Pearl necklace from Takahashi

[DorotheaBrooke]

Oh, goodness, looks even better on you! It just glistens and glistens! I think that's the perfect size for you, not too big, actually a great size for many I think, probably me, too. I also think you can easily wear it with more casual outfits, too, since it's just a single strand it is very versatile. IMO when you go to doubles and triples that it gets more fussy. Thank you for taking the time to post your photo for me!!

Thank you! I'll give the casual look a try one day.

I look forward to hearing about what you decide on!

 

[yssie]

Thanks, @yssie , yes, you're right, I should give the NW a try. I'm quite pale, neutral skin, can wear both yellow based and pink based foundations and wear pink and red lipstick a lot.

I think you’ll know if it works for you as soon as you put it on

I also went to see Tiffany's as it was close by, but they had very little stock, only their entry level Essentials series, they had nothing from the Signature series to look at in stock, I was very unimpressed.

My local Tiffany is large and has a decent amount of pearl stock, and whenever I see those akoya I just feel sorry for them. Mediocre quality and massively overpriced.

The only caveat, and I don't know if it is true or not, but I remember reading somewhere on this or other forum that somehow pinking enhances luster, so pinked ones are supposedly more glowy/lustery than NW ones, and I want that lightbulb effect and luster most of all (I can live with the fish bites!) ??

I don’t believe this is true… Almost all (like, all, but let’s say “almost” just to CYA for that one strand out there that didn’t) Japanese akoya go through maeshori, which the industry considers “processing” rather than “treatment” - maeshori carries no stigma. Exactly what’s done in this “processing” no one will say, and it varies by farm/processing facility. But it commonly includes bleaching, pinking, and nacre tightening.

NW akoya also go through maeshori but they skip the pinking. Depending on where you get them from - they’ve most likely still been bleached and had their nacre tightened. Some vendors say their NW pearls aren’t bleached and they mean it. Some vendors say their NW pearls aren’t bleached but maeshori might have included “stain removal”… (Yeah, exactly).

The pinking is a bit of an overtone colour and strength equalizer, I think. With NW - whatever you’ve got, you match up as best you can, most pearls have some pink and green overtone. So I think on average NW strands wont be quite as well matched as pinked strands of equivalent quality. Just because of NW availability. That’s a generalization that *definitely* doesn’t apply in all cases, just means that a really well matched NW is that much more of a rarity.

 

[icy_jade]

Mediocre quality and massively overpriced

How I think when I see pearls and coloured stones at most stores…

 

[Gabor]

The 8.5-9 mm size is not too big for me (I'm 5'7"). I bought the pearls to wear with professional outfits. I have not tried to wear them casually, although I'm open to styling suggestions! For everyday I wear a diamond pendant.

Oh, and for casual styling 'with pearls', I'd like to suggest a nice, loose fit linen shirt (J. McLaughlin has nice ones in soft colors), a pair of nice jeans or leggings, ballet flats, casual and stylish at the same time

 

[Gabor]

I think you’ll know if it works for you as soon as you put it on


My local Tiffany is large and has a decent amount of pearl stock, and whenever I see those akoya I just feel sorry for them. Mediocre quality and massively overpriced.


I don’t believe this is true… Almost all (like, all, but let’s say “almost” just to CYA for that one strand out there that didn’t) Japanese akoya go through maeshori, which the industry considers “processing” rather than “treatment” - maeshori carries no stigma. Exactly what’s done in this “processing” no one will say, and it varies by farm/processing facility. But it commonly includes bleaching, pinking, and nacre tightening.

NW akoya also go through maeshori but they skip the pinking. Depending on where you get them from - they’ve most likely still been bleached and had their nacre tightened. Some vendors say their NW pearls aren’t bleached and they mean it. Some vendors say their NW pearls aren’t bleached but maeshori might have included “stain removal”… (Yeah, exactly).

