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Help in finding multicolored Tahitian necklace

It's easy to make an extender of any length, not just 2". I've done it. It looks like a very short pearl necklace! :mrgreen2:

As long as the clasp used is the same as the clasp for the necklace, the necklace and extender can be connected end to end. If Cees is going to be stringing the pearls for you, I can't see why he couldn't also make an extender using compatible loose pearls. Ask!
 
@pearlsngems

Hi, Cees just got back to me and unfortunately he does not string or add clasps. He did offer to do for $50 a “flexible Japanese stainless steel system where there are bumpers between its pearl”. (See photo).

F683ACA9-62B5-42B0-8E5B-88809FDFED94.jpeg 2AD62BDC-586D-4AEC-9C0E-2BDC7D4FD55B.jpeg

Should I opt for that or just take it to any jeweler here to string it for me with silk and add a clasp?

Ideally I would want a scenario where I can add extra pearls if I need to in the future so not sure if his steel system would allow me to do that?
 
His steel system with bumpers is just what I described in my earlier post-- it's what I have in my GSS strand from him. No, you won't be able to do anything with the necklace if it is strung that way.

I'd say: get them loose and have them strung locally.
 
@pearlsngems thanks for your help! I will do that. Should I ask him to just send me then a loose 18 inch length strand instead of 16 inches and then just having my local jeweler make a 16 inch strand with a clasp and also a 2 inch extensor at the same time? (Or maybe I can even do it myself; I bet you have a video for that too hehe)
 
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Yes, I'd get the loose 18 inch strand. Then you know you have pearls to match for your extender.

If you're getting the necklace professionally strung, you may as well have them string the extender as well. Then the same color thread will be used. When it is eventually time to restring the pearls (because silk does stretch out with use) you can decide if you want to learn how to restring them yourself.

I imagine Cees also doesn't set earring pearls, then? If not, you can have that done locally as well.
 
@pearlsngems Thank you!

Cees mentioned that although the pearls together now measure 16 inches, when I add a clasp and post restringing he thinks it will be at least 1.5-2 inches longer, so around 17.5-18 inches for the completed necklace. In that case since I don’t ever wear necklaces longer than 18 inches, I think I may actually be ok with just getting the 16 inch, if that sounds reasonable to you?

Cees says he will find some loose pearls for earrings for me next week to look at and he can have someone mount them for me at the factory if I like a set. I’ll keep you posted for sure as soon as I get pics! He’s been absolutely lovely to work with so far, easily reachable, direct and honest, and very courteous.
 
Oh, yes, a loose strand that is 16 inches will knot up longer with a clasp, of course.

Isn't it nice how quickly this is coming together for you? =)2
 
@pearlsngems Yes, and thanks to everyone here and especially you! Could not have done this without you. I can’t thank you enough. You are an absolute wonder.

I’m looking forward to the strand and I know that every time I wear it I will be reminded of all the kindness I’ve been shown here from wonderful folks such as yourself.
 
My pleasure!

Oh, and as a matter of personal policy, I never use Friends and Family for purchases. I pay the PayPal fee if necessary; it's not a lot, and as a buyer you have that extra layer of protection.
 
@pearlsngems ok I will suggest that to him. He recommended friends and family but you are right, best to be safe!
 
You picked a lovely strand from a great vendor. Your necklace is going to be gorgeous. Can't wait to see pics. Also- be warned that Tahitians are addictive.
 
LisaRN said:
You picked a lovely strand from a great vendor. Your necklace is going to be gorgeous. Can't wait to see pics. Also- be warned that Tahitians are addictive.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I will post photos once I get it! and yes, I can see already why it’s hard to stop at just one strand.
 
It promises to be a lovely purchase, congratulations!

I'd order the 18" strand were I in your shoes. Because of their chubbiness, a necklace of larger pearls hangs shorter than a chain necklace of the same length or even one of smaller mm pearls. Plus, having those extra pearls gives you additional flexibility re what pearls to place where along the strand as it will appear when strung or to use for an extender and/or for earrings.

Looking forward to seeing the pics!
 
Look at it this way: Would you rather buy the extra 2" of pearls and not need them, or not buy them and potentially wish you had?
Getting the 18" is the safer bet, but it's up to you.

If you don't end up needing the extra 2" of pearls you could always use them to make simple dangle earrings.
 
