[mausketeer]

I once again find myself surfing the internet in the middle of the night on a mission (and not having much luck I might add!) My friend's daughter's eighth birthday is coming up and I'd like to get her an (inexpensive - ie: under $75) pearl necklace. I think natural pink or lavender (her favorite colours of course) freshwaters in a small size would be perfect, and so cute on her (she's just a tiny little thing) I can't find anything smaller than 6 or 7mm though. Anyone know where I could get a strand (or enough loose pearls to make a strand) in those colours smaller than 6 or 7mm? Does such a thing exist? Oh, I would prefer round or off-round shape also, not button or rice (found lots of rice pearls on eBay of course!). I've checked out all the usual pearl stores that are attached to this forum, haven't really seen anything.

Any help is appreciated..... someone on here mentioned having a lot of "seed pearls" that they were selling but I believe that was on an old thread?

Thanks everybody in advance!
- Jodie -

[knotty panda]

Believe me, Maus, it's not only young girls who need the smaller sizes. My daughter recently went into the service and would like a pair of 5MM studs. They are nowhere to be found! I am resigned to making a pair for her myself, but I'm no good with glue. Seed pearls are expensive and generally 1 to 2MM. It would be my pleasure to make a strand for you. I'll find reasonably priced pearls you like and string them on silk for you.

[Caitlin]

Try One Pearl. They got a good review from the Pearl Professor. They have a selection of little girl bracelets and necklaces at about 4-5 mm LINK

[mausketeer]

Originally Posted by knotty panda

It would be my pleasure to make a strand for you. I'll find reasonably priced pearls you like and string them on silk for you.

Thank you so much Panda! (sorry, I should know your name by now from reading the posts but I have a terrible memory) Yes, please, that would be wonderful - thanks!

I didn't realize that seed pearls were expensive. I assume it's because of how much work it is to drill them (let alone cultivate them) and they must break an awful lot in the drilling process as well. I guess all the seed pearls they used in the Victorian era were just within the range of the variety of sizes they found in natural oysters at the time? (I guess I should get a book on pearls at this point - kind of embarassed about what I DON'T know yet.......)

I found this necklace on Etsy that I thought was cute, if I couldn't find pink or lavender ones, I was just going to get it.......
- Jodie -

[mausketeer]

Originally Posted by Caitlin

Try One Pearl. They got a good review from the Pearl Professor. They have a selection of little girl bracelets and necklaces at about 4-5 mm LINK

Oh thanks Caitlin! Those are cute! I like the concept too (donations) Will definitely look at it more closely tonight.......

- Jodie -

[waimeamomi]

I have these. They are 4mm and pink, temporarily strung. They would be sweet, and you could give her an enhancer down the line as she gets older. They have a very nice luster (I can actually see the camera in those little guys) and are natural colored. You can PM me if you want.
Sheryl

[knotty panda]

The necklace you found on Etsy is precisely the same necklace I made for my niece at 3 yrs. Pink pearls with a hollowed out silver heart and an amethyst swarovski bead in the middle. Pink and purple are still her favorite colors and she's 7 too.

[dkan 168]

How about pearllunar on eBay? She is a reputable eBay seller, and have good feedback from PGers who have brought from her.

I recently bought some 5-6mm pearls from her recently at whole sale prices, have not arrived yet, however, they looked good on eBay They definitely did not break the bank

Here's the link to the 5-6mm pearls, 3 strands for less than 70 USD, ex p&p:

5-6mm pearls from pearlluna_pearlsonly

DK

If you want even smaller and/or round(er), there are a couple of white options and at least one in natural colors below:

http://www.stachurawholesalegemstones.com/view/280/

The same have clasps & all:

http://www.stachurawholesalegemstone...view/206/2405/

most combinations fit in the price.


And while looking I've found these tiny pink opal and blue moonstone round beads that spell out 'cute litle girl' to me.. they don't cost much at all. Wouldn't say no myself to a strand of these alternating... Fun!

[knotty panda]

The pink opals are fantastic! Very clean and an excellent price.