Mixing different type of pearls in a bracelet?

[Precious Pearl]

I have seen the most amazing pearl bracelet. To me it was perfection (I have realized I prefer when the pearls have different sizes, it is more "me". With same sized pearls I feel like an old lady...). It is from Shamballa Jewels and I am seriously considering in saving up for something similar from that brand (but with less diamonds - maybe just one diamond pavé "ball" and perhaps adding some facetted white moonstone instead). This one pictured had an extremely high price - unfortunately too high for my budget.

My understanding is that they have used a mix of Akoya pearls and also South Sea pearls (4 mm to 12 mm I think). There is also an option of Freshwater pearls (but I guess only for the smaller sizes) which obviously cheaper than Akoya. What type of pearls would be the best for "daily" use? Also if mixing pearls, can I mix Freshwater with South Sea or would Akoya + South Sea be better (in terms of "colour" and lustre)?

I assume I should ask also if something similar could be obtained from another brand (different sized pearls and one or more "diamond pavé balls")? I believe it is the most beautiful bracelet I have ever seen!

 

[ennui]

Please don't hate me for saying this, but I think you can find something similar without too much trouble. I did a quick search for "shamballa pearl bracelet" and got a lot of results, some as low at $20. It may take you some time to find pearls with different sizes, and higher quality pearls will cost more. It sounds like you're negotiable on diamond balls.
Having said that, imho, freshwater pearls are best for daily wear because they are all nacre. You can find gold pave beads on eBay (I think they're called laser finish?), no diamonds but very sparkly. Or, you can find CZ pave beads, perhaps.
Shamballa Jewels places a lot of emphasis on the elements of Hinduism. Their jewelry isn't priced based only on materials and macrame.

 

[Precious Pearl]

Please don't hate me for saying this, but I think you can find something similar without too much trouble. I did a quick search for "shamballa pearl bracelet" and got a lot of results, some as low at $20. It may take you some time to find pearls with different sizes, and higher quality pearls will cost more. It sounds like you're negotiable on diamond balls.
Having said that, imho, freshwater pearls are best for daily wear because they are all nacre. You can find gold pave beads on eBay (I think they're called laser finish?), no diamonds but very sparkly. Or, you can find CZ pave beads, perhaps.
Shamballa Jewels places a lot of emphasis on the elements of Hinduism. Their jewelry isn't priced based only on materials and macrame.

Thanks a lot for your reply! Finding pearls is not a problem I believe - I am more concerned about the other beads (I want 18K white gold and diamonds, CZ is not an option). Also I won't be able to make such bracelet myself (you don't just string it on an elastic band, do you?!). Maybe I shall just ask a jeweller I trust in for a good alternative (husband says "get what you want or you will regret" meaning that I should save up for the Shamballa bracelet but replace Akoya with Freshwater - seems to be a better option regardless, throw in a few faceted white moonstone beads (instead of diamond pavé ones) and try try to find one or two diamond pavé pearls at auctions - I see they usually sell for considerable less than "new price"). In any case I really love the design of this bracelet - it is the prettiest bracelet I have seen.

 

[ennui]

I agree with your husband; trying to get "the look for less" won't be satisfying.
I don't know how to make macrame bracelets, but there are probably videos on Youtube.
The heart wants what it wants, and yours wants WSS, 18K and diamonds.

 

[Precious Pearl]

I agree with your husband; trying to get "the look for less" won't be satisfying.
I don't know how to make macrame bracelets, but there are probably videos on Youtube.
The heart wants what it wants, and yours wants WSS, 18K and diamonds.

I cannot afford the 31,5 kUSD they want for this bracelet - that is a fact. Also I honestly don't think it is worth it but I will look into what it will cost with freshwater pearls and with fewer (maybe only two) diamond pavé beads (such are sometimes sold at auctions at almost half price). If I swap some pavé beads for moonstone ones it will certainly be a much lower price as the pavé beads made up more than 60% of the total cost.

I think I will also look into what an "alternative" bracelet would cost. I may even try to make one myself with an elastic thread (just need to figure out what is the normal diameter mm of the drilled hole in freshwater pearls) just to make sure I really will like the model over time.

 

[jeg]

Personally, I wouldn’t be comfortable making a bracelet like this with SS pearls for two reasons. First, they are more expensive since you are looking at this as a “daily wear” bracelet, and second, to do this type of macrame style, the through hole will be quite large and make the pearls less useable in other projects should you decide to change it up. Akoya seem like they would be too small for what you are wanting to do. My opinion would be to look into freshwater pearls, but in the end, you need to go with what will make you happy.

 

[Precious Pearl]

Personally, I wouldn’t be comfortable making a bracelet like this with SS pearls for two reasons. First, they are more expensive since you are looking at this as a “daily wear” bracelet, and second, to do this type of macrame style, the through hole will be quite large and make the pearls less useable in other projects should you decide to change it up. Akoya seem like they would be too small for what you are wanting to do. My opinion would be to look into freshwater pearls, but in the end, you need to go with what will make you happy.

Yes, I will look what will be the cost with freshwater pearls. It also should be cheaper!

 

[A Breaker]

My suggestion is that you look at the places on this forum that people buy from. Show them a photo of what you like and ask what they would use to make it. Personally, if you are going to use twine, go with CZ & Silver. If you are going to use diamonds & gold, go for a safety clasp of some sort..it can be minimal looking safety clasp. You might some ideas on clasps & balls from looking at Bella Findings...who ever makes it will have different suppliers...but you get ideas of what you like.

 

[ennui]

If you decide to go with macrame, keep in mind that white cord will get dirty fairly quickly.