[Raisondetre]

Originally Posted by perlas

going back to the original question.....

although the goldens are more sought after, i just prefer the champagne color eventhough we have a lot of goldens here. with a lot of luster, the champagnes really look gorgeous.

Hmm, it's interesting you say that. Because I've never really liked true goldens, probably because of the yellow undertones of my skin (I'm Asian). I do however love champagne colored rounds with a rose overtone, and am likely to get first a 12-13 mm pendant and a 9-10 mm strand that's got excellent luster. Golden would just make me look too sallow. Personal choice. Works out for my pocket as well.

Whites are always a classic. The pieces in Paspaley are simply to die for. Alas, much out of my reach at the moment. I can't believe it's my first post in this thread that's actually relevant to the original question!

[perlas]

Originally Posted by Raisondetre

Whites are always a classic. The pieces in Paspaley are simply to die for. Alas, much out of my reach at the moment. I can't believe it's my first post in this thread that's actually relevant to the original question!

Have you seen Paspaley's brochure? The rings with gemstones set in pave are so elegant.

I've attached a better photo (I'm such a picture person).
The pearls, btw, are of Australian origin.

[Raisondetre]

I nicked one when I was at the boutique. Or maybe it was just the education brochure, not the catalogue. Will check it out and see if I can scan some pretty pictures this weekend. One more day to go before the work week ends.

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by smetzler

…in context, an individual infatuation that resulted in my presence here (and nowhere else), with no pretensions other than to share an experience and 'discovery.'

Speaking of discovery: I would have simply discovered these pearls right here too, if it wasn't for a now defunct Web shop peddling more or less interesting cultured Tahitian pearls and ... with less than a dozen pipi-s mixed in.

As said, that shop is dead and I have no idea where else online these pearls have any presence at all. Which is quite a shame, really... I hope you get allot more news going about golden pipi pearls

[Valeria101]

Quick question about 'champagne' pearls. What color is that, really? It sounds like I had it wrong all the time...

And what types of pearls show it (w/o color treatment, that is) ?

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by Valeria101

I hope you get allot more news going about golden pipi pearls

It seems that Pinctada Maculata (Pipi) and Golden South Seas threads are crossing paths here, which is appropriate given the colors and poe pipi standing as the original Golden SS Pearls.

The Cooks are correct to promote their cultured pearl industry, but they would be well advised not to allow this to be at the expense of preservation and appreciation of natural poe pipi from Penryhn/Tongareva—for their rare uniqueness as well as beauty and occasional round, golden perfection.

As previously posted, there will be news upon completion and 'unveiling' of the necklace Poe Io Mata Nui on the Pinctada Maculata thread, some time in early June!

Steve
Seattle

[perlas]

There's really not much information on the pipi pearls. Maybe it's because of the size that they do not get as much interest compared to conch and melo melos.

However, I think the pipi pearls are unique because of their color and can definitely make a good jewellery piece.

-----

Sorry for the confusion. What I actually posted was a cream pearl. Champagne is also usually defined as golden. But around here, champagne and golden is a separate color. Champagne is a distinct light yellow while golden is dark yellow or a golden yellow.

Although like the pink sapphires and red rubies, there's really no demarkation line on which is champagne and which is golden.

Since goldens fetch higher prices, the champagnes are usually dyed to make it golden. Somehow, once a yellow pearl have a green tinge, this is also a negative color (although I think the one with the green tinge is beautiful), and thus these pearls are dyed golden as well.

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by perlas

There's really not much information on the pipi pearls. Maybe it's because of the size that they do not get as much interest compared to conch and melo melos.

However, I think the pipi pearls are unique because of their color and can definitely make a good jewellery piece.

This would be best linked to 'Pinctada Maculata.' I will double post this to make sure we're reaching interested forum readers.

The 'Pinctada Maculata' thread on Pearl-Guide.com, as a compilation of sources and anecdotes, is likely the most information on the subject in one place! The thread is now popping up near the top of nearly every Google search on the subject.

Perla's observation of poe pipi jewellery application is right. They are like little diamonds—'points of light'—and a few well-placed pearls go a long way.

Vis a vis melo melo and conch, of course pipi are real nacreous pearls, but their very unavailabilty has not allowed the growth of a collector's market per se. The concept of 'critical mass' comes into play, as poe pipi do not offer commercial attractiveness for authors or merchants to devote time and resources. Besides, they may well disappear in a few years—making chapters on the subject obsolete!

As we explore continuing availability of poe pipi the dwindling supply is apparent. Local merchants are increasingly reluctant to part with the few fine pearls obtained without elaborating them into formal pieces. Here is a guideline of prices for A grade (highest) high-luster, deep golden poe pipi as loose pearls at retail in Rarotonga quoted in recent weeks. This is US dollars, and US retail equivalent would be calculated in multiples:

3.5mm baroque: $100
3.5mm round: $250
4.0mm drop: $350
5.0mm round: $600
6.2mm round: $1000

6.00mm round poe pipi is rarified atmosphere. The necklace Poe Io Mata Nui will contain 10 poe pipi over 7mm!

Steve
Seattle