Hello all, I thought I was a fan of pearl until I found this site and now I realise that I know nothing and my expertise are completely limited to "theyr'e so pretty"! So finding Pearl-Guide has been absolutely amazing!
So, here's my dilemma: I would like a pearl wedding ring, but have so many questions and concerns. I'm getting married and we're leaving the UK on Sunday the 16th September (not for good - we're returning three weeks later but obviously I would prefer my ring before we leave!) giving me 11 weeks and 3 days to either find the ring of my dreams already made (doubtful), or find a somebody who will commision me a bespoke ring within my budget (fingers crossed). However, before I proceed I want to know if I'm doing the right thing, so any help with the following questions would very much be appreciated.
Is a pearl ring appropriate for everyday wear? I hadnt given it a second thought until I stearted researching it but now I have doubts. I work in healthcare and was planning on wearing it on a chain for work and that this would be the only time I would take it off my person, but I'm now left wondering if this would be the case. There is some conflicting information out there such as whether or not to remove it when showering (some say yes as it damages the nacre, others say that pearls don't mind soap) and swimming (I presumed chlorine wouldn't be brilliant for it but that seawater would be fine, even for freshwater pearls?). When we get married I don't want to have to be worrying every 5 mins that if we go diving, surfing, biking, hiking etc. that I should have to take it off. Also, I had bee told by my grandmother that wearing pearls is good for them due to the natural oils on the skin, but I have read others' stating the opposite? Additionally, I'm really clumsy and some of the information available suggests that pearls are very easily damaged - I went to see a jeweller who flat out told me that pearl rings are suitable only for occasional wear due to their vulnerability and that I shouldn't even be considering a pearl for a wedding ring. This is saddening as unfortunately I just don't seem to like much else! Or am I being too cautious?
What type of pearl? From the research I've done, I think a freshwater button or a keshi would be best for me. This is because they are more durable and hardwearing (?), and also because I don't want anything that sits too high. Therefore a lovely flat keshi would be perfect, but then some ring designs of buttons I prefer...arrgghhh! However, am I going along the right lines in the way I am researching what is best for me? I have also considered seed pearls as they would sit much more flatly but I can't seem to find any designs that I like...any ideas?
My style This is a hard one to nail down as I'm an indecisive, contradictory character and I have a very eclectic style! Generally I LOVE vintage/antique clothes and accessories, however, I have found that when it comes to rings a lot of these desings are a bit too fussy for me and I have much preferred something simple, or contemporary, therefore a band that will keep my pearl safe whilst not housing other gems is something that I prefer. That being said, intricasies within the design of the metal are sometimes appealing (flowers, swirls etc.). All I know for sure is that I want a white metal. Here are some designs that I am currently looking at, in order of preference:
This is my favourite so far, I'm just awaiting info on the type of pearl it is (see, I told you I know nothing!), and trying to work out if it will sit too high on my finger...that being said it is only a small pearl which is what I want. I like that the housing comes to the top offering style and protection, but that the beauty of the pearl can still be seen from the sides. However, would this be very vulnerable?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58800032/beauty-cultivated
This one I love too as it sits nice and flat, and the hammering of the metal complements the texture of the pearl
http://www.chenevixjewellery.co.uk/catalogue/item/rings/keshi-pearl-ring-set-in-silver
I really like the flatness of this ring along with the design; I'm currently awaiting info on how the pearl is attached to the housing as the view from the side looks a little like if it were loose it would fall out....?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87274689/14kgold-ring-freshwater-pearl-freeform?ga_search_query=ring&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5924641
This is an unique and unusual alternative
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73814921/keshi-tahitian-pearl-ring-in-14k-white?ga_search_query=ring
This one goes back to a nice simple design
http://chriscolejewellery.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/18ct-white-gold-pearl-ring.jpg
and I wondered if a pearl could be put into housing like this?
http://www.chriscole.co.nz/index.php?pageID=products&categoryID=2
or this?
http://www.chriscole.co.nz/index.php?pageID=products&categoryID=2
So any advice, tips or handy hints would be GREATLY appreciated...I'm sure this message highlights how clueless/time-strapped/panicked I am about this! Sorry about the super long message, but my previous reasons are why.
Also, I'm in the north west of england and the closer something is to me, the better, as I can actually see what something would look like on my finger. I know from reading previous threads within this topic that there is a lady near me so I will go back through and find her. However, that doesn't mean that I'm opposed to an international designer/jeweller so if any of you know someone who has designs to suit my needs and taste, they'd be very welcome. Lastly, my budget is 400 GBP/ 620 USD.
