Recent content by ennui

Glad you didn't. :)

I keep my loupe on my desk. I use it for lots of things, it's better than the usual magnifying glass. There are lots of gadgets on Amazon that come in handy and don't cost all that much. My loupe came in a set of three, but I use 30x most often.

Seven Treasures is from Sanskrit, and Eight Treasures is from Chinese folk tradition ... but I'm not sure how pearl size got involved.

I love pistachio Tahitians.

I was browsing around the interwebs, and I ran across a jewelry store that sells Mikimoto. They list the quality factors to consider (luster, surface, shape, color) and the last, size. They comment: Size: Remember the old adage "seven pearls, eight treasures"—size adds rarity and presence. I...

I've observed people at estate sales with their little black lights, looking for authenticity and repairs. So, it's age and experience and a little technology. I hope you aren't too disappointed about the pearls. I've been surprised at the value of some vintage costume and fashion jewelry, so...

Are you simply sharing, or is there a question? These pearls do not appear to be knotted, and I think they could use a gentle cleaning. Is there a metal content mark on the clasp, such as 14K or 925?

I didn't have anything to do with your pearl education, but you're welcome. :giggle: I am envious that you find pearls in thrift stores -- secondhand stores in my area don't carry jewelry, period.

And for pearl tone -- Akoyas tend to be rosy, but can be silver tone, too. Since you are not local, it might help?

Those earrings are stunning! And I'm sorry it sounds like they aren't going to work out.

Tahitians have a halo, due to the thickness of the nacre. The color isn't only on the surface, it goes all the way down.

You could use diamond-cut gold beads, for sparkle.

To paraphrase Tevye, may the Lord smite me with large, round, white South Sea pearls that look like gumballs. ;) Perchik: Money is the world's curse. Tevye: May the Lord smite me with it. And may I never recover.

Will you share what you bought? (Silly question, I know) I believe you have two pairs of Pompeii earrings? Or am I confused?

I look forward to the review of the pearls! I thought I saw mention of baroque GSS but maybe I dreamed it?