As we like to do every year, my H and I attended the
East Coast Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show in Springfield, MA. It's always held on the 2nd weekend in August, in the Better Living Center on the fairgrounds for the Big E (agricultural fair).
Here's their ad if anyone wants to go tomorrow or Sunday:
It's not a particularly good show for pearls, so I had no expectations of seeing any I wanted to buy. But the large mineral specimens are always fun to see-- Kristalle's booth has an amazing rubellite crystal this year-- and if you like gemstone jewelry or loose gems, it is worth going to this show at least once.
This year, for once, we weren't looking for anything in particular. But then I saw it-- a golden south sea strand that I knew my daughter would love. (She is indifferent to white pearls and Tahitians but loves my goldens.) They are fat drop shapes , which she also loves. And they are the same color as the studs I bought for her, that inspired her to pierce her ears (still healing.) My digital gauge says they're 11.9mm to 16.9mm. They are not the deepest gold but they suit her skin tone beautifully. And...huge!
She was delighted with her surprise and I'll post photos tomorrow for sure! The best light is gone today.
Meanwhile I want to just say which booth I got them from, as they have other nice pearls, including large Tahitians, a round deep golden SS strand and a mixed gold and white SS strand. It's
booth #89, Joan's Collection. (
www.joanscollections.com)
I found Joanna to be a delightful lady to chat pearls with and will definitely be checking out her booth next year too!
