Pearls

[Anonymous]

I love pearls, but have heretofore worn only "pearls" (i.e., balls painted white). I'd like to buy some real pearl earrings. What is a good brand/store?

[Anonymous]

I am no expert but I bought a strand from blue Nile - akoya pearls, which I learned is more of a brand name that isn’t necessarily the only way to buy quality pearls but I didn’t know much so figured it was a good option for a higher quality. I adore my pearls, definitely something that will last a lifetime!

[Anonymous]

Mikimoto if you can swing it.

[Anonymous]

It’s pretty easy to judge pearls so there isn’t a certification system like GIA for diamonds. Do NOT pay extra for brands because that’s nothing but marketing.

I advise shopping in person because pearls, as a natural product, vary greatly. Pick a strand that meets what you want in terms of luster, color, and size. Department stores are a good place to start, I think their pearl prices tend to be fair. Chain jewlers can be fine too. Again, you can eyeball quality yourself, so you don’t need to get wrapped up in the brand.

Look for strands with tight, solid knots between pears. The size of the knots is a matter of preference. The knots can be almost invisible or create spacing between pearls. An almond-shaped hook clasp is traditional, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate quality.

The other big decision with pearls is length. It’s really a matter of your body proportions and what kind of necklines you like to wear. 17-18 inches will sit prettily under a collared shirt but might tend to slip under some dress necklines. 20-24 inches is common, but I find it too long. Opera length can be doubled or tripled into a choker, depending on your neck. Try on a couple different lengths. Jewelry stores should be able to customize length for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s pretty easy to judge pearls so there isn’t a certification system like GIA for diamonds. Do NOT pay extra for brands because that’s nothing but marketing.

I advise shopping in person because pearls, as a natural product, vary greatly. Pick a strand that meets what you want in terms of luster, color, and size. Department stores are a good place to start, I think their pearl prices tend to be fair. Chain jewlers can be fine too. Again, you can eyeball quality yourself, so you don’t need to get wrapped up in the brand.

Look for strands with tight, solid knots between pears. The size of the knots is a matter of preference. The knots can be almost invisible or create spacing between pearls. An almond-shaped hook clasp is traditional, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate quality.

The other big decision with pearls is length. It’s really a matter of your body proportions and what kind of necklines you like to wear. 17-18 inches will sit prettily under a collared shirt but might tend to slip under some dress necklines. 20-24 inches is common, but I find it too long. Opera length can be doubled or tripled into a choker, depending on your neck. Try on a couple different lengths. Jewelry stores should be able to customize length for you.

OP wants earrings.

OP, look at Costco. Nice earrings and warranty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s pretty easy to judge pearls so there isn’t a certification system like GIA for diamonds. Do NOT pay extra for brands because that’s nothing but marketing.

I advise shopping in person because pearls, as a natural product, vary greatly. Pick a strand that meets what you want in terms of luster, color, and size. Department stores are a good place to start, I think their pearl prices tend to be fair. Chain jewlers can be fine too. Again, you can eyeball quality yourself, so you don’t need to get wrapped up in the brand.

Look for strands with tight, solid knots between pears. The size of the knots is a matter of preference. The knots can be almost invisible or create spacing between pearls. An almond-shaped hook clasp is traditional, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate quality.

The other big decision with pearls is length. It’s really a matter of your body proportions and what kind of necklines you like to wear. 17-18 inches will sit prettily under a collared shirt but might tend to slip under some dress necklines. 20-24 inches is common, but I find it too long. Opera length can be doubled or tripled into a choker, depending on your neck. Try on a couple different lengths. Jewelry stores should be able to customize length for you.

OP wants earrings.

[Anonymous]

OP, look at Costco.com. Great quality and good prices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s pretty easy to judge pearls so there isn’t a certification system like GIA for diamonds. Do NOT pay extra for brands because that’s nothing but marketing.

I advise shopping in person because pearls, as a natural product, vary greatly. Pick a strand that meets what you want in terms of luster, color, and size. Department stores are a good place to start, I think their pearl prices tend to be fair. Chain jewlers can be fine too. Again, you can eyeball quality yourself, so you don’t need to get wrapped up in the brand.

Look for strands with tight, solid knots between pears. The size of the knots is a matter of preference. The knots can be almost invisible or create spacing between pearls. An almond-shaped hook clasp is traditional, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate quality.

The other big decision with pearls is length. It’s really a matter of your body proportions and what kind of necklines you like to wear. 17-18 inches will sit prettily under a collared shirt but might tend to slip under some dress necklines. 20-24 inches is common, but I find it too long. Opera length can be doubled or tripled into a choker, depending on your neck. Try on a couple different lengths. Jewelry stores should be able to customize length for you.

OP wants earrings.

OP, look at Costco. Nice earrings and warranty.

+1 for Costco.

[Anonymous]

Mikis all the way. Classic huggie earrings in white gold with a+ grade pearls. Good price point. The pearls glow. Don't waste your money buying anything else. Not all akoyas are equal.

https://www.mikimotoamerica.com/us_en/classic-elegance-earrings-akoya-1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am no expert but I bought a strand from blue Nile - akoya pearls, which I learned is more of a brand name that isn’t necessarily the only way to buy quality pearls but I didn’t know much so figured it was a good option for a higher quality. I adore my pearls, definitely something that will last a lifetime!

Akoyas refer to saltwater pearls vs thr garden variety freshwater. Akoyas mainly come from Japan. China is the biggest producer if freshwater. Akoyas are superior in terms of luster, luminescence etc.

[Anonymous]

Is it worth paying premium for the best grade of pearls? AAA?

[Anonymous]

I would avoid A. Stick with A+ or higher. The standard earrings, like the huggies are always grade A+. I've seen A and A+ side by side and A+ is clearly better grade. The highest grades have a mirror finish. Those are out of my price point. I've compared Miki A+ side by side with the so called highest grade freshwater pearls and the miki A+ is visually superior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mikimoto if you can swing it.

No don’t bother. Not worth the price. I really like American Pearl. You get really good value for your money. I have bought an akoya pearl necklace from them and a south sea pearl necklace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mikimoto if you can swing it.

No don’t bother. Not worth the price. I really like American Pearl. You get really good value for your money. I have bought an akoya pearl necklace from them and a south sea pearl necklace.

PP here. They also have a great pearl education section on their website. And they are super helpful if you give them a call.