[PearlPoor]

I couldn't tell which pearl was FW and which saltwater, but then I am a newbie, still in PearlSchool Kindergarten.

I visited Gemologist's undrilledpearl website mentioned in this thread (great prices !!!), and I'm wondering why it's mentioned on the site that freshwater pearls have thicker nacre than Akoyas.

Is the same true when comparing FW nacre to Tahitian or SouthSea pearls?

If freshwater are dyed, how do you know the dye job is good and you won't be embarrassed at a garden party on some hot day when the perspiration on your cleavage is peacock colored.

Seriously, how can one determine a quality dye job.

Also, if a strand of pearls is dyed, why wouldn't the maker/jeweler ensure that each strand is composed of pearls selected from various batches, assuming there are slight color variations among batches. . . . so they look more natural on the necklace or strand? Seems to me to be a logical idea.

I'm afraid that with the outrageous colors of some FW and the fact that they are perfectly matched in color, will over time change the trend in preferences and fashion (especially among youngest buyers), and make the subtle variations /imperfections in swc pearls (as well as smaller pearls and graduated necklaces) a total thing of the past . . .

. . . so that wearing the older and cultured pearls would be like playing your great grandmother's Lawrence Welk 78 rpm record at your party.

I am tempted to buy the pearl below on EBay. I'm sure it's freshwater dyed because of the price, but I think this one has a nice dye job. Yes?



PearlPoor[/font]

[jshepherd]

Freshwater pearls' nacre thickness is not a quality consideration. Freshwater pearls are composed of solid nacre with an occasional hair-line void in the center that is visible on X-rays.

I have seen certificates produced by retailers of freshwater pearls and Web sites selling them claiming "nacre very thick". This makes no sense whatsoever. It would tell me that there is no real grading going on as quality attributes are simply being thrown around with no meaning. The only way one freshwater pearl has thicker nacre than another is if it is larger than the other. But on a relative basis the nacre depth is exactly the same; whether the pearl is a gem-grade round or a junk-grade lump of chalk.

When bean-nukes become more prevalent (round bead-nukes), nacre thickness may eventually become a quality factor. But that is still a ways off.

Regarding the dye job, I would not worry about it coming off at a party For the most part, organic dyes are permanent as the compound has been soaked up by the nacre though a process of heating and pressure (like a pressure cooker).

As for the colors, variations are sometimes used, but primarily in darker-color freshwater.
We use a combination of Tahitian colors in ours. http://www.pearlparadise.com/detail.aspx?ID=1191

Pearls of Joy does it in more of a contrast.
http://www.pearlsofjoy.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=17

Both of these, by the way, are custom. You will not usually see color combinations this at tradeshows. Most of the time, dyed freshwater are a single color on a single temporary strand. We mix the different hues to create the multi-hued effect.

Regarding the eBay pearl, the picture is not coming up for me.

[gravityalwayswins]

On the dye job subject, I have a pair of 6mm black freshwater pearls that are on posts for earrings (with tahitians hanging from them on chains). I've only worn them about 10 times so far, but every time I take them off, I have a little dark circle on my ear from the dye. I always thought dye was permanent, but it's certainly not for those.

To be clear, these pearls didn't come from any of the P-G oft-mentioned vendors, but they did come from a reputable local jeweler known for their pearls so I was surprised. On the other hand, the 3 strands of dyed freshwaters I have from TPO (the only other place where I've gotten dyed freshwaters), have all been great with no problems at all!

Anyone else had this happen?

[knotty panda]

Dear Gravity: No, colored pearls or gemstones does not necessarily mean they are colorfast. Reputable vendors will divulge whether stones/pearls are colorfast, and the retailer should divulge that as well. Imagine wearing a dyed ruby necklace with a white silk blouse and being caught in a rainstorm. If you suspect your jewelry items are not colorfast, you can do it yourself at home with a quick colorfast soak.

[knotty panda]

Originally Posted by jshepherd

When bean-nukes become more prevalent (round bead-nukes), nacre thickness may eventually become a quality factor. But that is still a ways off.

Bean nukes? Is that a typo or is that a new shape we can look forward to? Thanks!

[barbie biggs]

Originally Posted by knotty panda

Bean nukes? Is that a typo or is that a new shape we can look forward to? Thanks!

Thanks Knotty. I was kinda wanting to know that myself.