My Design [Archive] - Pearl-Guide.com

Caitlin

07-20-2006, 03:01 PM

Hi Susannah
I read your other comments and see that you do work for a factory in China. :rolleyes:

In one way, I welcome you here, but I also think that you need to be very upfront. *
I am beginning to understand this may be a difficult concept for many folks trying to make a living in China.

But you have already reached so very far. Learning to speak and write English to where you almost can do it (expressions of "thieves market" aside)! Now, figuring out that we as a forum will keep your posts up if you are not blatantly advertising. You have crossed a number of obstacles to get this far. Congratulations.

Now I hope you will let us know who you are and who your factory is and what your job title is and why you are interested in this forum. I already know why. You want to sell to Americans. Now come out with it!

Believe me, a lot of us would like to really, honestly get to know people in Chiina with connections to factories. If we knew you and what your stake is, and we knew what your factory is actually selling- then undoubtably some of us would come and visit you in person.

If you are about rounding up a factory quota of customers this quarter, then it will not work. If you are about long term relationships and letting people get to know you and checking your company out and passing word of our experiences with you around, I do think it is possible.

*upfront. English expression for "telling it like it is".;) Being upfront is revealing an honest picture of oneself and one's motives. This post was brutally upfront.

Kevin Canning

07-20-2006, 05:26 PM

exactly, if you simply say that you work for a factory you are welcome to post pictures of your new designs as often as you like. If you pretend to be something else you'll just get banned.

So I wanna say welcome to the forums and I hope that you can be straight forward about your involvement in the pearling industry and post often. We always welcome industry professionals here.

susannahxu

07-20-2006, 06:38 PM

Many thanks for your friendly suggestions. I am a newcomer here. Three month ago I just bumped into this forum and was much moved by your sincere offering of pearl knowledge. So I boldly posted some of ideas about Chinese pearl market. Yes, I am working for a Chinese pearl factory at the moment. To be frank I don't mean to put some advertisement here but just for some personal exchanges of thoughts of pearl. So I didn't open up the title of my company. Unfortunately I don't have much knowedge of some rules of this forum and also I don't have much time on it beacause of my busy work(I haven't been here for long).

The pearl necklaces on the picture are really my designs. I am just an amateur designer of pearls (I would like to be a professional but it is little hard).So don't laugh at me. Maybe they are made with the typical style of Chinese understanding of pearl jewellery. Thanks to My husband, a famous artist( oil painter and photographer) in Jiangsu. He gives me lots of useful advises about photo -taking with Canon G5 and picture- polishing on computer. Photography is my another hobby. I just want to share these pictures with you and get some useful ideas of pearl design from you. I think it is an interesting topic for jewellers.

Sorry for my poor English. Sometimes I just don't know how to word my ideas with correct English. Now I am working for Suzhou Hualin Jewellery Company, which is located in Pearl & Gem City. It is one of the largest pearl companies in Suzhou. We own our own farms in Jiang Xing and also collect mussels for the farmers in other cities, for example, Liuhe in Nanjing. We also have our own processing workshop (bleaching, dying, sorting and so on)in Suzhou. Our main pearl products (Loose pearls)are collected by Man Sang Company in Hong Kong. We are specialized in round pearls. We usually have 6-7 grades in each size (from6-10). By the way, I never sell my designs to the clients of my company(My company is dealing with the loose pearl and strands, not the finished jewellery).

I am very glad to know you here and share the experience of pearls with you. Please let me know if you have some suggestions for posting the thread.

One more thing, because of the fame and wealth of my husband (one of his exhibitions was once reported by Times), I don't have to go out for making a living. As a gentleman, he prefers my staying at home to going out working. But I love to do something with pearls. I just can't stop it.

susannahxu

07-20-2006, 08:52 PM

Dear Pearltime:

Thanks a lot for your kindly encouraging. :)

And any criticism is also welcomed.

Meech

07-20-2006, 11:18 PM

Hi Susannah,

I live in Suzhou and buy at the Pearl and Gem City quite often. I am there about once a week...as a matter of fact, I will be there this morning.

What is your store #? Maybe I will stop in to say hello.

Best regards,

Meech

Kevin Canning

07-21-2006, 12:00 AM

well if you are looking for criticism, the design at the bottom I like a lot except for the pearl enhancer hanging from the middle. I really think it takes away from the overall effect, especially since it doesn't match the color or size shape of the other black pearls in the strand. I think it would look much better without.

Zeide Erskine

07-21-2006, 12:33 AM

Hi,

If I may chime in, I think a design with white and black rectangular coin pearls drilled sideways and strung to resemble a piano keyboard would be pretty nice.

Zeide

Caitlin

07-21-2006, 02:09 AM

Hi Susannah
Well, I am impressed. Allow me to eat my words. I hope you will make lots of pearl friends here and have a really nice exchange of opinions.

That is what we are here for. and I for one, really do want to get to know people from China who love pearls too!

Both your work and your photos are very professional looking. I am sure you will do well. Good luck!

perlas

07-21-2006, 06:04 AM

Hi Susannah!

The designs are typically seen in bead shops/gem shows, like commercially finished jewelry from China. You can set your designs apart from what the rest is doing like putting a gemstone here and there, or making nice bead patterns.

Although I think your designs are nice (the photography is great by the way), it's somewhat common.

