Recent content by ennui

The Assael Akoyas are breathtaking -- I feel like I should save that picture, to remind myself what pearls are supposed to be. Really beautiful. I'm glad you found matching earrings, too! I hope your wife wears them more often than just special occasions. For "pearl newbs," you did very well...

That is my understanding. Gold plate over base metal. It's been a while since I saw any actual vermeil for sale, since it requires more gold.

There may be a consignment jeweler in your area. Or, depending on your financial situation, you could donate them to a charity shop in your area; not Goodwill, but perhaps something more specific. For example, there is a women's shelter in my area that also operates a small store to sell some...

I don't see a photo.

I had to look it up -- "Each piece is crafted by electroplating a base metal—often sterling silver—with a precise layer of real gold, measured in microns."

Another find. Apparently TJMaxx has an abundant supply of fireballs, some better than others. Anyway, bracelet with magnetic clasp and necklace. I bought the necklace for the length (32"). Pearl therapy on a budget. :giggle:

I have observed that some sellers use "Tahitian black" as a color descriptor and not necessarily as a pearl category.

Not so bad, I can see the green and gold tones, and no blemishes. Nice find! Enjoy!

I think they are cultured freshwater pearls. Some of the pearls are button shaped, or sometimes called rondel shapes. Pearls are organic gemstones formed inside mollusks, and while some are sold untreated, many undergo post‑harvest treatments to improve color, luster, or uniformity. These...

I like jeg's khaki thread bracelet. I think it allows the pearls to pop instead of the knots. Jeg posted a photo of a bracelet on sand, but I think that's the bracelet with the teal thread. So many choices! Lay everything out on a bead board and see how you feel.

"Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, ‘Where have I gone wrong?’ Then a voice says to me, ‘This is going to take more than one night.’” -- Charlie Brown

Those earrings are stunning! When I am on this page, there's a topic listed below called Souffle South Sea Pearls, which was also started by LondonPearl. I am familiar with souffle SS, but I'm not clear on whether the gel remains inside or if it is removed like the mud-souffle pearls.

Another thought, it could be that smaller pearls are better quality, as far as luster and blemishes. Any excuse will do, I suppose. Pearl prices keep going up!

Apparently Meghan prefers diamonds. To each their own. I had heard that Assael was going to create some similar Fiji strands for sale to the general public, but I don't know if that happened. As Pearlgully posted, there are Fiji strands at Pearl Paradise.

I think so. We're in a phase where small, petite pearls seem to be in demand. In my opinion, it's also price point. Smaller pearls tend to be more affordable. If Kamoka focused on large (expensive) pearls they might end up stuck with a lot of inventory.