Paspaley trunk show - NYC, October 2023

[CMN]

Thank you!!

I keep saying I'm done with pearls - I'm really almost done with pearls now A juicy ring was one of the last "big" things I'd been wanting!!

I'd originally wondered if I shouldn't order in rose gold, I don't wear much yellow, but Paspaley's YG is so mellow somehow. Just a small step past unplated WG. I'm glad I went yellow, I think it's a more neutral background for the sapphires.

So I've got an old Tiffany pink sapphire bracelet that pairs perfectly - the pinks are perfectly matched But no idea what to do for earrings, I assumed I'd use pearls but it doesn't work, too much big bulbous blob all over

But that's a project for another time!

I agree that yellow gold was the better choice in this instance, particularly with the placement of the yellow sapphires in the centre of the ring. The yellow with yellow reads more harmoniously.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Thank you!!

I keep saying I'm done with pearls - I'm really almost done with pearls now A juicy ring was one of the last "big" things I'd been wanting!!

I'd originally wondered if I shouldn't order in rose gold, I don't wear much yellow, but Paspaley's YG is so mellow somehow. Just a small step past unplated WG. I'm glad I went yellow, I think it's a more neutral background for the sapphires.

So I've got an old Tiffany pink sapphire bracelet that pairs perfectly - the pinks are perfectly matched But no idea what to do for earrings, I assumed I'd use pearls but it doesn't work, too much big bulbous blob all over

But that's a project for another time!

Gosh I'm seeing sizable pink sapphire drop earrings

I was reading your post and it took me like five minutes because my eyes kept drifting down to look at these amazing jewels! The colors are just so amazing. It's funny you mentioned that it is yellow gold. I didn't even notice the metal color when I was looking at it! It is the perfect choice though as it warms up the whole piece and as you say, it is the perfect backdrop and compliment for the gems.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Thank you!!

I keep saying I'm done with pearls - I'm really almost done with pearls now A juicy ring was one of the last "big" things I'd been wanting!!

I'd originally wondered if I shouldn't order in rose gold, I don't wear much yellow, but Paspaley's YG is so mellow somehow. Just a small step past unplated WG. I'm glad I went yellow, I think it's a more neutral background for the sapphires.

So I've got an old Tiffany pink sapphire bracelet that pairs perfectly - the pinks are perfectly matched But no idea what to do for earrings, I assumed I'd use pearls but it doesn't work, too much big bulbous blob all over

But that's a project for another time!

Oo maybe some gemmy baby akoya dangles with little sapphire briolettes? Something with movement to go with the feathers!

 

[yssie]

That is truly one of the most gorgeous pieces of jewelry I have ever seen. What a unique edition to your already one of a kind jewelry box. Enjoy every second wearing it @yssie!

Thank you so much!

So I tried to get a good pic of my Paspaley trio - I have to say, it's not a superbly cohesive set, is it? But I'm okay with that. A few years back I wouldn't have been okay with that But I've got enough pearls to be getting on with these days.

I'm also still coming to terms with how completely different Mikimoto and Paspaley are!! I mean, I don't expect all diamond jewellery vendors to have the same aesthetic, so why would I expect that from pearl specialists? And not even the same type of pearl... My tastes do swing more on the Mikimoto side, though, so I don't envision my Paspaley set expanding meaningfully.



In other discoveries, it's been repulsively hot and muggy the past week, and turns out I sized this ring perfectly for Steamy Swamp & Sudafed season. To reuse a description I just upchucked in another group. #Wins.


Here's something unexpected - I noticed just yesterday! Left is the Song Bird stock design. Middle is mine. And right is the Rain Bird ring, which is actually more expensive. The stock Song Bird has lots of "veins" in the bottom feather, and smaller stones... Mine has the Rain Bird bottom feather design, no veins and bigger stones, I wonder if anyone at Paspaley noticed?

 

[yssie]

OMG that is so sensational! I had no sense of the scale until you showed it on the hand. What an absolute treasure! And I love the ombre/gradient ordering of the hues of the sapphires!

Another "high jewelry" high-water mark for the @yssie collection!

May I ask: who made the ring? Or did I miss that among all the lovely photos?

