A newbie's pearl journey

[ofgemsandcoffee]

Hello, everyone!! I'm from the Philippines, and I'm a colored gemstone girl who recently got into pearls. I'm also on Instagram with the same handle if anyone has a gem/jewelry account on there and wants to chat. I've been lurking here for a while and wanted to share that I've learned a lot about pearls from all of you. I have a teeny, tiny collection of pearl jewelry now, so I thought it's time to join all the fun discussions here by creating an account.

I used to think pearls weren't for me but now I realize that I just didn't know that much about them! There are so many different types of pearls that come in various designs, so I'm sure there's something for every jewelry lover. They're also versatile and can be worn with casual wear or business attire.

My pearl journey started when I was looking for a gift for my mom and found a multicolor freshwater pearl strand for her. I thought I might as well get a classic white freshwater pearl strand for myself since they can elevate an outfit and look so good in meetings, even if I'm just wearing a simple shirt or top. I thought it was going to be a one time purchase but down the rabbit hole I went.

The silver bow clasp eventually broke so I had this strand restrung with an adjustable clasp so I can layer it with other necklaces.

Anyone else here made a pearl purchase and thought they'd be done with just one piece?

 

[ofgemsandcoffee]

My second pearl purchase started with what the seller called cobalt blue akoyas in bracelet form, but I asked if she could restring it and make it into a multicolor strand and she very kindly said yes. So the cobalt blue akoyas were mixed with white, bluish gray and lilac pearls to create a necklace.

I believe cobalt blue akoyas are dyed to achieve that sort of navy blue color, and I think they're really pretty but that's probably because blue is my favorite color.

Also just wanted to share that it was in this forum that I learned to take photos of pearls against a white background!

 

[ofgemsandcoffee]

Continuing with my love of blue pearls, my next purchase were described by the seller as blue rose akoyas. I got a necklace strand and 6mm pearl stud earrings. They're both called blue rose but actually have different colors, I think the strand is more of a purplish blue while the studs are bluish gray.

Proving that blue really is my favorite color, I grabbed these blue keshi freshwater strand when I saw that it was available. I think this strand is the blue-est out of all the pearls in my collection so far. and I also love keshis because they have so much character. I'd love to own keshi studs and a pendant someday.

 

[ofgemsandcoffee]

Last but certainly not the least because they're the most expensive pearls I've bought so far: 10mm Tahitian pearl stud earrings and a matching pendant set in 18k yellow gold. All my pearl strands only have silver clasps so I feel like I'm leveling up! These Tahitians were described by the seller as having a peacock green color with aubergine overtones.

I struggled to take photos that capture the color of these, and found tips in this forum to take photos in diffused lighting and also to cover the pearls with white tissue paper for an all white surround.

That's my collection so far.️ Next on my wish list are 10mm Tahitians in a different color that I'm hoping I could wear with my current Tahitians as a mismatched set. I think silver would look great with them, but also open to hearing suggestions from all the pearl experts here. Let me know what you think!

 

[Pella]

Welcome. You have a lovely collection. There is a huge amount to learn about pearls from this site from people from all walks of life willing to share their knowledge.