[knotty panda]

Pearl Paradise has revamped their naturals page. There are some pretty once in a lifetime choices. Can you tell us how you're discovering these lovlies?

[smetzler]

There is certainly an expanded selection of jewelery, rings especially (following up on the engagement ring thread?). Also quite a few loose abs, although it seems conchs are in between shipments. Jeremy will no doubt be updating us, but I don't believe it's confidential that he has been collaborating with natural-pearl-sleuth Jeremy Norris in this area (Jeremy S and N: Any update on the book?).

Knotty, you've forced my hand and I've purchased the PP ab below having had my eye on it for a little while. Abs are so difficult, especially if you aren't into size-is-everything trophy-hunting. Attractive, symmetrical shapes and usable color surface area are more rare. I satisfied the urge for large horn-shaped abs with purchase of the pearl in this thread. We christened that pearl 'La Catalina' for its Catalina Island origin (with Jeremy Norris' blessing), and will now christen this one in your honor!

Following 'La Catalina' we have acquired H. iris (Paua) in the Chatham Islands, and H. fulgens from the Pacific Coast of North America, Paua generally a better source for smaller, more intensely colored, pearls.

Source pricing for Paua is US$200 per carat, $150 if they like you (another very good reason to stay small!). Pearl Paradise is a comparatively reasonable source for larger sizes, 'La Panda' priced at $62 per carat. Jeremy has explained previously that naturals are not his main line of business and are offered primarily as a service, also to keep tabs on the exotic pearl market.

Steve

[boo]

La Panda - too cool!! (And also quite lovely)

[GemGeek]

Originally Posted by boo

La Panda - too cool!! (And also quite lovely)

I second that!

[knotty panda]

OH MY GOODNESS! WHAT AN HONOR INDEED! I've got goosebumps running up and down me! Thank you so very much! Finally, I'm at a loss for words! Oh, I can't WAIT to share this with my family! Such a beautiful pearl! Oh my!

[smetzler]

Knotty,

I'm so glad the gesture is received in good spirit!

Not to sidetrack this thread prematurely, but 'La Panda' seems to want to stand on its own, perhaps in the manner of this Sea of Cortez Mabe pendant?

Steve

[Ingykiz]

Ooooh, I can so see that pearl in that design. How large is it, does it size compare to the Sea of Cortez mabe? I love to see all of your exotics! Your wife must have quite a grand pearl wardrobe.

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by Ingykiz

Ooooh, I can so see that pearl in that design. How large is it, does its size compare to the Sea of Cortez mabe? I love to see all of your exotics! Your wife must have quite a grand pearl wardrobe.

La Panda is 22mm long by 16mm wide. The length happily coincides with the Sea of Cortez mabe. However, we've got a number of other abs of lesser symmetry that may benefit from the soothing effect of this pearl for an ensemble to coalesce. Need to see them all together. But I can see the pendant clearly…

My wife is enjoying this process immensely, and has always appreciated fine jewelry. The challenge is satisfying my desire for originality while acquiring or creating pieces she can also enjoy!

Steve

[GemGeek]

I hopped over to look at the golden buttons and wondered at their liquid beauty. Steve, you are a true renaissance man. I can't wait to see what evolves from La Panda and her sisters. I still have to visit the brooch photo on a regular basis - colorful, creative, and dare I say, PLAYFUL!

[Sueki]

Congratulations Madame La Panda,
Fame at last !!
And what a tribute......
Gorgeous pearl, Steve. You surely have a beautiful and unique collection.

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by GemGeek

I hopped over to look at the golden buttons and wondered at their liquid beauty.

Hopefully it was clear in the SS color thread that we did not acquire those buttons, as the price was astronomical. An element of my desire for originality is staying ahead of the curve from a supply/demand standpoint. Clearly deep golden, perfectly matched 16mm SS buttons are ahead of me…

Originally Posted by GemGeek

I still have to visit the brooch photo on a regular basis - colorful, creative, and dare I say, PLAYFUL!

Thanks! There was a spontaneousnous to my obsessive hunt for freeform abs and loose poe pipi last year, and I do think that the pin manages to express the pure joy taken in the process!

Steve

[smetzler]

Update: La Panda (the pearl) ETA is tomorrow 1/16, will gather it together with other abs from PP and elsewhere and post a photo for comments regarding its use as a pendant (a la Druzy's mabe piece) or something a bit more elaborate…

[pattye]

At the risk of being redundant---here is my abalone pendant again,


La Patricia







It has a rather simple frame of gold fitted around the edge, custom made for the abalone. I never get tired of seeing it! Yes, I named it after myself, since it is unlikely anyone else will name anything after me!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[GemGeek]

Originally Posted by pattye

At the risk of being redundant---here is my abalone pendant again,


La Patricia

Attachment 2549





It has a rather simple frame of gold fitted around the edge, custom made for the abalone. I never get tired of seeing it! Yes, I named it after myself, since it is unlikely anyone else will name anything after me!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

I could never tire of looking at it either! It's the kind of thing that would make one willing to trade all their jewelry in exchange and just wear one thing for the rest of their life.
Fortunately, we have options!

[perlas]

Hi Pattye,

The frame is perfect for your abalone pearl!