Thank you!! I bought direct from Paspaley They made the mount in Australia, I think the workshop is in Darwin?

It was really easy to order remotely - I gave my SA my size and a 50% deposit and waited for her to let me know they'd sourced a pearl. (Turns out she did some vetting and vetoing in the background for me!)
Remainder owed upon completion but the exchange rate spiked in my favour and I decided to just pay it off early - ended up being a good choice, saved probably a couple thousand


If only I was made of money - I'd go straight for this beauty

Wild Feather Double Cuff - Song Bird

Paspaley Song Bird bangle featuring 8, 6-14mm drop Australian South Sea pearls, 490 white diamonds (3.30ct), 12 rubies (4.82ct), 351 sapphires (14.47ct), 6 garnets (11.68ct) and 45 tsavorites (2.35ct) in 18K yellow gold.

www.paspaley.com

 

[yssie]

Having seen some pieces from the rain bird collection at their HQ, I know exactly what you mean. The design and execution is beautiful.

Yes, oh my goodness. They only brought a few Wild samples to the US but between those and pieces from other collections - I remember being really surprised by how substantial everything felt. Incredibly well made and refined, though, and nothing actually looks hefty. This ring somehow weighs in at a solid 24g!

I agree that yellow gold was the better choice in this instance, particularly with the placement of the yellow sapphires in the centre of the ring. The yellow with yellow reads more harmoniously.

I was reading your post and it took me like five minutes because my eyes kept drifting down to look at these amazing jewels! The colors are just so amazing. It's funny you mentioned that it is yellow gold. I didn't even notice the metal color when I was looking at it! It is the perfect choice though as it warms up the whole piece and as you say, it is the perfect backdrop and compliment for the gems.

I went back and forth a fair bit after I got it, on whether I maybe should've requested white or pink gold... But WG would have brought out all the brown and grey in the melee, and RG would have clashed with those front and center yellows. YG goes with all the colours and warms everything up - no downsides to worry about. Glad I left well enough alone

 

[yssie]

Gosh I'm seeing sizable pink sapphire drop earrings

Oo maybe some gemmy baby akoya dangles with little sapphire briolettes? Something with movement to go with the feathers!

This is actually way more difficult than it probably should be!

I've been on an #OnlyStuds kick for several years now. If they aren't studs I won't wear them. They can be small studs or big studs but... That's the first requirement: Must be studs.

Then - I don't do a lot of yellow gold. So whatever I get won't see a ton of wear. So I don't want to spend too much.

I like the idea of coloured gems but... How do I match colour and saturation to the colours in the ring? That sounds like a lot of searching and returns, not sure I'm up for that sort of project right now. Diamonds are safe.

But diamonds are annoyingly expensive! So whatever I do won't be anything big.

I bought a pair of baby bezels - I've got a pair in platinum and I love them and wear them quite a bit -


And I'm also getting a pair of these, cheap n' cheerful even if they don't work out -


If Paspaley made these without the dangly bits I would be SO so so covetous!! But realistically a custom project is both out-of-effort and out-of-budget, even if they'd approve it, which who knows, so

 

[yssie]

@Dreamer_D @MakingTheGrade Well, I’m in my FudgeIt era, so I sent Paspaley a note last night about possibly customizing those Wild feather earrings to remove the dangling garnets and pearls.

They submitted my request for a special order to the workshop this afternoon - to see if it’s doable. No idea how long that’ll take. Or how much it might cost. I’ll keep y’all posted.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Oooo can’t wait to see if they green light it!
Also I was under the impression diamond prices were low now? I just got a 1.27ct branded diamond from JA and was surprised at how low the price was

 

[yssie]

So... Paspaley approved the special order...

For a very reasonable cost, too...

I've asked for some more info on the process, and how they'd ensure the omega clip isn't visible from the front (without the dangling pearls and garnets helping to hide it) - I'll share what they come back with...

::Unexpected::

 

[MakingTheGrade]

This is gonna be a show stopping set!!!