If the design is simple, better use high quality pearls or make a good matching to make the pieces elegant.

I also design jewelry. I usually have my clasps and rondelles made. When I see an unusual material, I usually purchase it and let the creativity flow (or sometimes just follow the client's specs :D )

However, for commercial booths, my lowly beadworks have sold quite well :cool: .

About you not being so "upfront" on your earlier post, I know where you are coming from. This is one of the cultural/language barriers between Westerners and Asians. I myself almost always gets into trouble by being upfront and "telling it as it is" in Asia (considering I'm also Asian!).

So good luck and I as well would like to know someone in China who is a fellow pearl lover and designer.

jerin

07-21-2006, 01:44 PM

Hello, Susannah
and welcome to the forum.

Basically I like all the designs but number 1, 3 and 4 I like the best. My favourite is the third necklace.

Jerin:)

susannahxu

07-21-2006, 06:51 PM

Meech
Member
What is your store #? Maybe I will stop in to say hello.

Dear Meech:
You are welcome to our store. The number of it is 27#, Hualin Jewellery. However, most of my time I have to go back and forth between Suzhou and Nanjing, as we have some business in Nanjing. You may not often find me in the store all the time. But next week, from 24th to 29th I will surely be there. You may call me 13675123033 for confirmation before you drop by.

PearlsOfJoy.com
Super Moderator
Senior Pearl Advisor
well if you are looking for criticism, the design at the bottom I like a lot except for the pearl enhancer hanging from the middle. I really think it takes away from the overall effect, especially since it doesn't match the color or size shape of the other black pearls in the strand. I think it would look much better without.

Thanks. Let me try it again to see if it looks more harmonious and graceful without the pendant.

Zeide Erskine
Pearling Expert
Senior Pearl-Guide.com Pearl Expert
If I may chime in, I think a design with white and black rectangular coin pearls drilled sideways and strung to resemble a piano keyboard would be pretty nice.

Sounds not bad. Maybe I can realize the picture in your mind and post the picuture of the real one on this forum some day. And if you like, I will send you it as a gift.

[Caitlin Williams
Super Moderator
Senior Pearl-Guide.com Pearl Expert
COLOR="seagreen"]Both your work and your photos are very professional looking. I am sure you will do well. Good luck! [/COLOR]

Dear Caitlin:
You’ve let me learn a lot about this forum, Pearl Expert. Your supporting does make sense to me. Thank you!

perlas
Senior Member
Hi Susannah!The designs are typically seen in bead shops/gem shows, like commercially finished jewelry from China. You can set your designs apart from what the rest is doing like putting a gemstone here and there, or making nice bead patterns.
When I see an unusual material, I usually purchase it and let the creativity flow (or sometimes just follow the client's specs )
However, for commercial booths, my lowly beadworks have sold quite well.

Dear Perlas:
How exciting to meet another pearl lover and designer here. Very grateful for your helpful advice. Maybe my designs really seem a little common (Chinese style). Nice bead patterns are truly significant for pearl design. Personally I don’t like something cluttered with semi-gemstone like some Chinese junky designs, and I don’t even know who, when and how to wear them. I think one with a good taste for jewellery will appreciate the beautifully-arranged bead patterns, which is my favorite. Creatively combining pearls with other materials while keeping the elegance and decent of pearls is not an easy job. I have a long way to go.
By the way, do the lowly beadworks you mentioned refer to lampwork beads, or cloisonné, or something made of wood, semi-gemstone or crystal?

[jerin
Senior Pearl Advisor
Pearl Advisor
COLOR="seagreen"]Basically I like all the designs but number 1, 3 and 4 I like the best. My favourite is the third necklace.[/COLOR]

Hi jerin:
Thanks for your honest words. The third one is also my favorite. But now i am thinking of restranding it with the round pearls of 5-6mm in size- the pearls in this necklace are 7-8mm. I believe it would be more exquisite than this one? DO you think so?

jerin

07-22-2006, 09:35 AM

Hi jerin:
Thanks for your honest words. The third one is also my favorite. But now i am thinking of restranding it with the round pearls of 5-6mm in size- the pearls in this necklace are 7-8mm. I believe it would be more exquisite than this one? DO you think so?

Susannah,

I think you should not restring the necklace no 3. For women that are not so very young any more I think the size of 7-8 mm is quite perfect.

If, on the other hand you are aiming for young girls, I think 5 -6 mm would be allright. But then again I don´t think this quite classical style may appeal to such a group, at least not over here in Europe. But this is my private opinion.

I take it that the freshwaterpearls are dyed, aren´t they?
Very nice design also on number one, let me know if you ever want to sell something of these two designs. In that case please let me know to my private mail.

susannahxu

07-22-2006, 03:28 PM

I think you should not restring this one. For women that are not so very young any more I think the size of 7-8 mm is quite perfect.

If, on the other hand you are aiming for young girls, I think 5 -6 mm would be allright.

Oh, you reminded me of different sizes of people from different countries. What a helpful reminding!

It's made of the selected dyed freshwater pearls. Personally I prefer the freshwater pearl to the seawater pearl because of the durable nacre of the former. And I think the freshwater pearls with the perfect roundness and sharp luster are even more valuble than seawater pearls. That's why I like the FW pearl.

