Tahitian Pearl Pendant - opinions?

[Kevin Canning]

We've added a new pendant design done by a local designer here in LA. Its too early to tell how the response will be but I'm curious how the aficionados here at PG feel about sterling silver and Tahitian pearls together?

[Marianne]

Hi Kevin,
I love the design. With proper care tarnish should be minimal and if the pearl is free swinging should be easy to safely remove any tarnish when needed.
Congratulations!
Marianne

[pattye]

Really love the texture and the circle can have many sentimental interpretations. The Tahitian is a beautiful centerpiece! I predict this will be a big hit!

[Cees]

a European jeweller will kick me out of his shop when I combine South Sea, Tahiti and Akoya pearls with silver

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

I like the combination, very much.

I'm sure many Tahitains are not suited for silver, but this particular match works for me.

[Heidi]

Nice design! I think the circle really sets off the pearl. Just for market/gold price reasons I think silver is a must. We see Tahitians with white gold all the time, so why not? My only hesitation is tarnish (and one reason I don't personally wear it) - perhaps include rhodium plate?

[Kevin Canning]

My only hesitation is tarnish (and one reason I don't personally wear it)

That is my only concern but on the other hand it keeps the price point reasonable, its a trade off I guess. He's done a cute freshwater version as well:

[ms.angeni]

i have a freshwater pearl necklace with silver....but rhodium plated,and until now no sign of tarnish.i prefer silver then white gold...but it has to be rhodium plated.for rings its better to chose white gold to rhodium over silver ,the rhodium does not last long for me....

[LBoone]

I agree about the rhodium plate. I think it is a very nice design, the texture reminds me of alligator skin. I do think plating the silver would be a good idea, people who know better won't use silver polish or cleaner on the pearl, but an unsuspecting customer might and ruin the pearl, which would probably result in a complaint to you!

[lisa c]

My bad eyes - is the surround filigree or hammered? It's lovely. What about Argentium? Is the jury still out on the tarnish resistance or durability of Argentium?

Might we also have a side shot to see the chase-work(?) on the surround?

[waimeamomi]

I think silver is perfectly fine, especially with the price of metals these days. I've been doing a lot of it lately ( and might even post something one of these days). I was just at Tiffany's for a special event - they don't mind silver.

[Pearl Dreams]

The tarnish was my concern, and yes, Argentium tarnishes eventually too. I also think it should be rhodium plated.

[jas932]

After years of requests from customers, I finally started mating Tahitian pearls with silver findings. It took awhile to convince me to do that, as I do not consider silver to be a precious metal, and not as precious as the pearls. But finally I went along with customer suggestions (gotta listen to those!) and have been quite successful with the silver pieces. I instruct each customer on how to properly clean the silver while protecting the pearl. Tahitians look great with silver, so do South Seas. I say go for it!

julie.

[Miriam Reed]

After years of requests from customers, I finally started mating Tahitian pearls with silver findings. It took awhile to convince me to do that, as I do not consider silver to be a precious metal, and not as precious as the pearls. But finally I went along with customer suggestions (gotta listen to those!) and have been quite successful with the silver pieces. I instruct each customer on how to properly clean the silver while protecting the pearl. Tahitians look great with silver, so do South Seas. I say go for it!

julie.

I think that's the key if you sell silver with pearls... to make sure each customer knows how to protect their pearl. We don't sell silver yet, but it's true that customers occasionally ask for it, especially with the high price of gold. It's worth considering, especially in a piece like this with a large amount of metal. Sure, go for it.

[LBoone]

After years of requests from customers, I finally started mating Tahitian pearls with silver findings. It took awhile to convince me to do that, as I do not consider silver to be a precious metal, and not as precious as the pearls. But finally I went along with customer suggestions (gotta listen to those!) and have been quite successful with the silver pieces. I instruct each customer on how to properly clean the silver while protecting the pearl. Tahitians look great with silver, so do South Seas. I say go for it!

julie.

Julie: I LOVE your designs!!!!!