[jshepherd]

Sales on the baroque fresh have slowed so I am considering offering them at the HK Show in September instead of going through the extra effort of shooting and loading them one by one.

I have the baroque akoya on my desk this morning. We are planning to launch a new campaign (not related to the akoya) on August 1st. So we are really trying to finish these up before then.

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by pearlpunk

my plan goes something like this:

(1) largest possible freshadama (12 mm?) single strand which sits on collar bone (16 inches?)

(2) three strands, graduated, from largest possible freshwater, to about 9 mm or 10 mm at the smallest

....

although i can't wait to get my pearls, i am willing to wait forever to get something that is PERFECT for me.

Which one is under way? To me, it sounds like only (1) needs waiting for - both for the loose pearl match process and the value factor... As much as I know, larger are possible, only so far I have never seen a whole strand and I wouldn't bet that the finest were not 'helped' with treatments (rightfully) prohibited under the 'Freshadama' label. Largest yet - 14.3mm.

About (2), somewhere on these threads 8-9mm Freshadama were said to be available if the very best grade, if memory serves. A smallish person myself, I would try 8-10mm graduation for a triple strand. SO that the largest pearls of the composition do not end up wearing me. And the strands would be longer... Obviously, these are personal choices, opinions...

Have you tried the size?


PS. HERE's the source for my bias for a certain 'look' of pearls. Really old fashioned , must admit...

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by jshepherd

... instead of going through the extra effort of shooting and loading them one by one.

Why not in a batch? For the pleasure of choice and the technical satisfaction of the ... scanner in your office (that, unlike photographic lenses does not skimp focus towards the edges of the field). The detail is surreal, provided a black box.

With this, I am basically thinking out loud. The idea does not come from void: I should remember the name of a Dutch artist - also an art editor and graphic designer - who had her major expo in NYC a couple of years ago... with scanned flowers, basically. It plaid on surreal level of detail afforded by the flat bed scanner.

A thought from behind an afternoon cofee, that is: of a square foot of baroque freshwaters, each with a tag, filling the screen. So far, the one real-life shopping pleasure rarely available online is ... comparing things in real-life setting (same snapshot, same light, same hand... you see what I mean?).

Not pretending to make sense here. Just thought that the respective artist (Geez! The NAME!!?) made allot of 'commercial' sense with her way of framing visual communication; probably unintended.

PS: Memory recovered: http://www.katinkamatson.com/

[aerinha]

[quote=jshepherd]Sales on the baroque fresh have slowed so I am considering offering them at the HK Show in September instead of going through the extra effort of shooting and loading them one by one. QUOTE]

I don't want this to sound at all snarky, so as you read imagine I am speaking in the most helpful tone of voice, but I think sales may have slowed because most the strands seem to be sold even if they aren't marked. Already owning pink and lavender strands, I started nosing around the multis, but couldn't find one that wasn't sold. If the ones that are gone were removed and new ones listed, sales might pick up. Just a suggestion. I loved these strands so a fresh batch would definitely entice me even though I'm trying to be good and wait for the silver-blue akoyas.

[pearlpunk]

hi valeria

right now, i am working on them both

but the waiting of course referred to the freshadama single strand. i just found out that i can't afford 12 mm so either (1) i will have to wait for a more modest size, or (2) go for a 'mere' AAA for a 12 mm single strand freshwater.

as for the triple strand: i am swaying between graduated and non-graduated, 16 or 18 inches so they sit on my collar bone, maybe slightly lower than the single strand. i have tried to contact some sellers about their 11 mm - 12 mm AAA freshwater, but none responded so far. they mostly have them in a single strand, understandably. i am also looking at the smaller 10 mm - 11 mm for my triple strand. but can't proceed unless sellers willing to custom-string them.

i saw those pics. wonderful! but indian people have such beautiful facial features, large eyes and all that. my features are very ordinary. i often told people, my personality only comes out in what and how i wear things, otherwise, i blend into the background!

if you can see how i normally dress, you would see why i chose large ones!

i always admire those pearls audrey hepburn wore in breakfast at tiffany's, not that they were real (were they?) and not that i am comparing myself to audrey hepburn! but i like that look... don't we all?

i am a bit nervous though, that it might in fact be too large. i mean, with aesthetics, there are never any rules or guide, either they work together or not. and so far, i am only using the power of visualization to make my decisions......!