I'm sorry I don't sell my designs unless I have my own studio some day. At present I just do them for fun and often send them to my friends as gifts. I am also glad to send you this one if you like it very much. :)

Caitlin

07-22-2006, 05:23 PM

Hi Susannah

Personally I prefer the freshwater pearl to the seawater pearl because of the durable nacre of the former. And I think the freshwater pearls with the perfect roundness and sharp luster are even more valuble than seawater pearls. That's why I like the FW pearl.

You are a person of great discernment and good taste in your preference for CFWP.:D Your description of your work and life are so interesting. Thank you. Actually we are lucky to have you here.
As a pearl-person in China, in the industry, where do you buy the pearls you work with? Can you get them from the factory where you work? Man Sang is one of the biggest companies. Do they buy all your companies pearls or are there some for sale to the public?? Are you able to access any round/off round 12mm and up? Have you seen the faceted pearls locally? Do you like to use the undyed colors?

susannahxu

07-23-2006, 04:39 PM

All the round pearls I’m using are all from my factory except for a small part of pearls of other shapes, big potato, baroque and etc., But in my design the pearls of these kinds are not often utilized. For long time I’m so fascinated with the subtle overtone and orient of the undyed pearls, which are the magic of nature. For round pearls, what look more natural will be more valuable and more sophisticated in appearance. They are always favored by people with a good taste for jewellery. That’s why I use them most when stringing my necklaces. However, the dyed pearls also have their own unique charm. The dyed pearls usually are those of low-end, i.e., those blemished or strangely shaped (excluding those of big size for their rareness). But with a colorful cover, they present totally different characters from undyed pearls. I think the dyed pearls, especially those with bright colors, more cater to the young people. They can go well with semi-precious stone and look more casually. If smartly designed, they will also have rich artistic look.

Man Sang buy more than half of our products each year. But we also have quite a lot of products in strands for our overseas clients other than Man Sang. Round pearls of 12mm in size (grade AAA) are rare in our pearl market in Suzhou. For its small-scale consumption and high price, we don’t have many in stock. At present we only have some in loose pearls, not in strands. Of course we do have the strands with round pearls of 12mm of A to AA grade,i.e., slightly blemished. Usually we prepare them according to our specific orders.

I never see the faceted pearls in China, whether in Suzhou or in Zhuji. I don’t think it is produced in China. A jewellery Magazine I once read introduced it and also mentioned a wholesaler dealing with it in Hong Kong. Unfortunately I forgot its name.

Caitlin

07-23-2006, 06:00 PM

Hi Susannah
Thank you for your answers and for sharing your preferences in pearls. I agree with you about orient on pearls. What magic. Thank you for discussing your Company's 12mm and overs. Do they have a webpage? Can someone from America do business with them?

I really like your artistic sensibility as you write it in words- and would love to see more pictures of your creations, especially using non-round pearls in the designs. I would be interested in seeing your less traditional designs, especially pieces that are unique.

Since you were so candid, I though I would respond in kind: I also like to make necklaces using CFWP. I also give a lot of them away, but I also sell some in stores around Arizona and at an occasional trunk show. I have to find ways to pass them on to others, in order to clear them out, so I can buy even more pearls.:D I also want to buy my favorite pearls by the kilo, so I have to be kind of commercial with the extras.

But I am nothing like the sellers here, who all sell the top grades of pearls only and stick to the most traditional designs, for the most part. (unless they are innovating a new, "old standard";) )

I am retired and doing this for fun. I've only run through about 25 kilos of pearls in the last year- 18 months. That is too small time for most wholesalers. Though my adult daughters push me to go professional with this, I am not quite ready- unless they take more active parts in the selling and website! I like stringing the beads, but too much of the other stuff is not fun.
Another thing that differentiates me from the major sellers here is that I like certain odd pearls and bad pearls. I like the peacock dyed cultured freshwater pearls (cfwp) and collect them in every size from 1mm to 17mm (of which I have just one) I use button pearls from 4mm-9mm a lot for pieces I sell. They sell very quickly when alternated with a semi-precious gem stone roundells of the same size, faceted or not, like garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, peridot, labradorite, quartz in various shades, and more. Turquoise, coral, you name it, alternate it with pearls and you have a pretty piece people want to buy.;)

So far, I have only been able to get CFWP 12mm and up, that don't quite make A grade. They have cracks and peeled portions on almost every one. Still, they have nice luster and look good to me, and some others, anyway. (Not to any of the Big Kahunas here!) People who have seen my flawed klonks, love them for the "natural look" of the almost round shapes, the dark color (I always disclose the dye), as well as the huge size, and I know I could sell a lot of pearls 12mm and over, even if not the best grades, if I could get a source willing to start small with me.

If I had a really good source for klonks (12mm and over- thx ZESPA), I would have the motivaation to kick my website into the next gear and establish a shopping cart. I think I would have a product people would buy. Especially since you can hardly get anything in America over 12mm in a AA or better- just a few brief times a year. They come, they are gone, poof! Only the quick with cash can get them before they are gone! And they are out of my price range. So, I would rather have a flawed klonk than a high priced one...

susannahxu

07-23-2006, 06:17 PM

I'm just not a fan of the faceted pearl. What's the point? I can undercstand faceting other gems but it ruins the pearl in my opinion.

