[Valeria101]

The 'Imperial' Pearl



Small, frustrating picture ... Even the setting looks like one blob of metal (hopefully, just illusion).

[Satine De La Courcel]

Originally Posted by Valeria101

Small, frustrating picture ... Even the setting looks like one blob of metal (hopefully, just illusion).

Agreed Picture is not a good one, However I can clearly see leaves in the setting. SInce the Picture is not the best the leaves look very "amateur" in creation to me so yup the Blob of metal is just an illusion...

Cheers

Ash

[Ingykiz]

The setting does not do the pearl justice,IMHP. I think I would like it to see it in yellow gold instead, something very plain.

[Kevin Canning]

I agree, for a pearl of that size you would think they would come up something a little more original. That setting leaves a lot to be desired

[purepearls]

I am not a fan of the setting for such a remarkable pearl. However, I feel almost any setting is going to take away from the pearl. The pearl is meant to be on display, not the setting. I feel any setting unless super simple would be distracting and would take away from the pearl's beauty. In this case, the leaf is distracting.

[pernula]

Could the leaf be covering some blemishes? If that was the case, would the owner(s) have to disclose that if someday they decide to sell the pearl?

Thanks,
Pernula

[purepearls]

The leaf does not appear to be set to the pearl. It looks like the leaf is on a ring that attaches to the bale setting.

[Valeria101]

Didn't expect the setting to get any attention: the picture just made it look like not terribly fine work to me. Big too - whether that mght be to cover something up, or is just rounding up the contour of the very baroque pearl.

Otherwise, I'm not the one for 'simple' - things can be very detailed and very respectful of the pearl, IMO.

Btw: I'm wondering about te shape... there are two measurements given (as if for a symmetrical drop), but if the pearl would be as thik as wide, it would weigh even more. If the math is right, this one is flatish in shape. And that may explain the setting.

Don't mind the leaves (hoping they do not obscure the best patch of pearl - unlikely), just depends what kind... on a scale from THIS to THIS, say

IMO, complex pieces with baroque pearls appear to remain 'all about the pearl'. What do you think?

[Satine De La Courcel]

I can see teh two largest measurements being taken for this pearl not surprising that it can be misleading to the shape of the thing...

well one thing is for sure many of us agree the setting is hideous. definalty does not do the pearl justice. The picture is not at all flattering to the pearl gives it a "flat" look.

The way the leaves are it kinda looks as if someone were trying to envision the whole thing as a pear as if it were just plucked from the tree complete with leaves still attached. But that is MHO only....

cheers
Ash

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by purepearls

The leaf does not appear to be set to the pearl. It looks like the leaf is on a ring that attaches to the bale setting.

Wouldn't be surprised... most of the fancy pearl caps I've handled have nothing to do with attaching pear to bale - the job is done by a peg hidden beneath the showy cap.

At least some of these had the function of protecting the pearl from direct contact with the heavy fabrics and (scratchy) metal embroidery of old fashions, by speading beyond the diameter of the pearl - like the setting of the Regente does. IMO, that's one lovely bit of ingeniosity. And the pearl remains freely suspended in all its naked glorry, to boot:



Strangely, this was ment to be worn both hanghing like this and upside down in circlet.

'Naugh with that... I have a small library of such designs. Most way more subtle.

Can't see any reason to scrimp on workmanship and design on a piece like that. Especially if the natural shape of the pear demands a purposeful showcase.

Originally Posted by Satine De La Courcel

The way the leaves are it kinda looks as if someone were trying to envision the whole thing as a pear as if it were just plucked from the tree ...

At least that's more straight forward then... is that an eggplant that the setting of the Pearl of Asia is meant to represent?



I like the thing... got to admit: the dark colored gem droplet appears to enhance the whiteness and iridescence of the pearl (IMO). Blamed the 'eggplant' analogy on my sparse knowledge of Asian jewelry symbols. If it's supposed to mean something, haven't got a clue Same for the other edibles: bean pods, peaches, peppers and chili that appear seriously represented in the finest jade and tourmaline and what not. Got to do something about that one day