Originally Posted by Valeria101

Which one is under way? To me, it sounds like only (1) needs waiting for - both for the loose pearl match process and the value factor... As much as I know, larger are possible, only so far I have never seen a whole strand and I wouldn't bet that the finest were not 'helped' with treatments (rightfully) prohibited under the 'Freshadama' label. Largest yet - 14.3mm.

About (2), somewhere on these threads 8-9mm Freshadama were said to be available if the very best grade, if memory serves. A smallish person myself, I would try 8-10mm graduation for a triple strand. SO that the largest pearls of the composition do not end up wearing me. And the strands would be longer... Obviously, these are personal choices, opinions...

Have you tried the size?


PS. HERE's the source for my bias for a certain 'look' of pearls. Really old fashioned , must admit...

[pearlpunk]

moderators.... should this thread be moved to the 'freshwater' section? i started this in the wrong subforum since i did not know how to navigate initially and did not know how i ended up posting in the 'show us your pearls' section....

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by pearlpunk

if you can see how i normally dress, you would see why i chose large ones!

Lets' see: garden-worthy jeans, tie-die t-shirt, missmatched flipflop... and three strands of 10mm gem freshwater pearls !? Gorgeous! LOL!

I am sure you know perfectl well what is becoming to you. It sounds like you definitely do, despite the self-deprecating posts! ... can't wait for those pictures of you with your new pearls on

Originally Posted by pearlpunk

i always admire those pearls audrey hepburn wore in breakfast at tiffany's, not that they were real (were they?)

Haven't see the movie for a couple of decades and do not remember ... from pictures, it looks like that necklace was more clasp than pearls. Besides ... no freahswater gems then...

[pearlpunk]

Originally Posted by Valeria101

Lets' see: garden-worthy jeans, tie-die t-shirt, missmatched flipflop... and three strands of 10mm gem freshwater pearls !? Gorgeous! LOL!

I am sure you know perfectl well what is becoming to you. It sounds like you definitely do, despite the self-deprecating posts! ... can't wait for those pictures of you with your new pearls on

let's hope i hear back about the 12 mm freshwaters. still waiting for them to respond to my inquiries.

Haven't see the movie for a couple of decades and do not remember ... from pictures, it looks like that necklace was more clasp than pearls. Besides ... no freahswater gems then...

do you think what she had on is about 10 mm? less?

[jshepherd]

Originally Posted by aerinha

I don't want this to sound at all snarky, so as you read imagine I am speaking in the most helpful tone of voice, but I think sales may have slowed because most the strands seem to be sold even if they aren't marked. Already owning pink and lavender strands, I started nosing around the multis, but couldn't find one that wasn't sold. If the ones that are gone were removed and new ones listed, sales might pick up. Just a suggestion. I loved these strands so a fresh batch would definitely entice me even though I'm trying to be good and wait for the silver-blue akoyas.

Thanks for the suggestion. I am going to go through them this weekend to have a list to cut out on Monday. Maybe we will pop another dozen or so up before HK.

[Caitlin]

Hi Punky
I'll think about moving this- maybe to Q & A forum- but don't worry the thread moving elves only come out at night

[xeresana]

Originally Posted by jshepherd

Our value factor specifications vary slightly as we focus more on orient but her focus was a bit more on shape.

Orient is the top factor for me in pearls. It matters more to me than shape, size, and luster. But, I find it practically impossible to guess which strands exhibit good orient. Are there some tricks to figuring it out? Have you considered adding that to the descriptions along with body color/luster/etc? Mentioning whether they exhibit orient and to what degree?

