen to him!

[Caitlin]

I would like to see photos of each of the blue pearls in a special collection. The ones from years before and this year's too. If we can't have the actual pearls, we can look at pin-ups of them!

[CortezPearls]

Thank you everyone for your input...we appreciate the help and will hopefully come out with a couple more of these limited edition Cortez Pearl Necklaces for this year...including the BEST necklace of the year which is still in the works.
Caitlin: loved your ideas! have to get Manuel to accommodate them in a future necklace, but we have run out of keshi already :( as always: too little of the good things...
Nora: Ok...you -and Manuel- win...
Dave: the drop...next year!!!

Will post the final necklace once Manuel finishes :) Stay tuned!

[CortezPearls]

Finally!!! It came out!!! Birthed from the Red Sea of Cortez!!! Use this link (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150243605211947.325087.643466946&l=8d92cbe93d) to see additional photos :)

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Measures 20.5 inches, contains 27 Cortez Pearls (baroque shaped, measuring 8 to 9.4 mm) and 33 Keshi pearls. 18K simple yellow gold clasp. Love the central Blue pearl.

This is necklace 2011-B...one of a kind!

[Bodecia]

Magnificent. Love those blues, love all Cortez. Love keshi. Love the pastels.

I agree with Manuel, no drop in the centre, not this year. The necklace doesn't need it. The bright blue is enough of a focal point and just grabs the eye. A drop might be best as a pendant and sell it for a fortune. I am sure it is worth it as the necklace must be.

Dawn
http://shop.ebay.com/dawncee333/m.html
Pearl lover and Natural Pearl collector

[Bodecia]

Oh Douglas, it is gorgeous, to die for, to kill for. Want me to look after if for you. :) Promise I won't do a runner. Evil grin.

Dawn
http://shop.ebay.com/dawncee333/m.html
Pearl lover and Natural Pearl collector

[Caitlin]

AAarggghhh! roar! gimme, gimme gimme. Do you take PayPal? I could use the Bill me Later feature..... dream on!!!!!

PS, if I had known you had more of the big ones than the keshi I'd come up with other patterns! Did you like the way I delivered those ideas? Can you visualize it when it's just 0's and o's? (Jest send some to me and I'll string them right up!) muah ha ha

Maybe just a bracelet. Maybe just a Blue Pearl? I will try not to be envious of the one who gets that one! Unless she wants me to be... :D

Manuel, great job!

Love and prayers to Henrique and family.........

Seriously, I was serious about seeing photos of all the blue pearls you can put up on your blog or over here. When you can. When you can.........

[CortezPearls]

Will try my best Caitlin! You'll see it in person (or "in the nacre" as Josh says) at the Pearl Ruckus!!!

[Hanaleimom]

Pictures don't do enough justice to these pearls. The strands are beautiful as well as the loose ones. Shopping through the website is a great way to gain access to the pearls. But without going to the farm, the best way to see these pearls "in the nacre" is at the P-G ruckus.

[newberry]

Thank you Douglas for my beautiful pearls I got from the Ruckus. Hisano turned them into a beautiful pendent for me yesterday. I will enjoy wearing it.

[Hanaleimom]

Thank you Douglas and Cortez Pearl farm. These pearls from 2011 harvest are beautiful.

I bought silk thread, ordered & waited for my new clasp to arrive, knotted the Cortez 2011-B strand using no tool (thanks to Hisano's workshop at the Ruckus), reknotted the strand again the other day. I used a large spring clasp that doubles as an enhancer to hold a pendant (see last picture with Margo Tahitian Pearl/Tahiti Pearl Market's pastel pendant). It lets me show both ends of the strand because the pearls near the clasp are beautiful too.

I am so glad I was at the Ruckus to try it on. :):):)

The strand's colors become more vibrant on my skin compared to being displayed on neutral background.

[Nora]

Amazingly beautiful Cathy! The pink/lavender thread was a good choice too.
Wear them in good health!

[pattye]

Cathy, Just saw these on FB, amazing and lovely~great choice on the silk thread, too!

[Caitlin]

Lovely. Lovely. Lovely..........

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Cortez pearls never fail to impress, nor does the quality of the arrangement and stringing.

An enchanting and inspirational piece.

[KarinK]

Stunning. I wish I'd seen the necklace. At least it stayed in the family :)

- Karin

[Nerida]

just absolutely gorgeous, Cathy! Can we see a neck shot please?

[GemGeek]

They are so beautiful that they take my breath away! :cool:

[Caitlin]

They are so beautiful.... I dreamt about them as Nahautl flowers of the Bay of Bacochibampo! Little mysterious companions keeping us company in our Journey. Where did that little hairless dog come from? Why to guard the flowery path of pearly delights.

Do you feel the magic when you wear them? Go on,admit it! Few are the ones who can circle themselves with these little companions of the Deep. Les than 50 or so, so far.....They are beyond pearls, they are twinkling sparkles of of the love and goodness that radiates from your very Being. Palpable reminders of .............

Sorry---that dream just overtook me!

[Hanaleimom]

just absolutely gorgeous, Cathy! Can we see a neck shot please?