We call the faceted pearl as scale pearl in China. Maybe it is a bead-nucleated pearl culturing in saltwalter. Pearls of various shapes have been created these years in China. The majority of them don't look like the normal pearl.Maybe someday the concept of pearl will be widened by Chinese. :) But I'm still admire the classic charm of the normal round pearl.

Caitlin

07-23-2006, 06:30 PM

Faceted Pearls
In my usual tasteless way- I love glitter and glue it on many things- I glitter up cards and shrines and tiny glass bottles, just to name a few things....I have a thing for sequins too and do the same with them-

I also like the horrendous faceted oblong pearls now coming out of somewhere- maybe HK, as Susannah suggested. They glitter. Something about the poor faceting job still roughs up the surface of the pearls enough to give them iridescence and glitter.

I would never look twice at those fat, giant, rice-shaped CFW pearls before they were faceted, but I am thinking of ordering a strand from coolbeads ,now, just so I can see it in person. I got my "fabulized" shell beads from them yesterday and they are beyond mouthwatering, they are positively slurp-y! They have a niobium molecular coating that makes them intensely iridescent, so I think their faceted beads will also look like the photos of them.

No excuse for indulging in the vulgar taste for cheap glittered objects - my mother is probably rolling in her grave.. ...

susannahxu

07-23-2006, 08:19 PM

No excuse for indulging in the vulgar taste for cheap glittered objects - my mother is probably rolling in her grave..

Dear Caitlin:
You let me think of Vivienne Westwood, a creative English Fashion designer, a rebel against tradition in her crazy design.:D , You are an aritst! An modern artist has the courage and power to break any rules and to turn a common object to a piece of great works(Like Duchamp). I can't even waiting for seeing your design with those beloved glitters. I don't think it is tasteless to adopt those lovely glittered objects into your works. Personally I think it features a tyle of streetculture. I'm also surprised at your active engagement in pearl design and the continuous inner passion for your work. It does not very often happen in Chinese retired people. Besides, Chinese pearl dealers also like to use semi-precious stone, aquamarine, quartz,agate...in their pearl products. But the mix of complex colors and textures of different materials is a challenging job for a designer. Most of Chinese designs lack a professional aesthetic sense for beauty and uniqueness.

I'am a bit busy these two days. I will post them here after I take photos of my other necklaces in near future. My company has its website in Alibaba.com. in Chinese. Our English website/webpage is on the way. I can email you some pictures of our huge pearls(round pearl with rings and pits, potato, oval, rice...) and can also mail you some samples if you like. Don't worry, we treasure each order from clients, whether small or big, and I also treasure each of my friends on this forum.

susannahxu

07-23-2006, 08:24 PM

That greatly depends on the pearls used and the competence of the faceter. It really only improves already excellent solid-nacre pearls and only if the faceting has been done expertly. Then the result can be stunning. I do not much care for faceted Tahitians because the resulting windowing allows you to see all the way to the nucleus and I think that faceted akoyas are a gargantuan waste of money because it makes the already thin and brittle surface even more susceptible to chipping and abrasion.

I learned so much from your ideas about faceted pearl. Now I can show off to my office-mates. :)

Caitlin

07-23-2006, 09:01 PM

Hi Susannah
Thanks. I am flattered.

So far, I have not sprinkled glitter on pearls, but thaaaat gives me an idea.........:rolleyes: :eek: :D

Caitlin

07-23-2006, 09:43 PM

Most of Chinese designs lack a professional aesthetic sense for beauty and uniqueness
That is going too far. It is a different aesthetic sense from an American one, but just as valid. Besides, I think the two cultures will come closer in the future. As the pre-teens exchange culture, the adults will follow.
Of your designs,#3 the one with the pearl drops every so many beads seems to be the favorite here, so far. I think a lot of popular jewelry features either one drop bead or maybe several, with a larger one at the bottom of each drop. And it is a pretty style.
We had a discussion of swags on necklaces here a few weeks ago. That would be a style that connects two drops into a continuous loop of pearls. Swags are popular in other jewelry right now, but I haven't seen too many in pearls... Have you done any? Or do you know anyone who has?
Please take your time in answering, I understand you are busy and I am in no hurry.

perlas

07-24-2006, 06:20 AM

Hi Susannah,

What I meant by "my lowly beadworks" is I don't use the high-end pearls like the ones Pearl Paradise or Pearls of Joy are selling unless otherwise requested by some customers (but the requests do not usually fall on the beadwork category but on gold and diamond jewelry).

I usually use muranos, amethysts, peridots, garnets, swarovskis, aquamarines, and the likes. Nothing fancy.

For higher end beadworks (which usually ends up for myself and for family), I add gold balls, rubies, gemstone briolettes.....

I too, am a beader and designer by hobby. Before I stumbled on this forum, I don't usually use pearls due to personal struggles against durability issues. You see, my mom used to own a Miki rope and after using and spraying perfume on it every so often, she was left with beads in no time.

But lately, I've been so interested in pearls buying stuffs not for beadworks but for myself :D .

-----
For the rest of the forumers,

About faceted pearls, I don't find them attractive ALTHOUGH I would like to try carving pearls in freshadamas and tahitians. Any of you guys ever tried carving a pearl?

Caitlin

07-24-2006, 12:37 PM

Hi Perlas
I am glad to realize you are a bead stringer like me. We use about the same materials. I have liked the tidbits I read about you in your posts. Now I know why.

