[sleight]

Here's a short article featuring some "alternative pearls" from edgy fashion designers. Some are fun!

[knotty panda]

The use of snaps on the leather strap by Annie Costello Brown is absolutely inspired. So simple, effective, no cold connection to break.

[GemGeek]

Fun, pretty, and some can also function as self-defense devices!

[The Pearl Outlet]

Did anyone notice that the "Emma Franklin Tahitian pearl necklace" is a black dyed freshwater?

[Heidi]

I totally saw that! I went to the site because I liked the metal work on that item and noticed that all the so-called Tahitian pearls are dyed FW. Oh well...

[sleight]

Unfortunately, misidentification of all sorts is common among smaller designers. At trade shows, believe me, the gem&pearl police would have a heyday! Shell pearls described as Tahitian, resin beads as real coral & turquoise, quartz as topaz, goldfill as 14k, and on and on... I once had a rep who insisted on identifying nearly every stone as topaz. She honestly wasn't trying to mislead anyone - she simply wasn't educated and accuracy isn't as valuable as you'd think when the buyer isn't necessarily a jewelry store, but rather a gift or apparel store. That's why I love this site - since I'm a designer that works with pearls, I feel a personal responsibility to educate myself to represent my work honestly. Plus, I just love seeing all the fabulous pictures!

[pattye]

Hi Sleight,

I'm sure what you say is true. It's great that you want to educate yourself. I would love to see some photos of your work--I don't recall that you have posted any before or at least recently! Thanks!!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[pearlescence]

Calling freshwaters Tahitian would be deemed to be applying a false trade description in the UK, and the trading standards people could come and look at you with a frown (or even prosecute you in the criminal court if you then kept on doing it)

[Satine De La Courcel]

I must say I am not digging much of that stuff at all.. nothing really grips me to say WOW.. just oh another site

Then again I feel a little spoiled with all the tallent we have here?

cheers

Ash

[waimeamomi]

I thought they were FW, especially after my recent experience. They look just like my FW "Tahitians" that are on their way back to their original owner. I also thought the price should be a give away, since that seems too low for Tahitians with hand worked metal. Did anyone check out the erotic collection listed at the bottom?? I found it confusing at best, and will stick to sexy pearls. Not to cross the line or anything.

[richipat]

Very interesting, but pearls and spikes????

[waimeamomi]

Ha, ha. No spikes. Anything else I said would be inappropriate.

[Nerida]

I'm kind of with Ash on this one - several of the designs looked like what you can buy from street vendors in China - like the ribbons zigzagged through the pearls, and many others, really - still some of them are OK, but yes, I think we get spoiled here..