[Casey.R]

A site that I love that does custom work and always uses bezels is www.jamesmeyerjewelry.com
I haven't seen pearl rings on the site but I'm sure some of the settings would work well with pearls.

[Carl]

Thanks for the links, any other connections would be great. Pearl Paradise seems to get a lot of respect on this forum, JShepard also always has really thoughtful articulate posts. After reading the American Pearl thread here:

AmericanPearl.com - Ethical Issues - Shame on you!

I am very confident that American Pearl is no the ethical source for my pearl ring. Too bad, I really like this ring.

[GemGeek]

That is a nice ring! You have great taste.

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by Carl

I really like this ring.

As nice as they are, those settings are quite generic - others may have the same or even find very similar things from their suppliers of semi-finished jewelry components.

I don't know whether I like it or not from the picture - would sure like to see the side view.

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by Acksim

Valeria, how funny!

Indeed

Too bad there are so few pearl things from them online (earrings anyone?) and the modern examples are not half bad either (e.g. bezel - with an open undercarriage that does not show there). Not sure how many would find their prices convenient, but there is far, far worse for similar quality.


[sory for the long one: I'm a fan, not a freelance marketer! ]

[Carl]

So, I've encountered a bit of a set back, I asked Pearls of Joy to give me a quote on custom work, and I got the following reply, which I really appreciate for Kevin's candor and honesty (deterring business for him on the basis of ethical standards, speaks very highly for him and his company). But as I mentioned in my original post, telling my girlfriend that she can't have the pearl ring she's been imagining would be really not fun, to say the least. Any responses?

Hi Carl,

It is commendable that you take such an interest in buying "green", if we were all a little more like you we'd be in a better place.

That being said, I cannot ethically sell you a pearl engagement ring. Pearl rings are notorious for scratching, banging and just plain getting beaten up when worn occasionally. I don't pearl rings really suitable for occasional wear, let alone daily wear as an engagement ring. I think in the end you will regret it as the pearl is likely to come off the post and get damaged or possibly even lost.

Another company may help you out, but I do urge you to consider the function of the ring and not just the form. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Kevin Canning
President, Pearls Of Joy
www.PearlsOfJoy.com

[Valeria101]

Hm... right...

I am assuming here that your future fiancee has already considered when and how she will wear this ring to accommodate those wear & tear concerns.

The ring will be nice to take at the wedding and any number of formal parties. Pearl rings are good for... typing with them and for getting someone ten meters away to focus on your hand in a room full of jewelry. They are good for conversation too. That's about it.

They are not good for driving (those tight door handles!) handling door knobs... shopping or anything more 'manual' then that, which covers just about everything.

All in all, it's quite the luxury to wear one. It may be 'crazy' to commit to the chore of ownership, but ... pearl rings (and other fragile choices) may also spell out 'I know my jewelry'. To me they do - that's why I like this thread!


Kevin is right, of course.


Do you think your girl is 100% aware of this problem too?



PS: speaking of the devil... see the comments about wearing pearl e-rings HERE

[Caitlin]

We have had some people happy with solid nacre engagement rings, whether freshwater or natural.

Below is a natural baroque ring from my granpas stash of Bahraini pearls. It is probably at least 60 years in this setting, (which is more battered than the pearl)

[Slraep]

I love the setting. When I get that natural pearl of my ring dreams, it's going into a new version of that setting. Maybe with a really teeny weeny pavé of alexandrites along the parts that hold the pearl just because I love those stones, but it is very elegant without.

Slraep

[jerin]

Originally Posted by Slraep

Hi Jerin,

I printed out your great answer/post and put it in my pearl folder! I can whip a copy out and just hand it to people who ask me what Carl is asking. Thanks!!

Slraep

You are very welcome, Slraep!

[pattye]

I love that setting also! It looks almost like the mussel is opening to let the pearl out.

pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[pattye]

Sea of Cortez pearls follow ethical fair trade practices, how about a light color keishi from them? I was thinking Jeremy might have some----

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[preswine]

My wife's pearl engagement ring has held up very well over the last two years. The pearl is a saltwater natural.

Although she tries to be careful of banging it, I've seen her obliviously give it some pretty nasty hits/swipes and god only knows what I haven't witnessed. Yet, as best as I can tell the pearl hasn't a single scratch or dent.

I believe that most of the sentiment about pearls being too fragile for a ring worn everyday is due to the inferiority of cultured pearls. Though I haven't put it to the test the solid, saltwater nacre of my wife's ring appears to be as durable as can be. I guess time will tell.

[pattye]

That's very good news! We are always interested in what wears well when it comes to pearls! No doubt lack of treatment helps a bit.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Kevin Canning]

I don't want to discourage people from getting a pearl engagement ring if it really means a lot to them, all jewelry can be repaired if needed.

Its just for me, I do not want to sell an item to a customer that I would lay awake at night worrying about. I'd rather lose the sale then cause a customer uneeded grief down the road.

Remember its only 2 cents, take it for whats it worth.