[GemGeek]

Originally Posted by drea

It seems as if the pearl farms were very lenient with the people on the tour as far as taking pictures goes.. For some reason I thought that they would have been more strict in regards to their operations. Kinda nice that you were able to document so much, as there are so many wonderful pictures. How many people ended up going on the tour with you?? Was it mostly people in the business?

They were very generous, I agree. I still can't get over how lucky we were to get in the special pearl room at Paspaley and be allowed to handle and photograph everything.

The things they didn't want shared were the proprietary things, such as their techniques. Paspaley, Wan & Eyris Blue spent a lot of time, effort and money to get where they are, so I can understand that they woudn't want to hand out that information to the general public.

There were 27 people including Akira Hyatt, our GIA guide on the tour. There were four of us that deal predominantly in pearls. A few people were not in the business, but had taken classes at GIA in the past. Several were jewelry store owners, or worked for jewelers. And there was a large core group that had taken several of the GIA alumni tours and would have gone regardless of the tour destination.

It was the trip of a lifetime. Now I have to get used to being ordinary me -- gone is the VIP treatment!

But I have photos!
Blaire

[drea]

Originally Posted by GemGeek

They were very generous, I agree. I still can't get over how lucky we were to get in the special pearl room at Paspaley and be allowed to handle and photograph everything.

The things they didn't want shared were the proprietary things, such as their techniques. Paspaley, Wan & Eyris Blue spent a lot of time, effort and money to get where they are, so I can understand that they woudn't want to hand out that information to the general public.

There were 27 people including Akira Hyatt, our GIA guide on the tour. There were four of us that deal predominantly in pearls. A few people were not in the business, but had taken classes at GIA in the past. Several were jewelry store owners, or worked for jewelers. And there was a large core group that had taken several of the GIA alumni tours and would have gone regardless of the tour destination.

It was the trip of a lifetime. Now I have to get used to being ordinary me -- gone is the VIP treatment!

But I have photos!
Blaire

I'm still quite surprised though in all that you were able to do.. they really did give you all the VIP treatment didn't they?!! Private planes and all!! I'm envious!! But really from looking at your pictures, it doesn't seem like there was much you weren't able to see. A trip of a life time for sure. With there being so much interest in the tour, perhaps they'll offer it again, and maybe even include Autore the next time!

I'm kicking myself for not making the time to go on the trip.. although thanks to you, I really don't feel so left out now! What a great number of people to travel with, I didn't realize that it was such a large group. What a blast!! Perhaps I'll see you on the next trip!!

[GemGeek]

Tell me about Autore!

[drea]

Originally Posted by GemGeek

Tell me about Autore!

Now those are some pearls I would die to get my hands on...!! One day..! Have you seen the video that was up on Modern Jeweler on Autore? You have to watch it if you haven't seen it already - pretty incredible.

[GemGeek]

You can see me pop out a South Sea Pearl -- all of eight seconds...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q36hnmwRLQg

And here is our water landing in Kuri Bay, Australia...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzm-Rj0jaXM

[Cathybear]

I'm DROOLING! These are all absolutely DELICIOUS! I live in Darwin, now I've seen inside Paspaley's through your photo's! Thank you!!
Cathy

[GemGeek]

Originally Posted by Cathybear

I'm DROOLING! These are all absolutely DELICIOUS! I live in Darwin, now I've seen inside Paspaley's through your photo's! Thank you!!
Cathy

You live in Darwin? How terrific! Except maybe for swimming...

[Cathybear]

If you don't mind crocs and stingers, swimmings okay lol. Never mind our sea is a gorgeous turquoise colour, se we can LOOK at it

[GemGeek]

Things are slow today, so I thought I'd post more Paspaley pearls from their specials collection - most of which were museum-worthy!

I remember this one being bigger than a walnut. I'd have liked to see the monster oyster that bred this puppy...


The colors swimming on the surface of this oval could hynotize...


And here is the perfect honking-big near-round pearl...


Just a few pearls to brighten your day!

[pattye]

Thanks much, Blaire,

Looking at those photos, I now feel downright cheerful!!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Caitlin]

Well, Shut my mouth! The Queen of Pearls resides at Paspaley, PPB or no, that is a magnificent pearl!

[Ingykiz]

OMG! What could you do with that walnut size pearl that would be comfortable to wear? I could only imagine...The colors are amazing

[Pearl_dreams]

Your photos are amazing, the pearls are luscious. Thanks so much for sharing!

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by Ingykiz

OMG! What could you do with that walnut size pearl that would be comfortable to wear?

Well.... pendant, on a long, long Y chain Pretty good arrangement if you like to play with your pearl too. Not advisable to wear in a house with cats though

Basically, you give me the pearl and I'll cope somehow...

[Kevin Canning]

Basically, you give me the pearl and I'll cope somehow

ya I'm sure I could figure out something if I really had to