Nerida,
I can't capture the colors well on my skin. Some shots the pearls are so washed out or too dark. Vincent took some pictures and he said they didn't turn out as true to life colors. The strand is in front of me as I type and it has soft pink, silver, green and blue. These are my best shots. Thanks for letting me share. 21" long.

Back to US Open. :)

[CortezPearls]

Wow! It was lovely when I took it to the Pearl Ruckus...but Cathy: you have re-made it into perfection, and the additional use of the enhancer just makes it a stunning piece of jewelry. I simply LOVE IT!

[lisa c]

Wow! You look Sizzlin'! Gorgeous job. I bet you look gorgeous in it, too.

I know it's traditional to post only neck shots (I think for the most part it's a marketing tool, and sensible), but I think we'd love to see a whole head shot. I know I would. I recognize that some are camera shy, and that's ok, too.

[mausketeer]

Yeah, why is that? (only neck shots) I took some photos of myself today wearing my new Tahitian strand and considered putting my face in but decided against it. Then I thought "gee, I'd sure like to see what some of these neat people look like!" I don't think I'll be one of the ones who ever go to a pearl "get together" so I'll never see anyone in person.......

I NEED a Sea of Cortez pearl necklace. NEED IT. They are just beyond BEYOND...... Someday when I sell my apartment perhaps I shall treat myself......

[Caitlin]

Wow! You look Sizzlin'! Gorgeous job. I bet you look gorgeous in it, too.

I know it's traditional to post only neck shots (I think for the most part it's a marketing tool, and sensible), but I think we'd love to see a whole head shot. I know I would. I recognize that some are camera shy, and that's ok, too.

Hi Lisa
People used not to want their faces up on the net and that was a common feeling, here too. HOWEVER Facebook is interactive with Pearl-Guide, if you go change something in your sign up. I think you get to choose to be interactive with facebook or not. I am on my way to see if I can connect to Facebook, since my identity is common to both.

Jeremy is going to make a PEARL-GUIDE Facebook page!!!!! I guess I am the first to know! We'll probably all be signing up tomorrow!!!!This is going to make a huge change in Pearl-Guide, sign ups I think!!!!!. Get ready for the flood.

[lisa c]

Hi Caitlin!

Also celebrities wouldn't necessarily want to deal with the extra attention, I suppose.

Will a FB page mean abandoning this site? I really don't understand a lot of e-communications.

Sorry, Cathy, didn't mean to press.

[jshepherd]

I don't think Facebook is interactive with this site yet. We are working to put together a Facebook page, but I don't see it being much different than our Twitter feed. It will just be a way for people that spend a lot of time on Facebook to have new posts and threads in their feed. Members will still have to come here to talk about pearls.

[CLICLASP]

Good, it is just the perfect update/upgrade for a living forum

[lisa c]

I think you have to have a pretty good cell ph & plan for things like twittering, right? Do most people have to pay per tweet? Lots to learn.

[Caitlin]

Lisa you can tweet from your computer. It's just that people do use all that other stuff.
Was I in the labyrinth? I thought I saw the "facebook interactive?" question recently as a signup option? P-G can do the "likes" and stuff on P-G, if it is Facebook interactive.
Maybe next year? nah. In the next couple of days.....

[Nora]

Maybe next year? nah. In the next couple of days.....
We are already there......... :)

[CortezPearls]

And it seems I forgot to post the photos of "Tia", this year's BEST pearl strand, made with 49 Gem grade Cortez Pearls obtained from the 2009, 2010 and 2011 pearl harvests.

I finally noticed my blunder, hence to correct it...here comes "Tia". She presently resides in Western Australia: first one of our pearl necklaces to reside in that beautiful country.

Darker, lavished with deep purples...a unique pearl necklace. Hope you enjoy it :)

136961369713698

[CLICLASP]

Enjoy? you mean drive us mad !!

[Caitlin]

OMG That IS the prettiest one, yet!!!!!! More pix. I wanna see each pearl, closeup!

[pattye]

Extreme fabulousness, as always, Doublas!!!!

[Alex]

Hi Douglas - yes, I was wondering about Tia, as you had mentioned her in your previous posts...

and now we are all speachless - again

but, first loves and all that - I am still in love with Boehme (sigh......)

do you have any pictures of Balandra, Maria, or Isabella

as Balandra is 'Mexican' like Boehme, I am hoping she will help take the pain away (double-sigh......)

[Nora]

Tia? La "Tia Querida" I assume. Well done Douglas!

[waimeamomi]

Yikes! Yikes! Yikes! Yikes! Douglas!!!!!

[Adeline Leigh]

Completely swoonworthy - breaks my heart. May you produce many many more pearls like that, Douglas.

[CortezPearls]

"Tia" may indeed be considered to be an "Aunt" or "Dear Auntie" but the owner of the necklace went further back to the original "Tia" which means "Princess" (hence we have the "Tiara" or "Princess Crown").

Unfortunately, we have very few photos of the fist necklaces and they are not very good ones...in those days digital cameras had 640x400 pixel resolution (Half a Megapixel!) and we did not have a good camera. But let me see what I can find.

