Please help a newbie choose

[mray]

My daughter is graduating from college and I think that a strand of pearls would be a wonderful "grown-up" gift to mark this occasion. I have been lurking on this forum and trying to learn enough so that I make a "smart" purchase. But, I'm confused. I think I need some help/opinions to make a wise choice.

My daughter is tall (5'10") and slim with blonde hair and medium skin tones - though she does spend the summer very tanned. After perusing this site and others, I'm drawn to the Freshadama from PearlParadise or Elite from PurePearls freshwater pearls. Is there any significant difference between the quality of these two companies and these two gem-quality pearls? I was thinking of the 7-8 mm. with a rose overcast in an 18" length as a sort of all-purpose size/length. Do you think this would work? Also considering matching 8-9 mm earrings in either the Freshadama or Elite.

I'm thinking that these gem quality freshwaters might be a better choice than the Akoyas since from what I understand they will last longer - and she does tend to be sentimental. I think she'd want to be able to use them for many years.

Please let me know your thoughts/suggestions. Thanks for your help!

[Pearl Dreams]

Hi and welcome!

I only have experience with PearlParadise.com. I bought the white 7-8mm 18" Freshadamas with silver rose overtones and 8-9mm matching dangle earrings.

I am 5'4" and if I had been able to swing the expense at the time, I would definitely have gotten the 8-9mm strand instead (nevertheless I do enjoy my pearls!) Your daughter is much taller than I and she might also prefer the larger sized pearls if you can manage it. There is a significant price jump between the sizes, though.

You might also consider Tahitians-- the baroque ones are less expensive than the round and are very fashionable-- they can be dressed down or up!

[Ashley]

Hi Mray,

The classic strand of pearls is a perfect choice for a graduation gift- traditional, elegant and versatile. I am sure your daughter will treasure them for years.

I also strongly agree with you about selecting Gem-Quality Freshwater pearls: they are extremely durable, they won't 'turn' that creamy color that Akoya pearls do over the years, and cost a fraction of their saltwater counterparts. Freshwater pearls also have a deeper, more satiny luster reminiscent of the thick-nacred South Sea pearls; the Akoya is known for being very bright, almost glossy and highly reflective.

The 7-8mm, 18-inch "Princess Length" strand is by far the most traditionally popular strand size for white pearls- this size is considered all-occasion appropriate whether she will be wearing an evening dress, business attire or a sweater and jeans!

All of the vendors on P-G are excellent sources for Freshwater Pearls, and willing and able to answer any questions you may have- Good luck with selecting your pearls!

[jerin]

Hi Mray,

I can second all that has been said by Ashley and Pearl_dreams but if you can afford it:

Go for the 8 - 9 mm size. This size is garantueed to fit your daughter over the years to come and once she gets older and since she is so tall, small pearls - and in a 7 - 8 mm there are perhaps only 4-5 pearls that do reach 8 mm, everything else is as small as 7 - 7,7 mm or something like that.

Studs can be slightly smaller, if dangles, 8 mm is nice too.
Just from a customer who has learned her pearl lessons over time.

[gravityalwayswins]

Hi MRay! Welcome!

I'm 5'10-5'11 with broad shoulders and athletic, thin build. I have strands of 7-8s and 8-9s. I love them all, of course, but I really prefer the way the 8-9mm 16.5" strand looks on me much more than I like the 18" 7-8s. The shorter length works well with lowish cut things, but it also looks awesome with a buttoned dress shirt and suit coat (a look that might be in her future for interviews/work). The 18" length usually hides when worn with a button-down shirt. The 8-9s present a much nicer presence than the 7-8s, if that makes sense.

I don't own freshadamas/presidentials/elites, but from what I've garnered in a couple months of studiously reading, you will be pleased - and if you're not, all 3 companies have very fair return policies and excellent customer service.

Carol

[jerin]

Hi MRay,

you might opt for 8-9 mm AAA grade pearls. They cost less and are very often very nice too, very little blemishes, sometimes you can see orient and you could choose between different overtones.

