Paspaley e-boutique

[pattye]

Our Nora alerted me about this launch of Paspaley's e-boutique!

http://www.paspaley.com/eboutique/

Lots of fab photos so we can get our pearl fix! (Small compensation for not being in Tucson this weekend.)

Also great info on how their SS pearls are valued; which is called "5 Virtues of a Pearl," an interactive display that's pretty cool!

Be sure to sign up to be on their email list, too!

Thanks very much, Nora!

[Jeweljunke]

Eye candy galore! So so pretty. Thanks for the fix

[Ash]

Thanks Pattye!

What a way to start the weekend in Pearly Bliss!

Cheers
Ash

[Alex]

Love the 5 Virtues section............. :-)

[R&B]

The Paspaley's are the undisputable leaders in the Pearl World.
I truly admire their life long persuit to perfection.

Rusty

[Mary Montpezat]

I'm going to be a bit of a contrarian here - I've watched Paspaley's marketing campaign over the last 15 years. It has been one of the most intense PR campaigns I have ever witnessed.
Their jewellery designs aren't actually outstanding IMO.
Interestingly, they have clearly invested a LOT of money in their google rankings - any searches for Paspaley plus "overpriced" come up with zero results, which is pretty much impossible that that's a reality online. I don't know enough about pearls to know whether an objective assessment would find their prices to be appropriate - but I do know that a superlative marketing campaign will overwhelm reality every time, and demonstrates that they are quite allergic to the possibility of negative commentary. I don't think a company that's totally confident of its actually quality - as opposed to brand appeal - would need to be quite so controlling of conversations.
If someone can mount a rational case that Paspaley would be as highly regarded without a ten-year marketing blitz, please argue their case with me! I think many of their designs that contain very few pearls and lots of worked metal, seem incredibly expensive - e.g. $11,000 for a white gold bracelet with four (admittedly superb!) pearls.

[R&B]

Marketing is a funny thing Mary and quite necessary.
I do not know any Paspaley's personally. And don't need to.
I'm aware of their operations from a bystander perspective and also have friends in the Australian South Sea Pearl Industry that have been a part of their buisiness.
Bron and I are small South Sea Pearl Farmers, My personal admiration for the Paspaley brand is on the basis of their involvement in the birth of the South Sea Pearl industry from nothing to being the producer of the Best Pearls in the World.
To supply volumes of Gem grade strands of pearl you need to grow very high volumes of pearls. Their research and development over time has put them ahead af all others in quality percentages.
Paspaley has the "Best Pearls in the World" because they have re-invested their own money over fifty odd years in pursuit of volumes of quality pearls.
They have bought out other pearl farmers over the years to grow and strenghten their position in the market.
There is nothing new in this in business. However no one else has done this from the beginning with South Sea Pearls.
As a public forum I should limit my comments on their operations to only that.
Personal opinion is very important with a jewellery purchase Mary. I know several jewellers that upon release of the Paspaley catalouge copy the new designs. This is a very common thing in the industry. If you cannot afford a Paspaley peice, you can buy a replica.
Bron and I, as Australian South Sea Pearl Farmers are quite proud of the position of Paspaley's with their position as World Leaders.
There are many, many people that can not afford a Paspaley, That's where "We" come in.
One last thing on Paspaley's, I'm sure glad I don't have their monthly operating costs.

[Marianne]

Nicely stated, Rusty!

[Artpearl]

Hello Rusty,

Great insight.. There is always a lot to consider when looking at any company big or small. What do you know about their environmental/industry practice. It would be great to hear that they also invest in industry leading operational practices, etc.

I had a look at their online assortment and they had a great site that educates and feature stunningly designed pieces. Their designs are unique and are statements that are recognizable. I'm not sure I would like a "copy" of their designs. In fact, I would not invest in anything that is a copy of the original design. Better to focus on the beauty and quality of pearls than attempt to copy jewllery designs.

I love that they use a closure system similar to Cliclasp (or may it is the same) as it does not distract from the pearl strand. I think this is a elegant option when compared to less then exceptional clasps.

[CLICLASP]

I love that they use a closure system similar to Cliclasp (or may it is the same) as it does not distract from the pearl strand. I think this is a elegant option when compared to less then exceptional clasps.

Yes we are using the same closure system and they are compatible.
You pointed it out : "it does not distract from the pearl strand, it's an elegant option" and that's why I like it

They made a great job in the 5 virtues section and in my opinon, these 5 V are the best way to assess the beauty of a pearl, wherever they are from, and I am referring to all the time.

