[jshepherd]

I have to pipe in here on this one, even though I usually try to stay out when our pearls are compared in a thread...

I think individual photography is a must with Tahitians. Also, if it is possible to mute the luster, no matter what light the recipient views the strand in, it will always be as good or better than the picture.

Every Tahitian strand, unlike freshwater and akoya, is different. Sometimes the difference is subtle, and yes it is possible to recreate a piece to very close specifications, but this is not really possible with off-round, circle or baroque strands. So using a "generic" photo is NOT representative of what the customer will receive.

The zoom in feature is something we have considered in the past. I do not like the one on Pearl Source, however. If we did decide to use one we would use one similar to Angela Carol. It is much more user friendly.

But there is one question that comes up with the "zoom" feature. If P. Source is using a generic photo and the photographed piece is not the one the customer will receive, what is the point of having the zoom feature? Its purpose is primarily to examine inclusions. Color and luster can be viewed in a 3x5 picture. In pieces that are absolutely certain to be generic photos, like freshwater and akoya, use of such a feature would certainly be misleading in my opinion. What good does it do to examine a generic photo under a loupe?

[pattye]

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for your comments, which truly address the issues around purchasing based on photographs and zoom features!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[PGDesign]

Judgements should be based on the quality of the product you recieve (and the service) rather than speculation. I possess pearls from three of the main sellers mentioned on this forum. All are outstanding. I also have pearls from The Pearl Source. These pearls were exactly as pictured on their site, stock photos or not, and they are very beautiful. Perhaps I've received the actual items pictured, but I find that unlikely.

I think you should just choose whichever strand you like the look of. Or, as was suggested earlier, order both and see which shouts loudest when you open the box.

PG x

[SpaceNeedle]

Originally Posted by Raisondetre

I find that as long as the color/orient is exactly what you want, blemishes are not usually a problem. I absolutely loved the tahitian/keshi bracelet I got from PP and it was swimming in colors. My eye would not actively seek blemishes.

I totally agreed with Raisondetre on this one. I would consider my strand "moderate blemishing" but people are drawn to the colors and the luster of the pearls. You can compare the pearls on the strand and the **flawless** pearls on the earrings and you would agree with me and Raisondetre.

http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...nt=Circle7.jpg

And different views:
http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...ent=Circle.jpg
http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...nt=Circle3.jpg

[jody]

What a beautiful strand. THANK YOU sharing such lovely photos. I love the COLORS!

[PGDesign]

Originally Posted by SpaceNeedle

I totally agreed with Raisondetre on this one. I would consider my strand "moderate blemishing" but people are drawn to the colors and the luster of the pearls. You can compare the pearls on the strand and the flawless pearls on the earrings.

http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...nt=Circle7.jpg

And different views:
http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...ent=Circle.jpg
http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...nt=Circle3.jpg

Oh my goodness, what beautiful pearls, they are breathtaking! I shall have to start saving .....

[GemGeek]

<gasp> <swoon> <sigh>

[Hanaleimom]

Originally Posted by SpaceNeedle

I totally agreed with Raisondetre on this one. I would consider my strand "moderate blemishing" but people are drawn to the colors and the luster of the pearls. You can compare the pearls on the strand and the **flawless** pearls on the earrings and you would agree with me and Raisondetre.

http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...nt=Circle7.jpg

And different views:
http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...ent=Circle.jpg
http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...nt=Circle3.jpg

May I ask where did you purchase this strand? It is so beautiful. I am on a quest for a Tahitian baroque, probably aqua tones, though.

[silverseajewelry]

Ooooh, I like that strand!

I can see some of the blemishes if I am looking for them, but nothing that overpowers the blast of lustre and color.

[barbie biggs]

We're all so addicted to luster. It sounds like some eerie kind of drug.

[jerin]

Hi everyone,

these 3 pics just get to show that all depends on how you put the strand before photographing it.

In the first pic there are no circles to be seen and just the colour and luster jumps at you,

the second and the third one let you see that there are circles, still the colur and the luster is captivating!

[SpaceNeedle]

Originally Posted by Hanaleimom

May I ask where did you purchase this strand? It is so beautiful. I am on a quest for a Tahitian baroque, probably aqua tones, though.

I purchased the strand from Elaine (ebwootten). The pearls on the strand are from Josh's farm

[jerin]

Originally Posted by jshepherd

The zoom in feature is something we have considered in the past. I do not like the one on Pearl Source, however. If we did decide to use one we would use one similar to Angela Carol. It is much more user friendly.

But there is one question that comes up with the "zoom" feature. If P. Source is using a generic photo and the photographed piece is not the one the customer will receive, what is the point of having the zoom feature? Its purpose is primarily to examine inclusions. Color and luster can be viewed in a 3x5 picture. In pieces that are absolutely certain to be generic photos, like freshwater and akoya, use of such a feature would certainly be misleading in my opinion. What good does it do to examine a generic photo under a loupe?

Hi Jeremy,

thanks for this answer on the zoom feature - I do agree to a certain point - the photo of course must be of the exact strand that is on offer, not a generic one, but I do not see why this type of zoom is not customer friendly
- on the contrary it shows surface and colur excellently in my opinion!

I haven´t looked at the zoom on Angela Carols site as yet, but I did like the large magnifying of PS site.
If the strand is one of a kind, it makes it very easy for the customer to look at it from many angles and in the circled ones it is important to see the colours as the surface because of the circles is not that important.

[jerin]

Originally Posted by SpaceNeedle

I purchased the strand from Elaine (ebwootten). The pearls on the strand are from Josh's farm

Can you please give the correct link to Elaine´s site?

[jshepherd]

Originally Posted by jody

Hi

I like the look of these two necklaces, though price does vary quite a bit between the two. The more expensive one has around the same size pearls, excellent luster and same quality, AA.

http://www.thepearlsource.com/8-10mm...lection_92.htm

The less expensive strand is also AA, around the same size pearls, (though there is a typo about size, think it is 8.26-10.8mm, not 9.26) but would one assume the luster perhaps is not as high? It is not stated, so I'm thinking that is the reason for the lower cost.

http://www.pearlparadise.com/detail.aspx?ID=2013

I was looking at the pictures again and I think this strand would be a better comparison to the Pearl Source piece. The colors are very similar, the size is the same, and they have similar circling. The only significant difference (based on the grade) would likely be the surface.