[Pearl_dreams]

That is 20% lower than her already reduced price. I might offer 10% less.

Originally Posted by CarolK

I was kind of hoping someone might suggest something. Do you think $400 is way too low?

Thanks,
CarolK

[CarolK]

Pearl_dreams,

I owe you one!!! This is helping tremendously!!!

CarolK

[Pearl_dreams]

You know, Carol, I'm thinking about the whole size and natural pearls thing, and it seems to me that a lot of the natural pearls found by divers would have been quite small.

After all there are natural predators that eat shellfish so for a pearl to grow large, the shell would have had to survive a long time in the wild and not get eaten!

So there must have been an awful lot of seed size natural pearls. It isn't really that hard to believe that these could be natural.

[CarolK]

Pearl_dreams,

Were the pearls over 3mm, I would be much more doubtful.

About numbers--again, you are correct. In researching this purchase, I found out that seed pearls were hugely popular during the Victorian Era. They mostly came from India and China, and were string on horsehair into lace-like patterns. These were then backed with mother-of-pearl, silk, or metal (to strengthen the mother-of-pearl).

I ***REALLY*** appreciate the supporting research you have done for me. It's hard to make a decision like this by oneself, especially with eCommerce the way it is!

Thank you again,
CarolK

[Pearl_dreams]

My pleasure-- I learned something too!

Good luck with this purchase!

[Valeria101]

Looks like the real thing to me... And since Ruby-Lane is not exactly the place for tough promotion or cherry-picking (although one can pick a cherry every now and then!), the price is believable too. The lower lustre and irregular shapes of the pearls explain the rest.

(add the usual disclaimer... it's just a picture, no expert here, etc... etc...)

Now, if there is any chance for a picture of this one on your wrist...


PS. Haven't clicked on RubyLane for centuries... and there seem to be a couple more seed pearl items there even cheaper; necklace, bar pin... that's how far I looked. Could imagine all together in a thicker torsade with the pin used as bar clasp.

Clearly, some things are more or less believable and I get puzzled easily: say, by something like THIS.

[CarolK]

Valeria101,

Hi! I *did* consider the necklace here: http://www.rubylane.com/shops/amulet...ml/gtp236#pic1,
and now you've reminded me of it!

I'm going to sleep on the decision (hey, liquid cash is liquid cash). If I end up buying the bracelet, I will certainly post photos!!!

Thanks so much for your input!
CarolK

[Nerida]

Hi Carol,

I think the bracelet is lovely - definitely offer 20% off first - if you offer 10%, it may get accepted straight away and you would be left wondering "why didn't I offer a little less"... so, I would offer 20% less then settle for 10% if the first offer is declined.

Pics when you get it?? I really do think it is a lovely design...

[CarolK]

Originally Posted by Nerida

I would offer 20% less then settle for 10% if the first offer is declined.

Pics when you get it?? I really do think it is a lovely design...

Hi, Nerida!

Thanks for the suggestions regarding what I should offer. Pics for sure!!! Thanks for the compliment on my choice.

CarolK

[CarolK]

Hello!

Just received my antique seed pearl bracelet in today's mail. It's easily the most delicate thing I own. Won't be able to flip-off passing motorists when I'm wearing this'n!

My photos, although taken while sitting still, look like they were shot in a Tahitian pipeline while hula-hooping

In the photos, the bracelet's safety-catch isn't fastened. I was testing it to see how secure the clasp was on its own.

At that size, I assumed that the opal on the snake's head would be mounted closed-back. When I peered like a dentist into the snake's mouth, I could see light coming through the back of the opal--in its open-back mount. What craftsmanship!!!

Not too fond of the glued knot at one end of the pearls, however.

CarolK

[Nathan Reed]

That is a truly fabulous piece. Hope you get to wear it often. Thanks for the update!

[GemGeek]

That is outstanding! I'm so happy for you that you were able to get it. You'll never have to run into someone else wearing anything even remotely like it. The clasp is cool.

[Pearl_dreams]

Yes, the clasp makes the piece! The bracelet is a conversation started for sure! Congratulations!

[CarolK]

Thanks, everyone! It's nice to have others to ooh and ahh with

Oh, by the way, the small opal is *really* fiery. I am now addicted to opals too!

There is no end....
CarolK

[Satine De La Courcel]

Very nice Carol! very nice indeed!!!!

cheers
Ash