Show Us Your Pearls In Action!!!

[jeg]

I am back from my travels through Vietnam! Going through the many pics I took and pulled a few out for this morning. These are from a visit to the Citadel in Hue. It’s quite popular to dress for the occasion and walk around the grounds taking photos. I immediately noticed how the women favored layers of “pearls”, especially ropes doubled and tripled.

Large stud earrings, too!

 

[jeg]

Even pearl buttons and dangling from the hair-

 

[linda.wald]

I can’t even begin to tell you how much it pains me to post the first few pics… I have two more days left in my travels through Vietnam and Bunny and the Traveling Pearl were lost a few weeks ago. I am heartbroken

On no! My sympathy and a virtual hug!

 

[jeg]

Thank you, Linda! I was devastated. It was like losing a pet. I have some sister bunnies and will be preparing one of them for future travels.

One of the stops we made was at Legend Pearl in Ha Long Bay. There were three very large facilities/showrooms right in a row in Ha Long Bay. I don’t know why my guide chose this one, but I was happy to see anything with pearls since my friends are not pearl people and I didn’t request a stop. As such, I didn’t look too in depth at anything because I didn’t want to keep everyone waiting and we were on our way to catch a flight. All of the facilities along this area are basically showrooms. The farms are much further out where the water is cleaner. As we entered, we were greeted with some treats and a host to walk us through the informational piece. They are able to farm all types of pearls in Vietnam. I have only seen Vietnamese Akoya advertised as ‘Vietnamese’ in the past, but they also harvest both golden and white SS and black pearls (Tahitians).

 

[jeg]

There were several women at tables lined up to demonstrate the pearl extracting process and grafting.

 

[jeg]

A map of the pearl farms along Ha Long Bay

And the showroom was huge. I snapped these pics when I first entered, then saw all the signs for no photography, so I did not try to take any pics of the display cases. There was a lot to see. Nothing that struck me as gorgeously outstanding, but the prices were not outrageous. I would say everything was priced within reason for a tourist facility. I initially wasn’t enticed to purchase anything, but saw a few pendants with a mix of tiny SS pearls I liked. I did pass on them and ended up with a floating Tahitian on a leather cord. I do not have any floating necklaces and thought this would make a nice souvenir.

 

[SteveM]

Jeg, did you take the Cat Ba Cable Car out to the islands? They were just building that when we were there 6-7 years ago. Farms definitely have to be outside the bay and main tourist areas, the massive number of tourist boats and junks create a complete environmental disaster in the main bay. For those attracted by brochures showing swimming opportunities as part of the boat tour, don't be tempted!

 

[jshepherd]

I can’t even begin to tell you how much it pains me to post the first few pics… I have two more days left in my travels through Vietnam and Bunny and the Traveling Pearl were lost a few weeks ago. I am heartbroken. View attachment 473366

Bunny Pearl! Oh no! I'm so sorry!

 

[eolian pearls]

@PearlyLibrarian love your blues! Dreamy dreamy dreamy

Oh @jeg so sorry to hear about the bunny and travelling pearl! At least they stayed in a beautiful beautiful place! I am surprised about the various pearls being cultivated in Vietnam, it is true that we only hear about akoyas! Must have been such an unexpected treat to see all the different displays! And so fun to have a Vietnamese Tahitian pearl;-)

I have also worn a single Tahitian this weekend. This pearl is from Pearlescence and I just love its colors and luster! One side is more purple, the other has intense hints of blue, I often wear it without any layering as it tends to overshadow my other pearls;-) My 2025 update is the new WG finding with three little diamonds.

 

[ennui]

Thank you for sharing your photos, jeg. Maybe Bunny and the Traveling Pearl found a place they'd like to stay? They should have said something.

 

[Syrie]

Wonderful photos Jeg. The ladies dressed for the Citadel remind me of dressing up for Easter Sunday when I was a child. I suspect that's sacrilege to say, but the photos brought forth the Easter image so strongly, with all the soft pink and white, and the fancy dress and the springlike landscape in the background, that I can't help but make the association. I'm very curious to see Vietnam some day. I'm sorry you lost your familiar. I'm sure it hurts.

 

[CathyKeshi]

Gorgeous photos Jeg; thanks for taking us along! The ladies in their dress up are enchanting; I see PINK predominates

 

[jeg]

Jeremy, it’s true and soooo sad.

Thanks so much, ennui, Syrie and Cathy! I think my guide was amused that I was more enamored taking pics of the beautiful outfits instead of the historic buildings.

Steve, I didn’t see the cable cars around Ha Long Bay. We only went there to cruise around the bay and spend the night on one of the cruise ships.(the ladies rowing boats with snacks were everywhere, too!) My guide surprised me with a stop at Legend Pearl because he knew I liked pearls. I had not planned on any pearl stops on this trip. Ha Long Bay is a very touristy area, and I had opted to spend a few days in Ninh Binh instead of more time in Ha Long Bay. If anyone is following along and might visit Vietnam. Ninh Binh is not well known like Ha Long Bay, but it’s a beautiful setting with the same limestone structures, but jutting out from rice fields in the countryside instead of the bay. I had visited there 5 years ago and was anxious to return.
Ninh Binh-

Traveling Pearl in Ninh Binh

 

[jeg]

Besides the Traveling Pearl, I pretty much only take studs on vacation with me. Traveling Pearl and grey Tahitian studs from PP. Two Akoya studs from Takahashi. Two Tahitian studs from Kojima.