[callire]

I can't decide what to purchase next from PP! I think I need some baroques to even out my collection... but I'm not sure.

I'm a HUGE believer that exceedingly high quality (and therefore usually expensive) jewelry should speak for itself... So I'm not so sure about either purchase because they aren't AAA (not in the budget) and the last thing I want is "okay" pearls.

Option One: This $385 Tahitian strand. (shifty eyes... don't you dare snag these beauties!) I love the idea of tahitians, but I'm wondering if I should hesitate.

Option Two: This $250 white free form. Again, concerned about overall quality.

I think it's just in my personality that I either want to do something all the way or not at all...

For the people that have these, are they fabulous in real life? I love show stopping pieces (my freshadamas are amaaaazing).

[GemGeek]

If I might make a suggestion, could you visit PP to see them in person? I think the best choice would be immediately clear to you if you could see them before you buy.

[kelluvpearls]

One vote for the Tahitians, I think it's a good everyday piece for the up coming winter.

Also if TPO ever sells these golden akoyas again, I think you should consider getting a strand, it matches your hair colour nicely.

http://www.thepearloutlet.com/servle...supplierID=490

[Raisondetre]

Tahitian baroques ... the orient pops in the pictures even after muting (standard PP procedure), and you get the exact strand.

[Pearl_dreams]

Well...I'm of 2 minds.

The Tahitians are lovely-- but there are lots of nice Tahitians available and there are likely to be more in the future.

However, the baroque freeform pearls at that level of quality are a truly unusual item. (Aren't they the pearls that were left over after the private offer last year?) So they may not be available in the future.

I believe that photo of the freeform pearls is representative, rather than of the actual strand you would get. You could ask for a photo of 3 or 4 specific strands and select the one you like best.

[callire]

Originally Posted by Pearl_dreams

I believe that photo of the freeform pearls is representative, rather than of the actual strand you would get. You could ask for a photo of 3 or 4 specific strands and select the one you like best.

I like this idea... Hm... I could also buy them faster since they're cheaper....

On the other hand, I don't own ANY tahitians.

No, I wish I could head to PP but I live in MA.

[Jazz]

I recently had a similarly hard time deciding among a few of the baroque Tahitian strands. I ended up calling PP and Mia was extremely patient with my questions and wonderfully helpful. She described each strand for me in great detail and often quite vividly; when I received the necklaces, I could see her descriptions were right on. I would suggest giving them a call if you feel like you need a better picture of the actual item. By the way, the baroque Tahitians are more beautiful and lively in person. Mine are also AA+ but the pearls are cleaner than I expected, there aren't any blemishes that detract, the colors and overtones are much more vibrant than in the pictures and I love them.

[Miriam Reed]

I saw some of these or similar strands recently. Some of the Tahitians have very high luster and look pretty fantastic even though they are only AA quality. That identical strand of Tahitians won't be available for long, but there was a pretty good stock of white FW Baroques. If you don't have any Tahitians yet, you might like to choose the strand you like before the pre-Christmas rush. Phoning to speak with one of the girls in PP is a good idea. They can give you a pretty accurate description.

[dkan 168]

IMHO:

I would first consider which one has the better "cost per wear" value, then visual impact.

Personally, I would go for the white free form FWP, as I am more likely to wear it on a day to day basis as part of my working jewellery wardrobe.

Whichever one I would choose, I would go for the most blingy clasp that I could afford, as I believe the clasp can dress up a strand to make it "look" more valuable

Happy shopping!

DK

[olmander]

One more vote for Tahitians. A good strand with nice colours is not easy to find for this price. While the FW baroques are very popular now and I think will remain on the market long. Each Tahitian stand has more individuality than a FW one. Besides, I just got a similar one (8-10mm, dark, circled, only extended to 36 inches) and just love it. It stands so good with black and other dark winter colours.

[callire]

Hmmm... I think I might go ahead and save for the Tahitians (probably buy in a month or so) and wait on the FW. Another thing I thought of is that I can always buy the FW after Xmas- I get a ton of extra cash from work, family, friends, etc. etc,

[Kevin Canning]

you'll turn more heads with the Tahitians.

[pattye]

Kevin,

Have to agree, seems to be a great selection of Tahitians around right now, good prices, and if you want a certain size, shape, color, chances are good you will find them. Lots of baroques, my favs! Tahitians do get a lot of attention!
Nice ones on your site, Kevin! I will be "helping" my son find a strand for his wife for Christmas! So have been doing some previewing------------

[callire]

Originally Posted by dkan 168

Whichever one I would choose, I would go for the most blingy clasp that I could afford, as I believe the clasp can dress up a strand to make it "look" more valuable

Happy shopping!

DK

Good point! I was thinking of just going with the standard gold polished ball clasp (in yellow gold for the tahitians), but this is a great idea! Has anyone used "Senora?" It might look awkward on a necklace though. I like the idea of the toggle too, but probably not for this necklace.

[pattye]

I have several large bead necklaces with sterling senora clasps. I think they are pretty, functional and secure. I think on Steve's Pipi necklace there is a very elaborate senora clasp. I will see if I can find it--------------Pinctada Maculata (Pipi) Pearls

Really good photo in post 11--------