Decisions Decisions

Hello All, I have decided to make an account after reading some knowledgeable things about pearls. However, its the first time I've posted, since I would like some advice/input on a pearl necklace I plan to purchase. I want to buy myself a rope of pearls (52 inches) that would look good on me (I am 26, and am 5'4), however I am stuck on who to buy from because they offer different things. First, I would like to say that I would much rather buy a pearl necklace that's very good quality, but for rope pearls is it worth it?

I apologize, but I have seen on reddit that people would much rather buy freshwater pearls over Akoya pearls for rope necklaces because they don't damage as much Akoya's. I am not sure if that is true? I haven't seen a thread on the quality of rope necklaces on this forum.

I wasn't sure whether to purchase a 52-inch necklace from Pearl Source or Pearl Paradise. The Pearl Source sells 52-inch handama pearls and Pearl Paradise sells a 52-inch freshwater AAA pearls (7.5-8.0). Both would vastly differ in price. Because of the handama's being more costly I would opt for a smaller pearl, than the freshwater's.

Input on this would help, I'm stuck on what to get

How do you feel about heavy necklaces? Because pearls are heavy, and 52 inches in the size you are considering will definitely be heavy!
If you can try on a 52 inch rope anywhere, I urge you to do so before buying. See if you are comfortable with that weight.

One thing about long ropes is that they tend to swing around. Personally I don't wear long ropes for that reason. I'd be banging the pearls into everything! But if I did want a rope despite that, I'd rather bang up freshwater pearls than akoyas. Not only because FWP are less costly than akoyas, but also because a solid nacre pearl is tougher than a pearl that is basically a relatively thin layer of nacre over a shell nucleus.

That's just me. I'm sure some people would feel differently about it.

Akoyas do have a higher luster than FWP in general, but the top quality FWP are beautiful!

I have bought from Pearl Paradise and can recommend them; I have not bought anything from The Pearl Source so can't comment on them.

Afterthought: If you can't find a 52" necklace to try on for weight, connect three 18" necklaces end to end (= 54" but close enough).
Even glass imitation pearls would give you a pretty good idea of the weight. Many department stores have imitation pearls you could try this with.

For honesty and quality, I would highly recommend Pearl Paradise.

Mango S, I feel you will love having a rope necklace, and the 52" size will be a fun and versatile length! The 7.5-8mm is a good size, with some weight, but not too heavy. (I have a similar pearl size, 75". If you can wear a 17.5" necklace, you will be able to triple for a chic choker look, double or wear long with a classic knot, too.
I too recommend Pearl Paradise for the reasons given by Pearl Dreams and Marianne. They do offer virtual appointments, doesn't this sound terrific? Please let us know what you decide.

I think it depends on why you want a rope and how you plan to wear it?
I have a 48" Akoya rope that I usually wear doubled or tripled up; the pearls are around 7mm.
I suggest freshwater pearls for the rope. I would buy Hanadama pearls for a strand that would be worn closer to the face.

Pearl Dreams said:

How do you feel about heavy necklaces? Because pearls are heavy, and 52 inches in the size you are considering will definitely be heavy!
If you can try on a 52 inch rope anywhere, I urge you to do so before buying. See if you are comfortable with that weight.

One thing about long ropes is that they tend to swing around. Personally I don't wear long ropes for that reason. I'd be banging the pearls into everything! But if I did want a rope despite that, I'd rather bang up freshwater pearls than akoyas. Not only because FWP are less costly than akoyas, but also because a solid nacre pearl is tougher than a pearl that is basically a relatively thin layer of nacre over a shell nucleus.

That's just me. I'm sure some people would feel differently about it.

Akoyas do have a higher luster than FWP in general, but the top quality FWP are beautiful!

I have bought from Pearl Paradise and can recommend them; I have not bought anything from The Pearl Source so can't comment on them.

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Thank you for your reply Pearl Dreams! I do own a 35-inch strand of freshwater pearls which I purchased at PP (they are beautiful, I even wore them last night), but unfortunately where I live there aren't stores that sell rope necklaces, so I wouldn't be able to test the heaviness of one.

Hmmm that's an interesting take. I do agree if I were to bang up a rope of akoyas it would hurt especially if they were handamas I did not think of that possibility.

pattye said:

Mango S, I feel you will love having a rope necklace, and the 52" size will be a fun and versatile length! The 7.5-8mm is a good size, with some weight, but not too heavy. (I have a similar pearl size, 75". If you can wear a 17.5" necklace, you will be able to triple for a chic choker look, double or wear long with a classic knot, too.
I too recommend Pearl Paradise for the reasons given by Pearl Dreams and Marianne. They do offer virtual appointments, doesn't this sound terrific? Please let us know what you decide.

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Yes, Pattye I definitely agree that rope necklaces are very fun and versatile! They can look chic and elegant depending how I style them too. I will make an appointment with them and decide from there! I will make sure to let you know what I decide

ennui said:

I think it depends on why you want a rope and how you plan to wear it?
I have a 48" Akoya rope that I usually wear doubled or tripled up; the pearls are around 7mm.
I suggest freshwater pearls for the rope. I would buy Hanadama pearls for a strand that would be worn closer to the face.

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I've always found rope necklaces very beautiful and elegant. I already have a few necklaces such as 16-inch handama, 16-inch lavendar FWP, and one of my favorites a 35-inch FWP. I wanted something longer because I see them as versatile, I can wear them casually, or elegantly if I were to wrap them around my neck a few times.

If I were to get this necklace, I would use it often.

What grading is the Akoya rope that you have?

Mango_smoothie said:

What grading is the Akoya rope that you have?

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My Akoya rope isn't graded -- they are baroque pearls. I like baroque Akoyas with their little fish tails and it's not often that I find white. The nacre is very good, so they have nice tones.

I turned my mother's triple Akoya strand (6-6.5mm) into a long rope and used sparkle 14K gold tube beads and those little silicone rings to protect the pearls from the gold tubes. It can be worn double (about 18") or single (about 37"). I love the sparkle of the gold tube beads, but I understand that might not be everyone's preference.