 

[katbran]

OMG this is so exciting. I love the ring ... seriously love it. I must admit that I'm surprised that they made two designs so similar . Totally agree with the earrings...I don't like the dangly gems - totally puts me off. . but without ..as studs...beautiful. What's the measurement of them? Could they be regular studs or do they need the omega even without the dangling bits ?

 

[yssie]

This is a no-go unfortunately

@katbran yes! The omega clip would be needed because even without the dangly bits the earrings would be quite heavy apparently - looking at pics online I do believe that! The clip would help them both stay balanced weight-wise and stay upright on the ear.

But the dangling bits - the garnets especially - mask the omega from the front. My SA let me know that adjusting the clip position wasn’t authorized, and he measured that there would be 1.5-2mm of clip visible from the front beyond the exterior of the feather. Add to that, without the garnets, the “holes” the garnets dangle from would also be open, that’s going to be quite a bit of empty space through which the clip is obvious!

Seeing the clip from the front would drive me up the wall so… For this pricepoint… Not the right fit, sadly. But it was an ambitious ask, TBH I’m still chuffed they agreed to it at all! Maybe one day I’ll have an opportunity to try these clips in person and I’ll feel differently about the garnets - that would resolve this clip situation!

 

[CMN]

This is a no-go unfortunately

@katbran yes! The omega clip would be needed because even without the dangly bits the earrings would be quite heavy apparently - looking at pics online I do believe that! The clip would help them both stay balanced weight-wise and stay upright on the ear.

But the dangling bits - the garnets especially - mask the omega from the front. My SA let me know that adjusting the clip position wasn’t authorized, and he measured that there would be 1.5-2mm of clip visible from the front beyond the exterior of the feather. Add to that, without the garnets, the “holes” the garnets dangle from would also be open, that’s going to be quite a bit of empty space through which the clip is obvious!

Seeing the clip from the front would drive me up the wall so… For this pricepoint… Not the right fit, sadly. But it was an ambitious ask, TBH I’m still chuffed they agreed to it at all! Maybe one day I’ll have an opportunity to try these clips in person and I’ll feel differently about the garnets - that would resolve this clip situation!

That’s unfortunate. But at least you know.

I would have thought that the design could be modified so that the precious stones follow the underside of the earring. I think it would be odd to have the underside with open holes/loops.

 

[CMN]

@yssie I went down to Paspaley today to have a look at the earrings for you. They had them on display. The bottom part of the earring (with the gold wire with threaded briolettes) would definitely need to be modified (more similar to eg 1/2 of the wild feather clasp). Some of the wires are oriented away (forward) from the earlobe - it just wouldn’t look right without the briolettes and without modifying the design

 

[yssie]

@yssie I went down to Paspaley today to have a look at the earrings for you. They had them on display. The bottom part of the earring (with the gold wire with threaded briolettes) would definitely need to be modified (more similar to eg 1/2 of the wild feather clasp). Some of the wires are oriented away (forward) from the earlobe - it just wouldn’t look right without the briolettes and without modifying the design

Oh my goodness!! It was so kind of you to take a peek at these in-person for me!! I know your eyes would catch any gotchas - your recommendation to avoid is super super helpful! I totally understand what you mean about some of the wires facing forward… Just removing the dangles, it would look incomplete.

I had wondered about “filling in” that bottom part of the feather to have sapphire pave like the remainder. I just had no idea what a Paspaley SO might or might not include, I was 50/50 on whether that was part of their plan. So now I’ve got a much better understanding of what customization at Paspaley means - not that I’m planning a next time

TBH I’m not even disappointed, I thought the quote was very fair but they’d have been novelties - I’ve got plenty of more practical uses for those funds.

I’m thinking about a trip to Australia later this year or early next, planning is a bit complicated with some family health needs but I’d absolutely love to meet you and crystal_dreams and katbran when I do make it out

 

[CMN]

Oh my goodness!! It was so kind of you to take a peek at these in-person for me!! I know your eyes would catch any gotchas - your recommendation to avoid is super super helpful! I totally understand what you mean about some of the wires facing forward… Just removing the dangles, it would look incomplete.