[Nora]

That use of "tia" I didn't know. Thanks.

[CortezPearls]

That use of "tia" I didn't know. Thanks.

Neither I Nora...just comes to prove you can always learn new things. Thank God for this everlasting ability of the Human mind!

BTW, I found a photo of "Isabella" produced in 2005...

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[Alex]

Hi Douglas

Oh my goodness - the Dark One... I love the clasp

But where is Balandra....

Your work is truely beautiful (as are the little creatures that create these pearls)

[Teacher66]

wow so very beautiful!!

[CortezPearls]

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"Balandra"...the 2007 special edition necklace per yer request :)

[Alex]

Thanks Douglas

Beautiful, reminds me of jewelled pomegranates

'una Reina de México'

[Caitlin]

Hi I just wanted to see if i could get this video in here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2N-7KyfeCU&feature=autoplay&list=ULyGsMsQogUGw&lf=mfu_in_order&playnext=2

[Nora]

WOW! Thank you Caitlin for bringing us this video. It has everything: the setting, the farming, the processes, the dedication of the team and ....... the pearls.

[Caitlin]

Having been there, and out on the boat to see the Instituto from the bay caused me nostalgia when I saw that view in the video! And I having only seen it thus one time, can imagine the hold it has on Los Tres Maestros who farm for pearls, there. I love the shots of Jesus in the upper right at the beginning, whom I admire greatly for his extraordinary skills with the critters. The one who holds the farm in his steady, capable hands....

[Katbran]

They are remarkable looking! What a great film, thanks so much for posting it!

[pattye]

Loved watching the video again, love Cortez Pearls, and thanks much, Caitlin, for bringing it here!

[R&B]

Caitlin, Thanks for putting the video up.
Douglas I'm very impressed by both your pearls and the whole gig you people have going on.
I'll spend the next couple of nights going over this thread.
Congratulations on your combined acheivements.
Rusty

[mausketeer]

douglas - when is the next harvest? (or did you just have it?) just wondering if i should get this pendant i'm looking at or wait until the next harvest and try to get a real rainbow one...... am i on the waiting list? lol

- jodie -

[Alex]

Hi Douglas

Just to complete the set.....

Do you have any photos of

'Marie' 2004

'Costanza' 2005

Just in case you're you holding back ??....... :-)

[DavidL]

Is it too early to get a peek at this year’s masterpiece?

[pattye]

If memory serves me right, the 2012 harvest season is just coming up, hopefully Douglas will stop by with more details.

[zengirl]

Breathtakingly beautiful pearls. Also very interesting for me to see the short film.
The film brings it home that it is these small sea creatures that produce the pearls. Are they hurt by any of this? Do they feel pain and/or die giving us these pearls??

[Caitlin]

They do not feel pain as they have no nervous system. The nacre is very smooth and the same substance as their shells are. They have very soft bodies and can accommodate a nice sized pearl. As often as possible the mollusks will have at least a second implantation and in freshwaters, more. I think some- a lot of -people eat the ones that die.

[zengirl]

Ok, thank you Caitlin, that's interesting to know. I will research more online about these pearl-producing creatures.

[CortezPearls]

Hi Douglas

Just to complete the set.....
Do you have any photos of
'Marie' 2004
'Costanza' 2005
Just in case you're you holding back ??....... :-)

I don't know if I have any good photos from those necklaces, in those days we had a very bad digital camera and our best photos had a 640x480 resolution (1/2 Megapixel). I will try to find some and post them later, but I have some photos of this year's pearl necklace (2012) which now resides in Mexico City and was christened as "Bela".
1876618767

[CortezPearls]

This is the only photo I found of "Marie"...sorry for the low quality photo.
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[GemGeek]

You can still see that Marie has the "it" factor! :cool:

[Katbran]

Oh my, I think my heart stopped....ah...there it goes...whew! Don't post those pictures, they are dangerous! lol That Bela is truly a beauty! Just gorgeous! Would truly love to see some of your pearls in real life! I'm sure none of the photos can do them justice! Thanks so much for posting!

[CortezPearls]

We have also been active in the creation of Cortez Keshi Necklaces, and last year we sold the most amazing necklace over at the Pearl Ruckus 2011 edition...I still dream of this necklace and its blue-colored central pearl. But this year we have come up with a new unique design that is also very special and is highlighted with a very baroque Cortez Pearl almost red in color.1877218773
Hope you also like this one.

[waimeamomi]

Ohhh, very nice.

[Marianne]

Lovely design Douglas, fit for a princess :)

[mmutiara]

whoaaa.... they are too pretty, they almost killed meL whats the name of the last necklace you posted with the almost red baroque? its superduper pretty!

[pattye]

Douglas,

Beautiful new style, with keshi, yum!! We can NEVER have too many photos of your wonderful pearls!

[Alex]

Hi Douglas, thanks for posting the pictures of Bela - just beautiful, and staying in Mexico too !

Thanks also for the picture of Marie

Costanza is the only one missing now :-(

Is this the necklace with the blue pearl ? I don't have a name, just Bacochibampo 2010

Or is it another picture of Stella Maris ?