@MollyMalone and @pearlsngems

Great points, I’ll check with the vendor then and see if he can provide me with an extra 2 inches of pearls!

Not sure what size studs to get for earrings? I think the strand probably tapers from 11 to 8mm. I have a 8mm pair of white pearls and like the size. However, what’s the proper visual aesthetic re sizing for a earrings and necklace pearl set? Does one buy studs slightly bigger or at least the size of the biggest pearl in the strand, or it does not matter?
 
Generally speaking you don't want the studs to look small compared to the necklace. But you don't have to match the size of the largest pearl in the strand either. Consider the overall look instead, especially since with Tahitians (and SSP) there is often a graduation of 2mm (or more) between the smallest and the largest pearls. This makes the necklaces less heavy, and less costly.

Your necklace will be 8-11mm approximately, you said. I'd aim for studs in the 10-10.5mm (or even 10.5-11mm range), as long as your ear lobes can handle them. And be sure to get large earring backs to prevent sagging. If you can't wear even 10mm studs comfortably, get the largest you can tolerate.

I have large ear lobes, and my favorite studs, Tahitian and GSS, are all in the 10.5-11mm range. The necklaces I wear them with graduate to 12-12.5mm, but the earrings look fine because of the overall size of the necklace.
 
@pearlsngems Thanks for the sound advice as always.

Ok, I’ll ask him for 10 mm. I’ve never worn 10 mm and not sure if will be too big for my ears. Here’s a photo of me with my 8mm. You think 10 mm would be too big visually? (I don’t mind the weight since I have some pretty heavy emerald chandelier earrings I’m able to wear, although those do have a supported back (a combo of a post/clip back mechanism).

627E2930-315A-4CF8-95A3-3B732AAD5A68.jpeg

Also, here are the posts Cee recommended. You think they would be too small to support 10mm? He can make them in 14 or 18k. Should I just get the pearl studs loose and find a local jeweler to mount them?
B5F9DDE7-D82D-489C-8B11-1B267579AB70.jpeg
 
I think you can easily wear larger studs! I'd order the 10mm. Make it clear that you want 9.5-10mm (but closer to 10mm) rather than 10-10.5mm, as the pearls will probably not be exactly 10mm.

And I think I'd get them loose and have them set locally. Heavy duty posts and large earring backs are best; the earrings are less likely to sag, then.
 
@pearlsngems Thanks! Great tip re 9.5-10 instead of 10-10.5.

Do you have a photo possibly of a heavier backing option that you would recommend? I don’t generally wear many studs so would appreciate a visual example if not too much trouble for you.
 
Hi Pinkmartini87 :wavey:

I'm so looking forward to seeing the beautiful strand on your neck! Gorgeous colours. I'm sure you'll get heaps of wear out of them, I wear mine all the time, mostly just with casual jeans and tshirts, it's a really easy look.
 
@Weeivy73 Thank you! Yes, I will post once I get them!
 
D5D0A1B4-AEA3-4231-A1E9-5BFAE00044E3.jpeg
@pearlsngems

Just got the option of another strand from another one of your recommended vendors; Just curious what do you think? (I think I still like Cee’s better perhaps that maybe the colors are more vivid?)
 
Six of one, half dozen of the other....get the one that you like better!
 
Sure! I just wanted to make sure that one is not clearly better in terms of color or other qualities that my newbie eyes are not able to spot.


pearlsngems said:
Six of one, half dozen of the other....get the one that you like better!
Click to expand...
 
We can't really know, since the last photo looks like it was taken under studio lights.
 
@pearlsngems Yes, awaiting “real-life” natural light shots. Without those I would not even consider purchasing given how chameleon like Tahitians are, I want to be sure I know as best as I can what they look like in unflattering light!
 
Natural indoor daylight is still different from full sunlight.

This is my favorite multicolor strand. I took the 2 photos just minutes apart-- and only several feet apart. The colorful one is taken in my living room; the other one was also in my living room, but standing in bright sunlight just inside my front door.

This is the effect of bright light on overtones! People who love Tahitians make their peace with it....

Tahitians in indoor light PS.jpeg Tahitians in sunlight PS.jpeg
 
@pearlsngems Thanks so much for taking the time to share the photos with me. Wow, direct sunlight is not a friend to Tahitian pearls!

But what a gorgeous necklace! The delicate green and rose tones compliment your skin tone so well!
 
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