[Caitlin]

I'm going to be a bit of a contrarian here - I've watched Paspaley's marketing campaign over the last 15 years. It has been one of the most intense PR campaigns I have ever witnessed.
Their jewellery designs aren't actually outstanding IMO.
Interestingly, they have clearly invested a LOT of money in their google rankings - any searches for Paspaley plus "overpriced" come up with zero results, which is pretty much impossible that that's a reality online. I don't know enough about pearls to know whether an objective assessment would find their prices to be appropriate - but I do know that a superlative marketing campaign will overwhelm reality every time, and demonstrates that they are quite allergic to the possibility of negative commentary. I don't think a company that's totally confident of its actually quality - as opposed to brand appeal - would need to be quite so controlling of conversations.
If someone can mount a rational case that Paspaley would be as highly regarded without a ten-year marketing blitz, please argue their case with me! I think many of their designs that contain very few pearls and lots of worked metal, seem incredibly expensive - e.g. $11,000 for a white gold bracelet with four (admittedly superb!) pearls.

I quite agree with you. I see no percentage in some of the ways the Paspaleys do things, like their large ships and fleet are just too Texas for me. And don't tell me it is sustainable. Paspaley is a huge edifice with a grandiose turn. I am quite aware that anything bought from them has a huge inflated price. They want the Arab trade and the Texas trade, and they are welcome to it.

In this day and age, there is room for the small Pearl Farmer to market direct to the public, to use human labor and sustainable practices. I think the Paspaleys are an era in pearls, but they will not last, as is.

I for one, given the choice would do it R&B's way. Or buy Kamoka and/or Cortez Pearls. The same quality pearl would be less at R&B's, but come with an authentic experience. The Paspaley experience is sheer fantasy- beyond what it needs to be. But it is not just Disney, where you know it is fantasy; with the Paspaley marketing, you are lead to believe that fantasy is reality. If you get caught in their fantasy, you really do pay far too much for the pearls!!! Too me, that is like a bad hangover, or buyers maximum remorse to wake up from that fantasy and realize you were had by your own snobbery or other such frivolous "needs"!

Only insecure people need to have the Paspaley brand of pearl. Or any highly touted brand, lke Mikimoto. If you go that way, it is about the brand. But if you realize it is about the pearl, and not the brand, your eyes can open to a whole new world of supreme quality that needs no brand.

[CLICLASP]

What you said brings me to the same question I am wondering for years now:
"I am still very amazed of the price of SS (I also have SS to compare quality,) compared to the quality of FW continuously rising with such various colors and a metallic shine that no other kind of pearl can compete...
what's happen in the coming years? Will only marketing make the difference?"

[pattye]

But if you realize it is about the pearl, and not the brand, your eyes can open to a whole new world of supreme quality that needs no brand.

So well said, Caitlin! That's truly the heart of Pearl-Guide, isn't it?

[Adeline Leigh]

So well said, Caitlin! That's truly the heart of Pearl-Guide, isn't it?

Wow, both of these statements, truisms. That why I think most of us came to PG: to identify the mystery behind the beauty we were buying and to see seek to understand the phenomenon.

[R&B]

Good evening all,

Thanks for the compliment Marianne.

Good questions Artpearl. They "ARE" the South Sea Pearl Industry Leaders. Much of what is done in our industry has filtered down from them and the Kailis Family efforts with their R&D. (my respects to the other Australian farmers that have also contributed over the last fifty odd years).

Caitlin, they have big boats alright. The way they operate requires it. They are not only after the Arab and Texan market but all who are financially placed for the best of what life has.

This is an Ethical issue and I do not wish to go down this path on the Pearl-Guide. If you have a South Sea Pearl you purchased or was given you as a gift from a Pearl Trader/Jeweller, there's a possability that it came from Paspaley's or Kailis. You see the very best are reserved for the "Brand" and very large numbers that don't make their "Brand Grade" are sold on unbranded. Then they are sold on , then sold on then sold on until finally a Jeweller or trader meets you.

Word has it Paspaley are cutting back production and Kailis have ceased production. There are several share trader groups that try to replicate Paspaley and Kailis, I wish them well. I personally don't like the concept of using other peoples money to try to cash in on Pearls for the sake of cash. I have witnessed the hardship of friends being duped by such people.

From our 2011 harvest from virgin shell, our best A grade round was 14.2mm. Bron and I are very proud of this feat but, one pearl into a strand does not make a strand of big pearls.

The point I'm trying to make is, we love producing a small amount of pearls, now that Kailis has ceased production, if Paspaley fail their will be more jewellery shops around the world with lovelly displays of fresh water pearls and no sign of the magnificent gems of the ocean.

Furthermore, in Australia we had and still to a degree have a culture of working for a living. Our position as a western country with a high dollar value requires a large portion of operational cost going to the absolutely necessary workers. Some of the competition run farms in countries that are not as "well off" as Australia so they don't have the operational costs of the Australian Farmer. You be the judge.

I wish no offence to anyone. As said before, I know no Paspaley's, regardless of your financial clout, if you love pearls, you must admire South Sea Pearls and in so doing try to appreciate what Paspaley's and Kailis have done through their own sweat and toil from the beginning up until now to both create and develop this great Industry that IS THE SOUTH SEA PEARL.

Good night and I will make no further comment on this thread.