Hi Fresh Water Forum,

I posted the below message earlier today and Zeide thought one of you may be of help to me. Please read my original message and Zeide's replys that I have pasted below.

Let me know if you have the pearl I am looking for.

I would also like to know if this large fresh water loose pearl offerd by americanpearl.com looks on the up-and-up and an appropriate price. See link below.

http://www.americanpearl.com/ksfw1.html

Thanks,
Melissa

Hello Experts,

I recently found a very lovely pearl ring at a jewely/art show while on vacation in Maine. The problem is that the setting alone is $500...without the pearl. He gave me some prices for some different size and color pearls to choose from. After doing some research on pearl price, I think it is more cost effective to find and buy the pearl myself. The jeweler will drill and set the pearl in his beautiful setting.

I want a white or black pearl 12-13mm or larger. It does not need to be 100% perfect, meaning, I do not want a baroque pearl, but some variation is okay. I would rather it look like a natural pearl rather than a shiny manmade bead.

Where should I look online for well priced loose pearls? I am assuming that I should be looking for Tahitian or South Sea Pearls considering the size I am looking for. Is that correct? Are there any other options in this size. What should I expect to pay for the pearl I have described?

Also, I live in New York. Are there any reputable places to look for the pearl in Manhattan?

I am of course looking for the most rock bottom price for a nice, but not perfect, single large pearl.

Best,
Melissa

Hi Melissa,

You may try a large freshwater cultured pearl. Large sizes are not that hard to find if you are looking for just one rather than a matched strand. They are also available in very unusual colors.

Zeide

Hi Melissa,

I bet several of the forum sellers here have an unmatchable large single lying around. Forum member Sam in the Philippines may also be able to find one in Greenhills. However, the international payment process is probably too tedious and expensive to justify buying only one.

Zeide

[effisk]

I personally like that freshwater pearl. It looks reasonably priced to me. You will never get any Tahitian or South Sea of comparable quality for this price.

I am of course looking for the most rock bottom price for a nice, but not perfect, single large pearl.

go freshwater!

Take a look at the picture of the freshwater pearls posted by the Pearl
Outlet on 5/18/06, post #1, under the Freshwater forum. I bought a pair
and they are beautiful.