Online stores and actual photos of the actual pearls you will be buying...

[Ash]

Realistically speaking, buying online is the same as buying from a mail order catalog. Especially with items such as Jewellery, Makeup. Fabric etc...

There may be some differences and an acceptable range for some variances in a product. It maybe noted ("Item may not be exactly as shown", or "Items may vary" etc) I do not know the legalities in regards to if anything is required to be mentioned or not.

Most companies will not spend the resources or take the time for photos of every single item they sell. not realistic & can be a huge drain on manpower & funds that can be used elsewhere.


There has been good advice mentioned by others previously in this thread. Do your Homework & take what they say to heart! I can think of much worse fates than looking at 100+ photos that all look similar.

Cheers
Ash

[Mary Montpezat]

The answer has to be: buy from a reputable seller!

I bought a 7mm AAA Mikimoto necklace the other week from an online seller but absolutely only on the basis that I could return them no questions asked. It was a bit of a leap of faith nonetheless.

The valuation from the jeweller came in $1,000 higher than what I paid, which was a relief!

The only downside of my perfectly matched cultured pearls is that my colleague at work wears fake pearls and hers look just as good!

: )

[pearlescence]

Ah, but a valuation is relative. Was it a valuation which says what the jeweller would pay himself to buy such a necklace, or a valuation for insurance purposes or what. The word valuation is meaningless. Things are only worth what someone is actually prepared to pay for them.
An auction only really represents the price/value in anything since it shows that two people are prepared to part with money up to whatever the price.

[Mary Montpezat]

pearlescence, too right - and I specified that I wanted a conservative valuation with no inflation for insurance purposes. The jeweller was very clear - "price in a retail shop" - which explains the $1,000 difference between the "high-end retail" valuation and what I paid for it in a lower-end context. They were classed as AAA with exceptional nacre (the second time I've lucked in with a very thick lustrous nacre in a pearl necklace)

[Caitlin]

Congratulations! Photo?

We just had a necklace on here that was exquisite and is probably fake. I forget which thread.

[Amanda]

Wendy, how often do you go to Hong Kong?

[Sea Urchin]

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone.

P.S. Crazy idea here, but if anyone wants a free critique of their selling site by a professional crabby customer, lemme know.

[lisa c]

Sea urchin, Crab Notes! Clever idea. Well, hello PGers, do we have anyone in Houston who goes to the trade shows? Or nearby? I've been to Houston, it's huge, big convention city.

[Amrita]

Sea Urchin - interesting and provocative discussion thread here. I know my website may be due for an overhaul now and I have a list of things needing improvements, but you are most welcome to do a free critique on it!
BTW, I do try my best to email photos of particular pearls chosen for a customer before shipping them out, and so far, the results have been most satisfactory, even though I say this myself....There have been a couple of times when there's been a slight mismatch between what's stated/shown on the website and what I am about to ship, and I have pointed that difference upfront to the customer both times.....honesty is always appreciated!!

And now I hold my breath to listen to your "professional crabby" critique....be gentle though..

[pearlescence]

twice last year and this coming sept I hope...I wish it were nearer. It's about 18-20 hours flying time from mank

[Sea Urchin]

Okay, Ms. Amrita, I really liked your site, but I am detail-oriented so I have a few pages of notes.

I didn't know if you wanted me to post a link here, and your private message settings won't let me send it. Also, the contact form on your site doesn't look like it will hold that much. So, how do I give it to you?

[Amrita]

Wow - thanks Sea Urchin, that was fast!
Please email me at info@harmonypearls.com - thanks so much!

[Amrita]

Thanks so much for the detailed notes on the website, Sea Urchin! I am so grateful for your eye for detail and for your great suggestions and criticisms - which can only lead to an improved experience for site visitors!