Caitlin

07-25-2006, 02:07 PM

Hi Perlas

So can I join the lowly beader's club?

I think you are already a charter member.;)

I thought I was all alone in this pearl world- the only one who likes to string beads in a world of Perfect pearl connoisseurs. It is so nice when some of you start revealing a little of yourselves- especially your creative works.

That necklace is really creative and I like your pearl carving. I think you would find using the proper tool a little more satisfying. Like what IS the proper tool for such an endeaver? I don't think it is Kinsey Milhone's hair scissors, though! :rolleyes: , LOL

perlas

07-26-2006, 12:54 AM

Caitlin,

Thanks for even considering the necklace creative. The reason why I made it into a kid's necklace is because I thought it would only appeal to this demograph, especially if I throw in a lollipop along the way.

The dyed pearls are bought at USD1/strand so this should definitely certify me as a lowly beader's club member.

Caitlin

07-26-2006, 02:04 PM

The dyed pearls are bought at USD1/strand so this should definitely certify me as a lowly beader's club member
It sure does. :p Not to mention the colors!

susannahxu

08-06-2006, 08:25 AM

We had a discussion of swags on necklaces here a few weeks ago. That would be a style that connects two drops into a continuous loop of pearls. Swags are popular in other jewelry right now, but I haven't seen too many in pearls... Have you done any? Or do you know anyone who has?

Dear Caitlin:

Sorry I’m not quite sure about the swags you mentioned here. Is it a kind of pendant with two drops of pearls? If so, that isn’t a rare style in China. You may post a picture to let me know the swags you defined if possible.

And thanks for your good words about my third picture.:)

susannahxu

08-06-2006, 08:48 AM

I usually use muranos, amethysts, peridots, garnets, swarovskis, aquamarines, and the likes. Nothing fancy.

Those are my favorites too. I like to mix whatever I think of with pearls in my designs. I also once made a baby-look necklace with silver-grey pearls to please my niece. Sometimes I’m also a lowly beader:D  Attached are several pictures of my other necklaces. Your criticisms are still highly welcomed.

pattye

08-06-2006, 03:01 PM

All nicely done, Susanna, but by far my favorites are the ropes with the small pearls with larger pearl stations!!!
Thanks for sharing,
Patricia Saab

susannahxu

08-06-2006, 08:17 PM

All nicely done, Susanna, but by far my favorites are the ropes with the small pearls with larger pearl stations!!!
Thanks for sharing,
Patricia Saab

Thanks for giving me confidence, pattye:D
The following one is my latest design, which is my favorite:

perlas

08-07-2006, 04:02 AM

Those are my favorites too. I like to mix whatever I think of with pearls in my designs. I also once made a baby-look necklace with silver-grey pearls to please my niece. Sometimes I’m also a lowly beader:D  Attached are several pictures of my other necklaces. Your criticisms are still highly welcomed.

the 4th picture with the dyed mother of pearl and chalcedony beads is the type design used in fashion shows here and sells well in our area. :)

Caitlin

08-07-2006, 02:22 PM

Hi Suze
That 5th picture 2jpg. That is a style I make too. In very similar color, too. It is just one of my variations on combining large and small pearls.
I made a 42" that just alternates the two sizes in a 10+mm and a 4mm, but it is too "agressive" a statement, when it is that long (unless you wrap it 3 times) so I cut way back on the numbers of large pearls and added more small. I think it works and is versatile.
I usually steer away from the bright dyed colors, but I think that picture # one with the pearls that look like grains of corn is kind of cute. I think I would make one with traditional corn colors for a Southwestern look- Santa Fe look, if you prefer.

susannahxu

08-07-2006, 02:55 PM

Hi Suze
That 5th picture 2jpg. That is a style I make too. In very similar color, too. It is just one of my variations on combining large and small pearls.
I made a 42" that just alternates the two sizes in a 10+mm and a 4mm, but it is too "agressive" a statement, when it is that long (unless you wrap it 3 times) so I cut way back on the numbers of large pearls and added more small. I think it works and is versatile.
I think I would make one with traditional corn colors for a Southwestern look- Santa Fe look, if you prefer.

Dear Caitlin:
Thanks for sharing your experience. May I have the luck to see your designs?:) Maybe we have something in common.

susannahxu

08-07-2006, 05:16 PM

Dear Caitlin:

To tell the truth, I’m a little surprised at your designs. They are different from the original picture of your necklaces in my mind. I thought the style of your designs is modern or post-modern, bold and wild, with a strong Bohemian flavor, and caters to romantic hippy.:D

Your beads are regularly arranged into a classical pattern, which present a classical look. The light color of the gemstones you stringed (aquamarine and rose quartz ) seem to appeal to the taste of Japanese, Korean and Chinese who like the delicate transparencies(me too). Have you tried mixing pearls with some stones of deep color?

for these strands, I love the last one most for its complete abundance of the gentle appearance of pearls. It goes more far than my 2.jpg.

I would like to enjoy more pictures from you and somebody else on this forum.

susannahxu

08-07-2006, 07:29 PM

Hi susanna

I have a personal collection that is more unusual, but I am probably not as far out as you thought.;) Here is a unique one I haven't posted here. It used to be Navajo cedar beads with small turquiose seed beads in between. I restrung substituting some of those nice 5mm pearls I got from Evergreen at the Gem show last year.