Many thanks in advance
Neen
So, here's my dilemma: I would like a pearl wedding ring, but have so many questions and concerns. I'm getting married and we're leaving the UK on Sunday the 16th September (not for good - we're returning three weeks later but obviously I would prefer my ring before we leave!) giving me 11 weeks and 3 days to either find the ring of my dreams already made (doubtful), or find a somebody who will commision me a bespoke ring within my budget (fingers crossed). However, before I proceed I want to know if I'm doing the right thing, so any help with the following questions would very much be appreciated.
Is a pearl ring appropriate for everyday wear? I hadnt given it a second thought until I stearted researching it but now I have doubts. I work in healthcare and was planning on wearing it on a chain for work and that this would be the only time I would take it off my person, but I'm now left wondering if this would be the case. There is some conflicting information out there such as whether or not to remove it when showering (some say yes as it damages the nacre, others say that pearls don't mind soap) and swimming (I presumed chlorine wouldn't be brilliant for it but that seawater would be fine, even for freshwater pearls?). When we get married I don't want to have to be worrying every 5 mins that if we go diving, surfing, biking, hiking etc. that I should have to take it off. Also, I had bee told by my grandmother that wearing pearls is good for them due to the natural oils on the skin, but I have read others' stating the opposite? Additionally, I'm really clumsy and some of the information available suggests that pearls are very easily damaged - I went to see a jeweller who flat out told me that pearl rings are suitable only for occasional wear due to their vulnerability and that I shouldn't even be considering a pearl for a wedding ring. This is saddening as unfortunately I just don't seem to like much else! Or am I being too cautious?
What type of pearl? From the research I've done, I think a freshwater button or a keshi would be best for me. This is because they are more durable and hardwearing (?), and also because I don't want anything that sits too high. Therefore a lovely flat keshi would be perfect, but then some ring designs of buttons I prefer...arrgghhh! However, am I going along the right lines in the way I am researching what is best for me? I have also considered seed pearls as they would sit much more flatly but I can't seem to find any designs that I like...any ideas?
My style This is a hard one to nail down as I'm an indecisive, contradictory character and I have a very eclectic style! Generally I LOVE vintage/antique clothes and accessories, however, I have found that when it comes to rings a lot of these desings are a bit too fussy for me and I have much preferred something simple, or contemporary, therefore a band that will keep my pearl safe whilst not housing other gems is something that I prefer. That being said, intricasies within the design of the metal are sometimes appealing (flowers, swirls etc.). All I know for sure is that I want a white metal. Here are some designs that I am currently looking at, in order of preference:
This is my favourite so far, I'm just awaiting info on the type of pearl it is (see, I told you I know nothing!), and trying to work out if it will sit too high on my finger...that being said it is only a small pearl which is what I want. I like that the housing comes to the top offering style and protection, but that the beauty of the pearl can still be seen from the sides. However, would this be very vulnerable?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58800032/beauty-cultivated
This one I love too as it sits nice and flat, and the hammering of the metal complements the texture of the pearl
http://www.chenevixjewellery.co.uk/catalogue/item/rings/keshi-pearl-ring-set-in-silver
I really like the flatness of this ring along with the design; I'm currently awaiting info on how the pearl is attached to the housing as the view from the side looks a little like if it were loose it would fall out....?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87274689/14kgold-ring-freshwater-pearl-freeform?ga_search_query=ring&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5924641
This is an unique and unusual alternative
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73814921/keshi-tahitian-pearl-ring-in-14k-white?ga_search_query=ring
This one goes back to a nice simple design
http://chriscolejewellery.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/18ct-white-gold-pearl-ring.jpg
and I wondered if a pearl could be put into housing like this?
http://www.chriscole.co.nz/index.php?pageID=products&categoryID=2
or this?
http://www.chriscole.co.nz/index.php?pageID=products&categoryID=2
So any advice, tips or handy hints would be GREATLY appreciated...I'm sure this message highlights how clueless/time-strapped/panicked I am about this! Sorry about the super long message, but my previous reasons are why.
Also, I'm in the north west of england and the closer something is to me, the better, as I can actually see what something would look like on my finger. I know from reading previous threads within this topic that there is a lady near me so I will go back through and find her. However, that doesn't mean that I'm opposed to an international designer/jeweller so if any of you know someone who has designs to suit my needs and taste, they'd be very welcome. Lastly, my budget is 400 GBP/ 620 USD.
Many thanks in advance
Neen
