[ellsbird]

Hi everyone. New to the board and been browsing here - very informative. I recently returned from Bora Bora with a Pearl (diamonds and gold chain) and want your expert opinions on the price I paid. First, let me say I had no interest in or intention of buying a pearl on my trip (I always disliked pearls as "old ladyish"), so therefore, had no real knowledge of the value (other than that I assumed certain characteristics to be logically desirable - size, roundness, luster, etc.). Eventually, the pearls began to suck me in!

In Bora Bora, there was lovely necklace in the window of Deep Sea Pearls and I ended up buying it after some negotiating, "discounts" and duty free, etc, etc. I think, considering everything, that I came out OK when one considers the diamonds and chain. Here are the details:

Pearl: Grade A, round, 12mm - the color is dark grey with pinkish overtones - picture attached, mainly so you can visualize what I am describing. It's low res because I only have my iPhone handy, but you can see the design anyway.

Pendant: rows of diamonds equal to .21 carats, set in 18k white gold

Chain: 16", 18k white gold on one side, yellow gold on the other omega chain.

For all, I paid $2800 US - I know most of this is probably gold and diamonds, but am just looking for assurances I wasn't completely ripped off.

I am also considering having it insured and so am wondering what types of appraisers can accurately valuate the piece for me.

Attached is the picture for your reference...thank you in advance for your expertise!

[ellsbird]

Let me add to the above that as we looked around countless other stores for similar settings and characteristics, the above seemed to be a fair retail price.

[jerin]

Hi Ellsbird
and welcome to the forum.
As for the Omega chain and bail with the diamonds I can´t say but the pearl seems to be a Tahitian, grade A is the Tahitian grading and means that your pearl should be the highest grade. Colour you describe points to a Tahitian as well. A pearl of that size would be several hundreds of dollars (wholesale), I think. I have an Omega chain in 18k and it is about 1,100 dollars over here, perhaps you did pay a bit much for the whole jewelry as .21 cts is not much, the diamonds are pavé. Still - if You like it that´s quite allright, I think. Just my private opinion.

[ellsbird]

Thanks so much for the information. I will be curious as to the consensus as more people reply. We have to take into account the weakness of the USD at the moment as well.

[richipat]

Welcome, you will learn lots and quickly become addicted to pearls.
Actually, it appears to have a pretty setting and a nice brownish color. It si very pretty. How about a neck shot? That is the best way to see.

[pattye]

Hi Ellsbird,

Sounds like a fair retail (B&M) price to me. Lovely to get a pendant with high end omega chain, that will be useful, and fun with the 2 colors, a very classy combo. Beautiful pearl, should be very lustrous at that grade, and lots of gold in the bail. The smaller diamonds don't actually count for much value, but obviously add a lot to the design. I suspect you will be finding more pearls speaking to you in the future!!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Nerida]

Hi, and welcome!

I think your new piece is lovely. As Pattye has said, the omega chain is very useful - particularly with the two tones of gold - good pick up!

The Tahitian pearl looks a great colour and size, and the setting is gorgeous - lots of gold, and the diamonds are always a lovely addition.

I think when you look back on purchases, part of the value is the experience and the souvenir factor as well - it may not have been a bargain - but for you personally, if you feel happy with what you have for your money, then it's all good! Gold is astronomically expensive at the moment, so that has to be taken into consideration as well.

A good reputable local jeweller should be able to value the piece for you for insurance purposes.

Stay away from the forum though if you don't want your "wish list" to get longer every week!

[ellsbird]

Thanks everyone - I feel better! I will try to upload a neck shot, probably Monday. When I went by all the pearl shops, I was amazed at the colors and the unique settings! Amazing..I am definitely a fan now. Robert Wan shop had some extremely amazing stuff but soooo expensive!

[Manutea]

Hi ellsbird

Your story sounds similar to mine... I went to Tahiti and got sucked into the pearls - now I make jewellery with them and suck other people in!