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.

Anonymous wrote:Mikimoto if you can swing it.

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!

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.

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.

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.