Expanding my collection- what to choose?

[Valentina_G]

Hello everyone!

I am quite new to the whole pearl topic, even tho I’ve already read a lot of forums and information. I wanted to get myself a bit of an upgrade and currently checking secondhand online platforms. There are two streamed of pearls that grabbed my attention.

Option 1 (photos 1-5): ~290€. Claimed to be bought in Japan. Contains a strand of pearls and a brooch.

Option 2: ~220€. Pearls strand with a 585/14kt JKa clasp. From the photos, pearls look less round and with some flaws, but the clasp somehow makes me considering this strand.

Do any of those look convincing to you? Would you get one of those for the given price? The country of purchase is Switzerland, so, I assume, our prices might be a bit off comparing to other places.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

The first item, I think the brooch is akoyas but am not sure about the necklace. Photos aren't clear enough. I'd pass.
The 2nd item, akoyas but smaller pearls are worn out/barrel shaped. I'd pass.

 

[ennui]

I agree with Pearl Dreams. Pass on both.
Also, the two items are completely different; one is long, one is short and graduated. I suggest giving a little more thought to what you would like and what would fit your lifestyle?

 

[Valentina_G]

I agree with Pearl Dreams. Pass on both.
Also, the two items are completely different; one is long, one is short and graduated. I suggest giving a little more thought to what you would like and what would fit your lifestyle?

My real wish is a three-threaded bracelet with a golden clasp. But the prices on those start from 700€+ on our web sites.
Generally, I want to see akoya and have something with akoya pearls. I have tiny studs (5mm), but I can’t make my impression based on such a tiny item. As all of the bracelets are a bit out of my price range, I started to look into necklaces, as they seem to be more present on a secondhand market.
Generally, I am quite happy with my current collection, but I want to see what more “luxurious” pearls look like.

 

[Valentina_G]

The first item, I think the brooch is akoyas but am not sure about the necklace. Photos aren't clear enough. I'd pass.
The 2nd item, akoyas but smaller pearls are worn out/barrel shaped. I'd pass.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Appreciated!

 

[ennui]

Generally, I want to see akoya and have something with akoya pearls. I have tiny studs (5mm), but I can’t make my impression based on such a tiny item.

Maybe you can be open to larger earrings?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Or good quality, high luster freshwater pearls!

 

[Valentina_G]

Maybe you can be open to larger earrings?

Yes, possible. But then maybe Tahitian or some special color. I have freshwater studs in 0.9-1cm. My only concern is that buying studs online is a bit risky, as many people here use AI to make an advertisement, and it quite sometimes labels “akoya” even those pearls that are not akoya at all. I am also open to baroque earrings with high luster, but haven’t found the ones that I like yet.

 

[Valentina_G]

Or good quality, high luster freshwater pearls!

Yes, as a possibility. I honestly wanted to see that “mirror-like” luster of akoya but if I would find freshwater that I really like, I would get them. The only reason why I am so fixated on Akoya is that I have a decent elegant set of freshwater pearls, and simply want to try something new. I also like Tahitian Ang golden color of South Sea pearls. But those, I assume, are out of my budget for the moment. And I wouldn’t know how to spot real south sea pearls if shopping online markets like eBay, etc.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

If you see something you like online and want opinions on whether they are real, you could post them here before buying. We'd be happy to give you our opinions.

 

[ennui]

. And I wouldn’t know how to spot real south sea pearls if shopping online markets like eBay, etc.

Funny you should mention eBay. Yesterday I was poking around and saw white South Sea stretch bracelets. I recognized the photo from an online retailer who went out of business -- so, they stole the photo. There were two listings for the same bracelet -- two different sellers -- both in the same city. The whole thing seemed fishy, so I'd stay away from eBay and focus on reputable sellers.
If you sign up for notifications from reputable sellers, they may have sales, especially around holidays.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

You make a fair point, ennui. I have bought many pearls on eBay over the years but it's risky if you don't know what you're doing.
I was searching sold ssp for someone else, and saw a fake GSS necklace that sold for $800.

 

[ennui]

Was the GSS listed as fake?
There are reputable sellers, but they are like the needle in a haystack.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

No, listed as golden south sea pearls!