Use of the term "Pearl Plated Beads"

[Caitlin]

We have a photo comparing a freshie to a hanadama posted lots of places. The luster is very high on both. Most akoyas have a really shiny luster. The natural, untreated can have orient (look for Gemgeek's strand), but they are not cheap. The freshies can be as shiny as typical akoyas, but the shine is a bit deeper, not a mirror shine- though you can see your own reflection in both kinds.

One more thing, the iridescence on the surface of freshadamas can vary. It is a matter of eyesight and the amount of iridescence. To a sharp eye, they all have an iridescent play of color. I know a pearl guy who could not see orient with or without his glasses, whereas I could see it on a lot of pearls. My daughter picked up a part of a strand that I saw no orient on and described the orient she saw. That was an eyeopener to me!

Please do not worry about a Tahitian wearing out in 40 years, even if you wear it every day. My mother-in-law wore out some akoya ropes from the 30's in 60 years, but she did wear them every single day.

My personal favorite is still the freshadama quality, esp. my white metallic strand That one is more shiny than an akoya, with rose gold overtones.

 

[007]

I have seen one photo of white metallic FWP on the forum and they are amazing. How lucky you are! I would love to own a strand or pendant in white metallic but my understanding is these pearls are very very rare!

Thank you for the reassurance on the Tahitian's. I have a set of Tahitian studs from a wholesaler on 47th. Although the dealer is trusted in the area, they did not come with a certificate. The online dealers here all appear to send certificates and I think that verification of authenticity is a nice touch.

I have to say I experience some serious envy when I look at Gemgeek's (and other's) pearl photos on the forum!

 

[lisa c]

I have to say I experience some serious envy when I look at Gemgeek's (and other's) pearl photos on the forum![/QUOTE]

Oh, Yah! Don't most of us!!!! I think it's tempered by optimism, though, and the conviction that someday, somehow, we'll buy some special strand, too. Thanks to our Sweet Vendors here, it's an actual possibility, not delusional thinking.

Thank You, Guys and Gals, for making that goal a 'possibly, hopefully, one day soon'!!!