I had wondered about “filling in” that bottom part of the feather to have sapphire pave like the remainder. I just had no idea what a Paspaley SO might or might not include, I was 50/50 on whether that was part of their plan. So now I’ve got a much better understanding of what customization at Paspaley means - not that I’m planning a next time

TBH I’m not even disappointed, I thought the quote was very fair but they’d have been novelties - I’ve got plenty of more practical uses for those funds.

I’m thinking about a trip to Australia later this year or early next, planning is a bit complicated with some family health needs but I’d absolutely love to meet you and crystal_dreams and katbran when I do make it out

That would be lovely! Everybody has constraints but FWIW early November in Sydney is my favourite time of year. Perfect t-shirt weather, not too hot, and the Jacarandas (non-native) are blooming on the lower north shore.

 

[katbran]

Sounds like they are definitely not a 'go' ... you don't want to pay that sort of money and have the ear clip showing let alone the empty holes where the garnets were dangling . Certainly was very kind CMN to check them out ... but it is always a pleasure to wander through the store !!

 

[acaw2015]

@yssie I may be a bit late to see this thread but I absolutely love your collection! Gorgeous and dreamy! I don't want to hijack this thread, but I have to ask...
I am really loving your lavalier and am starting to think I might get one too. I did a search on pricescope and saw a few more posts from other members owning this necklace, in the opal version. I have seen the black opal version on their website too, what do you think about that one? Have you seen it IRL?
Do you still love/wear the lavalier?
I did send paspaley an email asking if the black opal version could be altered to remove the dangling part and maybe also do some other changes to just keep the opal net part and combine with the gold lavalier to make it a little more "casual", but I haven't heard back from them.
I am curious re the choice of pearl too. I think you wrote somewhere that the net obscures the pearl and so the pearl itself is not so very important? I think someone else said that it is preferable with a larger pearl for net to fill in the net, like your pearl. I would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[yssie]

@yssie I may be a bit late to see this thread but I absolutely love your collection! Gorgeous and dreamy! I don't want to hijack this thread, but I have to ask...
I am really loving your lavalier and am starting to think I might get one too. I did a search on pricescope and saw a few more posts from other members owning this necklace, in the opal version. I have seen the black opal version on their website too, what do you think about that one? Have you seen it IRL?
Do you still love/wear the lavalier?
I did send paspaley an email asking if the black opal version could be altered to remove the dangling part and maybe also do some other changes to just keep the opal net part and combine with the gold lavalier to make it a little more "casual", but I haven't heard back from them.
I am curious re the choice of pearl too. I think you wrote somewhere that the net obscures the pearl and so the pearl itself is not so very important? I think someone else said that it is preferable with a larger pearl for net to fill in the net, like your pearl. I would love to hear your thoughts.

I’m so late to respond, I know!! Work was busy this week!

I think the Lavalier is one of the most beautifully feminine and delicate designs ever created, by any house I’m not a necklace person so I can’t claim to actually wear mine often, but do I love to take it out of its little box and admire it!!

Which is honestly what I do with most of my jewellery - ogle it often, occasionally put it on

I’ve not seen the black opal hero style in person, no! I think it’s quite new? It looks spectacular in the website pics - very much the high jewellery that it is I’ll be curious what they say regarding your customization request, the bottom portion is a hallmark of the hero so TBH I would be surprised if they agreed to remove it… But if they do agree to it - it might reduce the pricetag quite dramatically! Hopefully you’ll get more info soon!! Please let us know!

I totally agree with your last two thoughts - I like a bigger pearl too, as big as the net allows, to really fill out the shape, and the net really does obscure a LOT of the pearl! It’s not that the net actually hides all that much, but it’s so busy, and the pearl is such a neutral, plain backdrop… The characteristics of the pearl kinda just visually get lost compared to the dynamic and vibrant net. The end effect is very forgiving of pearl shape and quality, I think.

 

[acaw2015]

Thank you @yssie ! No worries, I was very late to this thread as it was! Very happy to read your response. And I do have some news since I wrote this.

The "personal shopper" was actually super fast to reply and very accommodating. I was surprised at how happy they seem to make modifications to their designs and even make some suggestions. I initially asked to get the black opal version in rose gold and with no extra pearls, dangling part or diamonds. That was no problem at all! But they suggested maybe getting black mother of pearl instead of opals and I actually realised that I prefer the black mother of pearl and changed the request to that. So now I am waiting for their quote before deciding what to do.