That coupled with the price might be a really good start for your daughter.

[pattye]

Hi Mray,

Terrific gift idea! And lots of great sources to purchase from here. I am sure you will be pleased. I also would recommend going with the larger size pearl.

There are also wonderful enhancers in gemstones, etc that you and your daughter can purchase later to attach to the strand to change the looks, to make it a core pearl wardrobe piece! Please let us know what you choose!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[mray]

First, thank you all for your responses...you have been so helpful! But now, I need some more help. Most of you seem to think that the 8-9mm would be a better choice due to the fact that my daughter is tall. I do want to stay with the 18" since she hates anything close to her neck - she mostly wears deep vee necks with a cami or crew neck - I've never seen her in a turtle-neck. But, money is an issue - she's graduating college but will be attending a master's program and we'll still be paying for that - around $500 is all I can swing right now. I looked at the following to compare prices - all 18" 8-9mm.:

Freshadama from PearlParadise - $970
Elite from PurePearls - $873
Presidential from PearlsOfJoy - $518

Are all of these of equal quality? I'm wondering why PearlsOfJoy are much cheaper. I believe they are all trusted companies to deal with. Quality is important to me - even if I have to purchase a 7-8 mm instead. Would the AAA quality make me happy or would I see them and go hmmm...?

Again, thank you for any help you can give me.

mray

[robinmce]

Hi mray,
Make sure to read the freshwater pearl grading section on each site to make a accurate comparison.
Also look at the Pearl Outlet Gem Fresh grade (and sign up for coupon!).

Good luck with your decision of gem grade vs. AAA and 7-8mm vs 8-9mm.
Its one I'm struggling with also. Let us know what you decide and show pics of the final product!.

[barbie biggs]

Dear Mray:

Thank you for posting here. I am a long time fan of Freshadama's from Pearl Paradise.

There is an option you have not considered.

In the size 7-8mm Freshadama you could purchase a full set for $468.00 and ask Mia or Kirstin to have them strung for you as a 29" necklace instead of an 18" with bracelet. This would be perfect for a tall woman and Kirstin has said before that it is normal for most woman to begin with the 'classic size' pearls, which is typically 7-8mm and move on to larger 'luxury' pearls later. You could up grade the earrings to 8-9mm and still be within your stated budget of $500.00.

If you ever watched the series 'Magnum PI' in the 1980's, there was a woman named Carol (see season 5) who was an attorney on the show. She wore dresses and blouses that crossed over low in the front with long pearls. She was tall and always looked extremely elegant with her opera length pearls.

Good luck,
barbie

[mray]

First, thank you to all who have given of their expertise on this forum. I carefully weighed all of your suggestions, but ultimately went with what I had initially considered - an 18" strand of Freshadama 7-8 mm with matching earrings in the same size. The 8-9 mm was tempting, but unfortunately beyond my financial ability at this time since my daughter is going on to graduate school and the education bills will continue. Since she spends most of her time tanned, I felt the ivory tone would be a nice balance to her skin tone.

I changed the clasp to an 8mm white gold matte ball as i felt it would make it look more "modern". The pearls arrived today and I'm very happy with them. I can't find a single imperfection - they are round and well matched. The color is lovely and I think she'll be thrilled. I've attached a photo - not the best quality, I'm afraid.

Again, thank you all for your help.

Regards, Marilyn

[Pearl Dreams]

Very pretty-- and don't forget, these will probably not be her last pearls! There will be other events to celebrate: grad school graduation, a new job, perhaps marriage someday, birth of children, etc.

Let's face it, any excuse to buy pearls is good enough!

[robinmce]

They look beautiful and I love your choice of clasp.
What a thoughtful mom you are to put so much thought and research into your gift!
I'm sure she will be thrilled and enjoy them for years to come!
Robin

[jody]

Very pretty strand of pearls with coordinating earrings. I'm sure your daughter will be thrilled with them.

[pearllove]

Beautiful set of pearls. The white gold matte clasp goes very well with the ivory overtone.