Recent content by ennui

The organic surface combined with the age has me inclined to think it is authentic Biwa. So many Biwa pearls are stick shaped, so it's unusual to see a button pearl. What I did was start searching the 'net to see if I could find similar rings at estate auctions, etc. There are a few, and it's...

I like your strand, very organic and pebbly. Pearls of that age will be all nacre, no bead.

I'll leave the pearl analysis to those with more expertise, but I do think you should delete the personal information. Err on the side of caution, we don't need the receipt, just the photos of the ring. It's a pretty ring, I like the claw setting. Are you wearing it again, now that the pandemic...

How much length do you need? Keep in mind, it's not so much the length as the size of the pearls that will make it fit smaller. I don't know how crafty you are, but I'm wondering if you could do wire-wrapping -- that would extend the length. Or, perhaps a tin cup style? You have a lot of...

Once upon a time, a $20 gold piece was worth $20, but that was a lot of money. Minimum wage in 1970 was $1.60. It's all relative.

Well, I am disappointed to report that Attack did not work for me. My first project was for practice -- I have a pendant that I was fiddling with and the stem broke off. I have tried acetone (in case it was super glue), and after soaking in Attack for almost a week (!) that nub/stem is firmly in...

I'm glad you said gold was "less expensive;" I don't think it's ever been "inexpensive," or those people would not have rushed to California and Alaska all those decades ago. There are also various grades of diamonds, from D-flawless all the way down to industrial. I think it's a pretty...

Akoyas do naturally occur in golden tones, which is my estimation of your strand. They do have great luster! I have a golden Akoya bracelet from PP, and a strand. I combine them with golden South Sea earrings.

Thank you for the update. I don't have any personal experience with untreated Akoya, so I can't offer an opinion. I think BWeaves has untreated Akoya, perhaps she will chime in.

I would guess temperature. Hot water from the tap isn't hot enough to cook food (at least, I hope not, because you might burn yourself).

That unboxing was fun! Thanks for sharing. I hope you love the pendant?

How old? I have a blue pearl from the 1980s that's fairly similar.

Have you considered a makeup train case? There are usually two layers, and the top layer has compartments. Back in the olden days, I think they were called an overnight case. Enough room for your negligee. ;)

There are some variables you didn't mention. Is this a long trip? Flying or cruising? Special events? In general, pearls do not like plastic bags but they'd be fine for a short trip. I have some small satin pouches that I use for pearls. However, I find that pearls are sort of heavy, so I will...

I was guessing from the size. I found: Species Pteria (Margaritifera) maxima Jameson, 1901 accepted as Pinctada maxima (Jameson, 1901) (original combination).