I did ask what size pearl/maybe get a circle pearl for this project and was told that this type of net would fit a minimum of 15 mm pearl. No problem getting any type of pearl.

I really love their designs but I do not have any occasion to wear their high end necklaces. They would have to be "dressed down" a bit first! I would like to have something that I could wear to work, in town or just casually without feeling like the necklace is too much of an exclamation mark, if you get what I mean. I love the gold version that you have, that one would feel more wearable for me and I think you made a great choice! I haven't decided what to do yet and it will be interesting to see what they quote for the mop net.

 

[yssie]

Thank you @yssie ! No worries, I was very late to this thread as it was! Very happy to read your response. And I do have some news since I wrote this.

The "personal shopper" was actually super fast to reply and very accommodating. I was surprised at how happy they seem to make modifications to their designs and even make some suggestions. I initially asked to get the black opal version in rose gold and with no extra pearls, dangling part or diamonds. That was no problem at all! But they suggested maybe getting black mother of pearl instead of opals and I actually realised that I prefer the black mother of pearl and changed the request to that. So now I am waiting for their quote before deciding what to do.

I did ask what size pearl/maybe get a circle pearl for this project and was told that this type of net would fit a minimum of 15 mm pearl. No problem getting any type of pearl.

I really love their designs but I do not have any occasion to wear their high end necklaces. They would have to be "dressed down" a bit first! I would like to have something that I could wear to work, in town or just casually without feeling like the necklace is too much of an exclamation mark, if you get what I mean. I love the gold version that you have, that one would feel more wearable for me and I think you made a great choice! I haven't decided what to do yet and it will be interesting to see what they quote for the mop net.

I’m thrilled to hear this!! It’s so refreshing to see how accommodating Paspaley is to customization requests! Some other vendors require a full on circus act before they’ll consider such a request.


So this is what you’ve requested right? What did you want instead of the pave-encrusted pearl at A, just a plain gold stopper? Or a plain pearl? (This part has silicone inside the drill hole, and you slide it up to open the net and release the pearl or down to lock the pearl in)

And on the bottom - did you want anything below at B? Maybe a tiny keshi instead of the pave situation? I personally like having a little something down there, for me it adds visual balance, but of course that’s personal!

I have seen the Lavalier pendants with other pear-shaped bezel stones at the net joints, and that little detail creates such an incredibly luxe effect

 

[yssie]

@acaw2015 If you’re anywhere near NYC - they’ll be here early September! You could inquire about attending (and ask if they can bring some black MoP Lavalier pieces!)

I’ll be there, let me know if you go!

 

[acaw2015]

@yssie, yes like your picture, and I requested a plain gold stopper, A in your picture, and a plain gold ball in the bottom B. I agree that it is nice with something at the bottom, if only just something little. Basically the thing I requested is like your gold net necklace, but with the mop drops details in the net joints. It would be lovely with a keshi pearl at the bottom too, but I think it takes away a little from the net itself.

I agree, it was a happy surprise to talk to paspaley, they seem very customer friendly (though I have not gotten the quote yet!!).

I am based in Europe and won't be in the US for some time. Would have loved to visit paspaley in NYC! I hope you will post more pictures and your impressions after you visit them again!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

@acaw2015 If you’re anywhere near NYC - they’ll be here early September! You could inquire about attending (and ask if they can bring some black MoP Lavalier pieces!)

I’ll be there, let me know if you go!

Oh when will they be there?! I took a new job that’ll have me in NY twice a week so I’d love to catch them if possible

 

[yssie]

Oh when will they be there?! I took a new job that’ll have me in NY twice a week so I’d love to catch them if possible

I’ll text you!!

 

[acaw2015]

@yssie , I had to get back to you on this, because it seems like the response I got was too good to be true. The sales person had apparently made a mistake in saying that the alterations were possible and wrote that they were very sorry etc etc. If I understand them correctly, the only alterations they can do is changing the metal, nothing else, because they want to stay true to the design.