Cool! That's a very,very stuning design, a piece of artwork. I love it so much. You're really professional at composing various materials into a harmonious jewellery. The lovely 5mm pearls have reduced the harshness of stones and metals and became an indispensable element for an unusual effect in this design. And I like swag of it too(is that the swag you mean?). This necklace will definately fascinate lots of my friends(crazy women artists). And that's also a piece of eye-catching work for a fashion show, I think.

susannahxu

08-07-2006, 07:35 PM

For some reason, these have names. The bottom one is San Francisco Skyline with Clouds, the top one is a variation called Bridges. The colors and shapes were inspired by the Bay area bridges reflecting on the water.

San Francisco Skyline with Clouds sounds so poetic. It inspires me. Maybe I can give a name to my necklace too. :)

Caitlin

08-07-2006, 09:14 PM

Hi Susanna
Your reviews are so flattering. thanks. Anyway the design of the charm necklace does have swags. I tied them all into the Tibetan/Chinese turquoise. The design is based upon, but getting further away from a traditional Navajo necklace with several strands and loops of beads fastened at the bottom. These were originally called jaclaws and the longish (7" or so) strands could be used as an earrings.
Here is a link to a page with a more traditional necklace with jaclaws
http://images.google.com/images?sa=N&q=jaclaw+Navajo&hl=en&sourceid=gd&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2006-15,GGLD:en

Caitlin

08-07-2006, 09:36 PM

Here is a link to the world's most overdesigned piece of pearl jewelry. :eek:
http://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=487
What do you think?:p More comments are needed on that thread, so click through and take a look.

Zeide Erskine

08-07-2006, 09:51 PM

Hi Caitlin,

How come the picture of da big bling bling is back up? I see no referencing or copyright.

Zeide

Caitlin

08-07-2006, 10:06 PM

Zeide Erskine

08-07-2006, 11:14 PM

Now, Dear Admissions Board of the esteemed Lowly Beaders' Club,

Am I in?

By the way, the big jumble is today's beading loot. They are actually 7 different pieces.
Zeide

Caitlin

08-07-2006, 11:25 PM

Isn't "esteemed lowly" an oxymoron?

Besides we're so lowly we don't have an admissions board. Maybe now that you are here, we should get organized. Maybe we should have a separate forum for the beaders. After all, even the pearl stringers and re-stringers are really beaders too. Meanwhile we can co-opt the fashion and style forum.

Your beads are great. I really like Legends. What is in it?

Zeide Erskine

08-08-2006, 12:15 AM

Hi Caitlin,

Oh dear, I guess I have to klonk you something on the wild side of my beading box for your birthday then. No gold, right? You once said you only wear silver.

Zeide

Caitlin

08-08-2006, 12:20 AM

Hi Zeide
You are correct. Don't tell me you feel sorry for me with such worthless klonks........ You'll elevate me right out of the lowly beaders into your August company. Jeremy tells me the postage is more than they are worth, but it was hard to find even such lowly klonks.

I do intend to paint these klonks, maybe I will put glitter on them, too- that should imitate the new fashionable faceted look quite nicely ;) ;)

perlas

08-08-2006, 01:31 AM

Satine De La Courcel

08-08-2006, 01:42 AM

Zeide,

I like your eye for stuff! I do not think Caitlyn is lowly beader either IMHO.....

Caitlyn, Zeide, Anyone, Anyone??? do you know how I can get a couple of my lowly creations here??? My pics are jpg but way to big.

CHeers all...

Ash

Caitlin

08-08-2006, 01:44 PM

We are going to have to drop "lowly", huh?
Ash, I am emailing you.

Perlas- Thanks. I like that one too.

Slraep

08-08-2006, 06:46 PM

Hi Caitlin,

Remembering your passion for Latin, I though the "Carpe Perlum Club"
or the "Habemus Perlum Club" might do. I think it would be better
to substitute "perlum" with the Latin equivalent for "necklace"(what the heck is that in Latin,anyway?).

Since I am a pictureless member of the club at the moment, guilt has
forced me to contribute this.

Slraep

Zeide Erskine

08-08-2006, 08:09 PM

Hi Slraep.

That would be catena, catenae or seriei, series with the former being metal chain thingies and the latter bead strands. As the bead queens' court suggester, may I offer "e unio plurum" (many things out of freshwater pearls) or is that considered anti-American?

Zeide

perlas

08-09-2006, 09:16 AM

Hi Caitlin,
Since I am a pictureless member of the club at the moment, guilt has
forced me to contribute this.

Hi Slraep,

Why don't you post your pearls? They are so shiny!

That would be catena, catenae or seriei, series with the former being metal chain thingies and the latter bead strands. As the bead queens' court suggester, may I offer "e unio plurum" (many things out of freshwater pearls) or is that considered anti-American?

Zeide,
"E unio plurum" is more anti-"Mouse" than anti-American. Is the club suppose to rival the Magnificent (with a Capital M) Pearl-Plated Beader's Club? Mickey might change his motto.

Zeide Erskine

08-09-2006, 02:14 PM

Hi Sam,

Thank thee Sir Valiant Knight for championing my noble cause in fighting the pearl-plated beast.