The pinking is a bit of an overtone colour and strength equalizer, I think. With NW - whatever you’ve got, you match up as best you can, most pearls have some pink and green overtone. So I think on average NW strands wont be quite as well matched as pinked strands of equivalent quality. Just because of NW availability. That’s a generalization that *definitely* doesn’t apply in all cases, just means that a really well matched NW is that much more of a rarity.

"Nacre tightening"??? Well, anyways, you put my mind to rest in terms of luster, because I am really intrigued by these NW type pearls. I don't care about the processing or no processing or even rarity, at the end of the day, all I really care about is the color and luster.

It seems that of all the US vendors only Pearl Paradise has NW Akoya pearls (I may be wrong of course). They are also priced higher, probably because of the rarity like you say, than their regular Hanadamas in the same pearl size. Have you or anyone seen their NW Hanadama pearls? How are they?

 

[yssie]

Yes. I had a pair of NW studs from Pearl Paradise (no longer have those). I currently have a NW bracelet from them.

Pearl Paradise’s akoya are nice but not the nicest. Both NW and normal pinked. Takahashi and Moline have more lustrous pearls. And Mikimoto of course.

Pearl Paradise has an extremely generous return policy, seeing some of their pearls for yourself is a no-risk venture if you live in the US. When I buy strictly to view I comp the shipping, seems fair.

 

[Gabor]

Yes. I had a pair of NW studs from Pearl Paradise (no longer have those). I currently have a NW bracelet from them.

Pearl Paradise’s akoya are nice but not the nicest. Both NW and normal pinked. Takahashi and Moline have more lustrous pearls. And Mikimoto of course.

Pearl Paradise has an extremely generous return policy, seeing some of their pearls for yourself is a no-risk venture if you live in the US. When I buy strictly to view I comp the shipping, seems fair.

Yes, I'm in the US, that's why PP would be an easy, hassle-free choice. Would you mind taking a couple of pictures of your NW bracelet? Andrew Moline does artwork really, that's the only word to describe those pearls, and I want bigger mm size, so would be even pricier, not what I had in mind right now, I need a good Lexus now or Mercedes, not a Ferrari (is there anything beyond Ferraris?), well you get the picture, besides I want to use and abuse this strand, like, cook in it, wear it everyday, work in it, etc..

 

[yssie]

Yes, I'm in the US, that's why PP would be an easy, hassle-free choice. Would you mind taking a couple of pictures of your NW bracelet? Andrew Moline does artwork really, that's the only word to describe those pearls, and I want bigger mm size, so would be even pricier, not what I had in mind right now, I need a good Lexus now or Mercedes, not a Ferrari (is there anything beyond Ferraris?), well you get the picture, besides I want to use and abuse this strand, like, cook in it, wear it everyday, work in it, etc..

Sure. It’s at the bank though, so sometime next week. I have a few older photos, they aren’t very good but might be helpful just to show the (lack of) strong pink overtone… Let me find.

 

[diamondyes]

Thank you to everyone that confirmed that my beloved Tiffany’s doesn’t have the nicest pearls. I was so underwhelmed even though I really love Tiffany’s!

 

[katbran]

I think you'd need to assume that all Akoya have gone through a 'bleaching' and 'polishing' process . Does it matter to you .. probably not. The bleaching is to even out colour and the consistency of colour is good for the industry. Same with Freshwater... all whites are bleached and polished. I don't doubt that some lower grade South Sea are treated in some fashion after the lots are purchased at auction.

As for the 'rare' NW Akoya. They are available just most sellers don't bother with them as most customers like the traditional pinked . You can ask most specialist pearl sellers for them and they can get them for you. Same with 'gem' grade pearls. Anyone can find them but few carry them as that's a higher priced item and most retailers stick with what sells easily. (keep in mind that 3-5x markup that many slap on )

I think that you would enjoy any of the higher quality Akoya from Takahashi , I can't think of anyone who has been disappointed. Also, while certainly not a wholesale price they have an extremely reasonable mark up ... so the very good quality for the price is going to be hard for a large seller to match.

