[Denali]

Hello, I am new to the forum and to pearls but am eager to learn as much as I can. I recently started knotting and have been searching for quality strands... Does anyone have any experience with chinesegemstone on etsy?

www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7016581

Thanks in advance

[pearlescence]

Welcome to the forum.
It would help if we know where you are. Those pearls look pretty routine

[Denali]

I am in Alaska so my local options are next to nothing. I have also looked at Pearllunar but am hesitant to buy due to shipping prices and the hassle of returns.

[pattye]

Well, the etsy seller you mentioned is in China also, so there is still the issue of returns and shipping.

You might take a look at IntegrityPearl.com. When you say quality, do you mean AAA rounds? Doug is a member here, but hasn't posted lately. I think he specifies which are the top graded pearls.

You might also contact Jeremy Shepherd at Pearl Paradise, as he sometimes makes special buys/offerings to the beaders here on Pearl-Guide, and request to be on the special mailing list. (That only happens only about once or twice per year.)

The other thing I was going to say--some sellers use generic photos, others take photos of the actual item, so do take note of that, as it can account for differences in what you receive.

[la_corsetiere]

I can also recommend rainbowislandpearls on ebay.

Sheri

[Denali]

Originally Posted by pattye

Well, the etsy seller you mentioned is in China also, so there is still the issue of returns and shipping.

You might take a look at IntegrityPearl.com. When you say quality, do you mean AAA rounds? Doug is a member here, but hasn't posted lately. I think he specifies which are the top graded pearls.

You might also contact Jeremy Shepherd at Pearl Paradise, as he sometimes makes special buys/offerings to the beaders here on Pearl-Guide, and request to be on the special mailing list. (That only happens only about once or twice per year.)

The other thing I was going to say--some sellers use generic photos, others take photos of the actual item, so do take note of that, as it can account for differences in what you receive.

Yes I am looking for very round pearls of a better quality. I am very new to pearls and only have a pair of freshadama earrings and a AA+ strand of akoya pearls for reference. I have looked at PP and may just contact Jeremy Shepard as you have suggested.

[Denali]

Originally Posted by la_corsetiere

I can also recommend rainbowislandpearls on ebay.

Sheri

thanks I will check it out too

[pattye]

Yes, I agree, Sheri, RainbowIslandPearls on ebay is a good source also! She does take photos of the actual item, which I really appreciate.

[Pearlcat]

Hi Denali: Just an Fyi, I have purchased quite a few things from Pearllunar and have always been very pleased and haven't needed to return anything. Their pictures are always what you receive. Also, Vienn, the owner is always open to emails and sending additional pictures if needed. I will say, however, that I have found that the pearl size are often a little smaller than stated. For example, rice pearls advertised at 9mm typically means the center pearl on the strand is 9mm but the others run from 7-8ishmm. Nevertheless, I really like some of the unusual colors they offer.

PP has generally higher quality for rounds. So if you are looking for really fine quality rounds I would go with Jeremy.

Pattye -- I haven't heard of RainbowIslandPearls. I will definitely check them out! Kate

[laurenb]

chinesegemstone's prices seem high, but maybe their shipping is lower than some other international sellers.

I really like Inger, who sells as rainbowislandpearls. (S)he should totally join PG if that hasn't already happened. I've had good experiences with pearllunar and several other eBay sellers. James of undrilledpearls.com is a member here and has also been very helpful.

[claudenancy]

Yes Inger at Rainbowislandpearls is great. I think that she loves keshis as much as I do, and I always look there for her wonderful selections of not only keshis but other types as well.

I have dealt with pearllunar and the pearls were nice but I agree about the size being somewhat smaller that advertised.

[Denali]

I have decided to buy a couple strands from pearllunar to practice my knotting and then purchase some freshadamas from PP down the line Thanks everyone and I will let you know how it goes.

[Island Bound]

I just received my first order from Inger and I love what she sent! I got some pretty lavendar keishi and a very nice ruffled pearl that I want to try in a necklace of some sort.

I do like Pearllunar and am always pleased with the quality but have noticed the size seems smaller. I think, for me, some of it is from the fact that the pearls are shot so close up that they appear larger in my mind at least.

[Hanaleimom]

I have a pair of earrings from Pearllunar. The measurement and surface are exactly as described. Color isn't saturated and doesn't have prominent overtone as compared to their photos. It's an inexpensive pair, so refund is not worth it.

[MsT]

I have had good luck with Pearllunar, but I agree that the pearls are always smaller than listed. She does take clear photos, so pay attention to the photos and the description.

I will have to try rainbowislandpearls. I haven't used her yet.

I have also been satisfied with my strands from lillei1971, but the shipping charges are very high.