Zeide (not exactly a damsel in distress)

E unio plurum

Caitlin

08-09-2006, 02:26 PM

Hi SusannaH!
We have not forgotten you. See what you started? Now you got us all showing our pearls and starting clubs and stuff.
Sam, Danuta and Zeide
I do just love pithy Latin sayings, even though I don't know Latin at all. (I'm a Latin wannabe. )

So, Carpe Perlum would be "Seize the Pearls" with the subtext of "Enjoy the pearls"? I like that! It definately is less sitting around talking than Habemos Perlum is. (My guess on the translation for the latter: "Have Pearls, Will String".

and "E unio plurum" is a fantastic motto. What a bunch of geniuses. I "see" an unio shell with Lowly Beader's Loot pouring out of it as though it were a cornucopia. In fact unios have been just that, haven't they? In fact they get my vote for "shellfish with the most personality"!

There! I just changed my signature to include our motto. Now, what is the vote on the name?

perlas

08-10-2006, 02:13 AM

There! I just changed my signature to include our motto. Now, what is the vote on the name?

Placed my own signature as well. Check it out.

Satine De La Courcel

08-10-2006, 02:16 AM

perlas

08-10-2006, 02:20 AM

Caitlyn,

LOL..... you have seen some of my stuff its not as impressive as those here.. but I create for my hobby not a business( as I am way too chicken to so that) I am happy to have the pleasure of such "lowly" and amamzing beaders.

Ash

Hi Ash! Just post your pictures! We'd love to see it.
Surely it can't be as lowly as the kid's necklace I made. :D LOL:D

Zeide Erskine

08-10-2006, 03:51 AM

Hi Sam,

Now I have to start making some more outrageous or flippy stuff. I have always wanted to make some multistrands from seed beads to go with my purses.

Zeide

E Unio Plurum

Zeide Erskine

08-13-2006, 05:54 PM

effisk

08-14-2006, 04:09 PM

Here is a closeup of one of Zeide's creations from above:http://pearl-guide.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=418&stc=1&d=1155489769
Please excuse my ignorance, but are these faceted pearls? (I haven't read the whole thread)

Caitlin

08-14-2006, 04:47 PM

For info on faceted pearls, try searching the term on this forum. I believe I started a thread about them a few weeks ago and there is some good info on that thread- along with some good photos.

effisk

08-14-2006, 05:13 PM

For info on faceted pearls, try searching the term on this forum. I believe I started a thread about them a few weeks ago and there is some good info on that thread- along with some good photos.hehe, I just come back from that thread
http://pearl-guide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=724
and returned here to answer my question. :p
You've been quicker :D

pattye

08-14-2006, 05:49 PM

Caitlin, Zeide and All,
Thanks for sharing the great pics and info! The glasses holders are gorgeous, too! May I ask what you use to string them on to make strong enough? And is it hard to find the little end pieces? I am getting my beading stuff together with all the info from you--and will hopefully have pics to share soon.

Patricia Saab

susannahxu

08-16-2006, 05:11 PM

Hi Zeide
I had a unilateral moment there - no one else is responsible and it may come down at any time.

I was hoping someone would know something about it and give us a reference,but it is such a good teaching tool, and I thought no one will be able to tell us what it is without the picture.

If my caveats don't work, it it'll come down again. Meanwhile I hope a lot of folks get a look.........

Hi Caitlin

Here I am. Your beautiful picture won't come down so long as I am here.:D . Although lots of royal designs of pearls I have enjoyed on line, including the oriental hair clasp in Qing Dynasty in China, and the crown of Princess Diana, I'v never seen this one before. It is a luxurious one which goes too far away from the common people. Royal items are usually overdesigned for overdesigned clothes. But they always are the inspiration for modern jewellery design. It is interesting that pearls often go with diamond to form a regular and abstract pattern in the western items, and are often highlighted in a necklace or crown. But the pearls are merely a small part of an item (see my attachment). And it is also interesting that Chinese were more likely to use pearls in clothes (stitched on a robe as an eye of bird and the like…), hair clasps, and earrings in ancient time. They rarely appeared in a necklace. Have a look at their special settings and amazing crafts.

susannahxu

08-16-2006, 05:13 PM

more pictures

susannahxu

08-16-2006, 05:14 PM

Here is photo of my necklace that is similar to Susanna's

They are very much alike as two peas in a pod at first sight! We truly have something in common. I’d like to show more here. But it is too bad that before I could take photo of those items, most of them were mercilessly taken by my friends as long as they saw them on my neck. Anyway I am so happy to be here to share the pictures from all of you. They taught me a lot. And I also like so much some amusing words of describing pearl necklaces in this thread. As Caitlin said, we might open another forum for jewelry design someday. That would be much more exciting!

susannahxu

08-16-2006, 05:16 PM

Hi Caitlin,

Isn't it strange how hard it is to photograph the colors right. The B&B looks so lean and simple in person, but when you try to photograph the thing it is the most elusive thing ever.

Zeide

Hi,Zeide,

A vital step for catching the correct colors of an object is to put them under the sunlight lamp or, sunlight. In this way, you may, to great extent, get a true reflection of it with your camera. If it is a bit difficult for you, you have to adjust the WB function of your camera. In most cases, set it as AWB, Auto White Balance, which is very important to obtain a satisfied color. But it might not work for taking a very close object. So you shall set them according to the instructions on the booklet of your camera. It doesn’t sound that convenient, but it will be sure to bring you a surprise.
Another way is to adjust your pictures in Photoshop, a powerful software of making wonderful photos. Photoshop is a must for a good picture. The most useful functions for getting right color are as following: Curves, Brightness/Contrast, Color Balance and Hue/Saturation in the list of Image; and Sharpen in Filter. Of course the operation for a perfect photo is far more complicated than this, but these steps are basic for green hand. Try to learn them and you will find they help a lot for correcting colors.

