uodora?

[J.lee]

Anyone purchase from Uodora? How was your experience?

Looking to purchase Tahitian strand. Either completed from online retailer OR unfinished to restring myself.

I came across Uodora. I originally wanted round Tahitians but after looking through pics, the pearls don't have to be perfect. I welcome imperfections!

What's a good budget price? I know its all subjective but those who have multiple necklaces, what price do you set for yourself?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I used the search feature and found one person who bought Tahitians from Uodora; see their post here:

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Post in thread 'Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro'

Oct 2, 2024

You guys, I did it!! Thank you so much for the advice and help! I can't believe I made a necklace. I judge this not bad for my first finished attempt, although I'm sure I will want to restring it as soon as I do a few more projects and get better at this.

I did do the knots by passing the long thread through the loop and it did get tangled, which explains some of those knots at the end. The passing it from hand to hand in post #34 is the one thing I can't quite follow yet, but I can tell it would be the better method.

The clasp is 925 silver and I used Pattye's starter kit (which I would...

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I have bought various Tahitian necklaces for myself and my husband over the years. I didn't start with a budget for the item-- I waited until I saw something I loved, and then bought it, if I could afford it at the time and if I felt it was "worth it" (very subjective). Some were inexpensive and others pricey.

That is what I've done with all my pearls, not just Tahitians. I have to love the pearls, because otherwise they really aren't worth it, no matter the price. If I don't love them they will just sit in my drawer.

 

[J.lee]

Thank you! Still getting used to the forum.

It’s hard for me to choose the right colors. Idk what would go well with my complexion and I haven’t seen any in stores in my area.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

In that case only buy from sellers that allow returns. You can't really be sure what will look good on your skin from looking at photos.

You can't even know what color the pearls are from photos, if they are the kinds of pearls for which there are overtones. And Tahitians are definitely pearls whose color is greatly influenced by overtones.

Are you aware of body colors and overtone colors?
Body color is the color you will see in all lighting. The most common body colors of Tahitians are light gray, dark gray and a kind of greenish color.
Overtone colors are what you may see in diffuse light.

I like to show these examples of Tahitians in direct sunlight just inside my open front door vs. two feet back from the door. Diffuse light brings out the colors.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

In the case of that second necklace, I bought it pre-owned and I thought the colors would really suit me, but they didn't. I swapped out just 3 of the pearls, but that changed the whole look of the strand, and now it's one of my favorite pieces. This is what I mean when I say you can't really know if it will suit you just from photos.
Also that necklace looks different in every room of my house. More than that, in every part of every room, and also different on sunny vs. overcast days-- indoors! Because the natural light is different from room to room!

So my advice is: only buy from sellers that accept returns. Also-- don't judge the pearls from how they look when they first arrive. They may be cold and moisture may be condensing on them. Try them in every room, try them indoors, outdoors, take a drive and see how they look. Try them with different clothing colors. Lustrous pearls reflect clothing colors! Really test them before deciding.

 

[J.lee]

They’re both so gorgeous!

18" mikimoto black pearl necklace with 45 tahitian pearls, 8.4-10.4 mm in size. | eBay

Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning Mikimoto necklace. Featuring 45 Tahitian pearls with a size range of 8.4-10.4 mm, this necklace is a perfect accessory for any occasion. The pearls are beautifully complemented by the diamond and clasp, adding a touch of elegance to your look...

ebay.us

I saw these on eBay. And 1 week ago ME, probably would’ve been all over this. Bday wishlist . Or secret fund-spoil myself . But now I know I do not need the best of the best. Somewhat seems like a boring necklace now.

Your necklaces have so much more character and depth. Knowing myself I may want 16-18” strand and probably opera length. I really love long necklaces.

I just don’t see myself stopping at just 1 .

Do you mind sharing the price? Idk if prices are a touchy subject on here. I just see the prices all over the place on pearlparadise, pearlsource, etc.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

That strand you posted is way above my budget! I have never bought pearls that cost anywhere near that. And probably never will.
That is all I'll say about what I paid for things.

Fortunately for my wallet I love baroque and near-round pearls. They tend to have more color and are just more interesting. If I want to wear perfect rounds, I can wear my Majoricas, just for fun. I don't care if anyone thinks they are fake; if asked I would freely admit it anyway. Not that anyone asks.

 

[J.lee]

I love the multiple colors and shape. And making my own necklace is something I really want to do. May even be more cost friendly. I love making things. I even restrung my MIL's miki's. Hubs was in my ear freaking me out as I've never done it before. But I told him to keep quiet and if I mess things up I would ship it in and pay for it to be restrung by Mikimoto.

Do you have any reccommendations on where to buy pearls at somewhat wholesale prices?

Thanks @Pearl Dreams you truly are a newbie's dream come true

 

[Pearl Dreams]

How funny that your husband was fussing over your restringing! Besides, if you ever mess up stringing, just cut it apart and do it over. Practice makes better.

Unfortunately I am not a good source of information on where to buy good pearls cheaply. Many of my purchases have been serendipitous.

You may want to explore Etsy. I used to recommend WenPearls on Etsy (based on others' recommendations; I have not bought pearls from her) but she is in China and there are now tariffs for folks living in the USA. And returning pearls to overseas sellers is also expensive and you may end up keeping things you don't love just because of the cost and nuisance in doing a return.

 

[J.lee]

I think I found a great seller. Cmwpearls on Etsy!

 

[J.lee]

They are in china too

 

[Pearl Dreams]

CMW have been discussed favorably on Pricescope forum.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Search results for mentions of CMW on Pricescope's pearls forum:

Search results for query: cmw

I don't know if you have to be signed in to see that.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I took a look at their strands just now. I think they must be using a light box /studio lighting to bring out the overtones. Many sellers of Tahitians do that, and that is okay-- the colors are really there so it isn't deceptive-- but you have to realize that they may not look like that in most normal lighting.

 

[J.lee]

I signed up a few days ago. That’s where I originally posted my miki’s from eBay before I received it.

That’s where I thought I found Pattye. I did so many searches that I was getting confused. lol.

I reached out to Pattye on Etsy and she referred me here.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Pattye is a treasure!

 

[J.lee]

@Pearl Dreams
What do u think of these? I asked for another pic on a white paper towel. It’s still the next city over which is about a 40 min drive. Worth to go see it in person? Thanks! Forgot to mention she’s only asking $800 and never worn. 18” 7-9mm

 

[Pearl Dreams]

The pearl necklace in her photo and the appraisal does not appear to be the same one as in the Imperial ad photo. The number of pearls is wrong (49 vs. 51 in the ad) as well as the appearance of the pearls (the Imperial ones look better), if you scrutinize them.

7-9mm is small for a Tahitian necklace, and in addition, most of them are in the smaller end of the range. That is, they don't graduate smoothly. There are a few large ones in the center but the others are visibly smaller.

Forget about the one in the ad -- that is not the one being sold. Only ask yourself if you like the one in her own photo. if you do, go see them, but don't buy until you do see them in person.

 

[J.lee]

The website photo is what I found and uploaded. I didn’t even think to count the pearls. I’ll see if she sends me a better photo. Thank you

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Think about this: If you buy these, will they be the strand to replace with something better?

I did that with my first strand. I bought 7-8 mm when I really wanted 8-9 mm (but could not afford that size at the time.) Unless you really desire Tahitians that are that small and that poorly graduated, think twice. And maybe put those $800 toward what you actually want.