Help me choose from this selection

[pennyc]

Thanks Lisa although to be honest if I really went with my emotional response I would have to take out a second mortgage lol

[lisa c]

Ah, too true!

[pattye]

Here are a few reasons one might consider going to a B&M to check out any pearls~hopefully a shop that has more than 1 or 2 strands.

1. Get an idea what retail charges for equivalent strands, and confirm the value of buying online.

2. If one has never seen Tahitians in person, or only a few times, to be able to see some various colors and qualities. (Like Lisa said.)

3. Confirm what size pearls one favors, and length of necklace.

4. Confirm what you have already figured out about your likes and dislikes!

5. Telling the sales people you are interested in and learning about pearls, and seeing if they are enthusiastic and knowledgeable can be an eye opening experience!

[pennyc]

Thanks again I believe I have narrowed it to two strands. Will post more pics when they are able to send them through. Thanks again! Everyone is being so lovely and making this exciting for me when I was worried I would pay $800 for a strand worth $80

[pennyc]

Ok I have a few more pics of the strand I am leaning towards and 2 others they suggested.

The only other contender is a mixed fancy colour tahitian strand. I am waiting on more pics of it. I am just thinking that I may get more wear out of something more uniform in colour and I must admit I am loving the dark strands (think I answered my own question)

What are you thoughts on the below

[mausketeer]

I just need to add one thing about going to see pearls in person (if you don't intend to buy them at the B&M store): the SIZE. Even with drawing myself little diagrams the get an idea of how big say 6mm and 8mm is, I have still been surprised by how small the pearls look when I received them sometimes. When you see the photos blown up so huge on screen, then you get them in person, sometimes it can be disappointing.....

- Jodie -

[lisa c]

Pattye and Jodie, Thanks! That's exactly what I was wondering, because I get retail sticker shock at B&Ms and malls, and get very depressed. Therefore, I avoid them. Love you guys!

[pennyc]

Thanks Jodie I have drawn a few circles to see size, I am glad I did or I would have been disappointed however it seems I am getting the biggest I can for the money and quality huge tahitian seem to be very exxy indeed

[lisa c]

Do we know what size pearls these are?

[mausketeer]

I realized Pattye already mentioned size..... sorry....... didn't mean to sound like a "know-it-all"!

[lisa c]

You're good! Don't worry, you added a different spin to it, also valuable.

[waimeamomi]

Here's another suggestion, ask if you can have the strands sent to you (if they're coming from the same vendor) and return the ones you don't want. I have had vendors that I never met do that. You have to be willing to foot the shipping, and put them on your card momentarily, but it might be worth it. If not, then make sure there is a return policy on whatever you buy.

[pennyc]

size is 8.7 to 11.6.

As I am in Australia I think getting strands sent to me will end up being to costly

[KarinK]

Pattye and Jodie, Thanks! That's exactly what I was wondering, because I get retail sticker shock at B&Ms and malls, and get very depressed. Therefore, I avoid them. Love you guys!

Works opporsite for me - I love that I know I can get the good stuff for a fraction of the price This is especially true for Denmark, where the sales tax is 25%. And yes, the pondslimes and big, white klonks in my album are up for graps. I sold 15 of each to a friend but otherwise I am looking to recycle, also the original Tahitians - only problem could be that I am based in Europe. Put pm me if anyone is interested.

Penny, I have found size not to be an issue with the Tahitians. My lovelies are less than 10 mm but I feel they stand out because of the colour. Can't wait to see more pictures of your new favorites. A thought, it probably won't cost you that much more to include two extra pearls for matching earrings, but it could make your life very difficult trying to find a matching pair later - if you are into earrings.

- Karin

[mausketeer]

A thought, it probably won't cost you that much more to include two extra pearls for matching earrings, but it could make your life very difficult trying to find a matching pair later - if you are into earrings.

- Karin

Oooh - good point - damn, never thought of that on the strand I just got.......

- Jodie -