I was involved at the very earliest stages with “Edison” pearls and have kept some of the first examples in my safe. They have all faded. I have said this on earlier discussions here on this site. I would be happy bring the samples to any of the international shows where we exhibit - Hong Kong...
Thirteen years ago I found the perfect pearl to make a golf tee. We set a diamond golf ball on top. Yesterday I finally finished my golf club. It’s all hand made in 18 carat gold.
Wendy is correct on this. I have kept some of the fine examples of these pearls from the first few years of production. I exhibited in shows in partnership with the main farmer. The older the pearl is, the more the colour fades.
The examples above are truly beautiful - now. The real question...
If you know anyone looking for lower priced commercial Akoya - please send them my way. We have a big inventory. We have been selling back to Japan recently (we sold 100 plus strands last week) - but I think I would get better prices in the USA! Fine goods are very slow but they are fetching...
Prices will go up for consumers. I think that is inevitable unfortunately. The positive side of this however is that the items in your collection will have also gone up in value….!