[pearlpunk]

you can't just examine it by sight can you?
i can imagine that this is hard to do by pic alone. my pearl jeweller here told me never to buy online because of such things, that is, certain visual characteristics can only be examined in person. otherwise, you have to take the online seller's word for it?

also, doesn't luster go hand in hand with orient?

oh, caitlin, thanks for moving the thread

Originally Posted by xeresana

Orient is the top factor for me in pearls. It matters more to me than shape, size, and luster. But, I find it practically impossible to guess which strands exhibit good orient. Are there some tricks to figuring it out? Have you considered adding that to the descriptions along with body color/luster/etc? Mentioning whether they exhibit orient and to what degree?

[jshepherd]

Originally Posted by pearlpunk

you can't just examine it by sight can you?
i can imagine that this is hard to do by pic alone. my pearl jeweller here told me never to buy online because of such things, that is, certain visual characteristics can only be examined in person. otherwise, you have to take the online seller's word for it?

That is why online sellers have such strong return policies. The job of the online seller is to portray the product as clearly as possible because the buyer cannot examine it personally. But it does work, simply because the offline seller cannot compete in pricing, and such a large savings entices a lot of buyers, especially knowing that they can easily return something even if they just change their minds weeks or even months later. Compare that to a jewelry store where it is yours the minute you hand over a credit card or cash.
Blue Nile was disparaged for trying to do the same thing with diamonds and wedding bands. If their growth were to continue unabated (in the same way the online pearl industry's is growing), there will not be a need for offline sellers by 2015 (approximate). Of course this will not be the case, but there B&M sellers that can say any longer that online is the wrong way to go...

also, doesn't luster go hand in hand with orient?

Not necessarily. It depends on whose definition of orient you use.

[pearlpunk]

i have to say that when i first came accross pearloutlet.com and then pearlparadise.com i immediately questioned her (local B&M pearl store) advise. her price was reasonable. but you are right, she can't compete with you guys on price. when i said that some of the online sellers supplied for tiffany, she said, her supplier supplied for tiffany too. i suppose she let it slip that she is, like tiffany, was about a third hand away from source. it is convenient that i can just go there and grab my stuff. but for large ticket items, and most of what i want are, i am definitely a convert for online buying!

i heard about bluenile. i don't personally like their designs/styles, but as far as diamonds are concern, i agree with you. it took me longer to be converted to the idea of buying diamond online! i have not, but planning to sometime next year

it does take a long time researching the net though, i mean, for buying online. my husband complained that i spent too much time on the net.... but i think it is well worth it!

but the learning curve can be expensive and stressfull. and i did get burnt a couple of times... (lost about $1000 or so)!

Originally Posted by jshepherd

That is why online sellers have such strong return policies. The job of the online seller is to portray the product as clearly as possible because the buyer cannot examine it personally. But it does work, simply because the offline seller cannot compete in pricing, and such a large savings entices a lot of buyers, especially knowing that they can easily return something even if they just change their minds weeks or even months later. Compare that to a jewelry store where it is yours the minute you hand over a credit card or cash.
Blue Nile was disparaged for trying to do the same thing with diamonds and wedding bands. If their growth were to continue unabated (in the same way the online pearl industry's is growing), there will not be a need for offline sellers by 2015 (approximate). Of course this will not be the case, but there B&M sellers that can say any longer that online is the wrong way to go...

[youngster]

I'll be very interested to see what you end up with pearlpunk. I have a strand of 8 -9 mm freshadamas (18") and a 33" custom 8 -9 mm strand that I can wear as a double strand. I can put both of these strands together for a triple strand, which I have only done once. It's a very formal, dressy look and quite a statement. I also have a single strand 10-11 mm freshadama strand as well. All provide different looks and are quite versatile. I'm not sure I'd go any bigger than 8 - 9 mm for a triple strand. It's rather heavy all strung together and, as I said, a very formal look.

I also have a strand of freshwater baroques. They are something like 10 - 11.5 mm though seem much larger visually than my 10 -11 freshadama strand. Have you though about using some of those to make a double or triple strand? They are very affordable, relative to the freshadamas. My husband likes them as much as the freshadamas. And, as I said, they do appear larger than the perfectly round ones.