Zeide Erskine

08-16-2006, 05:18 PM

Hi Susanna,

I find the Chinese designs a lot more appealing in their organic motifs than the western abominations with diamonds. I do not quite remember who came up with the idea of combining pearls with diamonds, but it was a wrong move in my opinion. They do not even look good together because of their very different way of reflecting and refracting light.

Zeide

effisk

08-16-2006, 10:31 PM

these pearls are so red they look dyed.
You must have to wear it with a "natural color" label hanging on it.:p

Caitlin

08-16-2006, 10:50 PM

Whoa down! I just go and hang with my family for a few hours and look what happens on this thread!
Those designs Susannah posted are incredibly beautiful. I just love the natural/abstract balance.

Susannah, Is that third or 4th one, a dragon fly? The ones with the leaves are stunning. I have never seen such pretty jewelry. Please tell us something about them- Are they yours? Or are they museum pieces? They look too special to be in any ordinary shop.

I was just lucky that my youngest just blew through town with her collection of pearls, so I got a few shots of her necklace which I have now dubbed- "The Susannah" ( I realize the "h" in your name is probably the first letter of your surname, but we can spell Susanna with or without and "h" in English.)

She likes to wear it with one piece of the strand drooping down her shoulder. I got a shot of it on her camera, so I have to wait till she sends me a copy to post it. But I dare say we will being seeing more of that style of wearing long strands. I equate wearing a long strand like that to wearing shoes untied and hats backward- some kind of hip hop thing.

Caitlin

08-23-2006, 01:49 PM

And some photos from our special Satine de la Courcel aka Ash...
One is pearl embroidery on a bag. I believe this one is part of Satine's Elizabethan reenactment clothing?
A triple strand in a pattern of multicolor CFW pearls
A stand of round white CFWp with alternating Garnets and a drop pearl.

Thanks, Ash, These are lovely. Do you have any other pearl embroidery pieces? Those take us in a whole new directiion..... I used to embroider bags with seed beads...This one makes me want to do something with pearls. Good job!

susannahxu

08-25-2006, 07:24 PM

Dear all:
Congratulations! The lower bead club is build at last!

Caitlin

08-25-2006, 07:57 PM

Hi S
I think the interest in the designs in this thread had a lot to do with it. You started a popular thread and brought a lot to this club. Folks on this thread are all charter members of the club.

Everyone ..... Keep on posting pix! On this thread or a new one.

susannahxu

08-25-2006, 08:38 PM

Susannah, Is that third or 4th one, a dragon fly? The ones with the leaves are stunning. I have never seen such pretty jewelry. Please tell us something about them- Are they yours? Or are they museum pieces? They look too special to be in any ordinary shop.

I realize the "h" in your name is probably the first letter of your surname, but we can spell Susanna with or without and "h" in English.
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They are the museum pieces coming from the princesses and queens in the Qing dynasty. Most of them are made of gold, silver, jade, coral, quartz, sandal, and etc. Blue and yellow are the main colors for settings, for they are the exclusive colors for royal members. Because of the rareness of natual pearls, they were put more in the hairpins to show them than in the neck. Compared with the western style of pearl jewellery, Chinese versions have their own flavors, rich, colorful but cautious with complicated patterns.

My family teacher, an American from Chicago, gave me this name, Susannah, when i was in the university. She thought it was much more international than other names. I love it. Sue, Susan, Susanna, Susannah are all OK. But I always add " h" at the end of the name for the respect for this kindly teacher, because she always wrote it with"h".:)

susannahxu

08-25-2006, 08:51 PM

One is pearl embroidery on a bag. I believe this one is part of Satine's Elizabethan reenactment clothing?

I love the embroidery on this bag. Some of the robes for Chinese emperors also have the pearl embroidery of this kind on them, gorgeous and brilliant! Today it looks much more feminine.

Satine De La Courcel

08-25-2006, 09:32 PM

I love the embroidery on this bag. Some of the robes for Chinese emperors also have the pearl embroidery of this kind on them, gorgeous and brilliant! Today it looks much more feminine.

Thank you! I do hope to do a version of the entire dalmatic that inspired it someday! complete with FWP ( ;)winks at caitlyn) and hopefully real semi precious gemstone cabs.... but that ia a long way off. still researching stuff...

oh really??? would you happen to know of any robes taht may still be arround from pre 1600 BCE???? I am currently researching all perl embrouidery for my hobby pre 1600 (since those are the years we deal with) from as many cultures that would have incorporated this kind of thing... I fell sometimes it is a long shot being pearls, and the chance of many surviving extant pieces that may be about I am looking everywhere I can and also hope to procure photographs for study as well...

I am exceptionally interested in any surviving pearl embroidered garments before the "era of pearls"

If anyone has any Ideas please throw them my way!!!!! I have many great leads just form my little collection of pearl books but I am going to exhaust every avenue if I can!

Thanks all

Ash