I also like the 8.5-9 if you can take the extra size...frankly to me they are all pretty small since I do so many South Sea lol But it is a great size and you are unlikely to feel.... oh I need larger ones... in the near future.

I think you have a very sensible attitude regarding this purchase. Colour is whatever suits you best. There is no right or wrong. The same with size... it's what you feel comfortable wearing. The big factor is lustre...and I say go for that as it makes all the difference. Get the highest lustre you can easily easily afford...and you'll love them and wear them.

 

[yssie]

Sure. It’s at the bank though, so sometime next week. I have a few older photos, they aren’t very good but might be helpful just to show the (lack of) strong pink overtone… Let me find.

The only ones I can find. They’re probably not too helpful, sorry. Both studs pairs are pinked akoya. The bracelet isn’t flattering on my colouring. Maybe someone else has some NW pearls they can post… But definitely see about getting some in for yourself

 

[diamondyes]

The only ones I can find. They’re probably not too helpful, sorry. Both studs pairs are pinked akoya. The bracelet isn’t flattering on my colouring. Maybe someone else has some NW pearls they can post… But definitely see about getting some in for yourself

My goodness those photos are delicious!!

 

[DorotheaBrooke]

Oh, and for casual styling 'with pearls', I'd like to suggest a nice, loose fit linen shirt (J. McLaughlin has nice ones in soft colors), a pair of nice jeans or leggings, ballet flats, casual and stylish at the same time

Sounds lovely!

 

[adlgel]

@DorotheaBrooke I'm sorry if I missed it but I was wondering what length your gorgeous pearl necklace is. I still can't decide if it's something that I would wear but if I do consider one, the pearl size and length of yours is what I would want to note.

 

[DorotheaBrooke]

@DorotheaBrooke I'm sorry if I missed it but I was wondering what length your gorgeous pearl necklace is. I still can't decide if it's something that I would wear but if I do consider one, the pearl size and length of yours is what I would want to note.

My necklace is slightly under 18”. I think the strand alone was 16” and then length added by knotting and the clasp.

 

[Gabor]

My necklace is slightly under 18”. I think the strand alone was 16” and then length added by knotting and the clasp.

This is confusing to me because I got quotes for both 16" and 18" inches, and based on what you are saying it looks like by the time they are strung into a finished necklace, the 16" becomes 18" (or close too), and along those lines the 18" becomes 20"?? Do you recall what length did you ask them for? I'm only wondering because the 16" quote is significantly lower then the 18", and I may actually get away with just the 16"??

 

[Gabor]

I think you'd need to assume that all Akoya have gone through a 'bleaching' and 'polishing' process . Does it matter to you .. probably not. The bleaching is to even out colour and the consistency of colour is good for the industry. Same with Freshwater... all whites are bleached and polished. I don't doubt that some lower grade South Sea are treated in some fashion after the lots are purchased at auction.

As for the 'rare' NW Akoya. They are available just most sellers don't bother with them as most customers like the traditional pinked . You can ask most specialist pearl sellers for them and they can get them for you. Same with 'gem' grade pearls. Anyone can find them but few carry them as that's a higher priced item and most retailers stick with what sells easily. (keep in mind that 3-5x markup that many slap on )

I think that you would enjoy any of the higher quality Akoya from Takahashi , I can't think of anyone who has been disappointed. Also, while certainly not a wholesale price they have an extremely reasonable mark up ... so the very good quality for the price is going to be hard for a large seller to match.

I also like the 8.5-9 if you can take the extra size...frankly to me they are all pretty small since I do so many South Sea lol But it is a great size and you are unlikely to feel.... oh I need larger ones... in the near future.

I think you have a very sensible attitude regarding this purchase. Colour is whatever suits you best. There is no right or wrong. The same with size... it's what you feel comfortable wearing. The big factor is lustre...and I say go for that as it makes all the difference. Get the highest lustre you can easily easily afford...and you'll love them and wear them.

Thank you @katbran ! Wise words there! Yes, I feel I'm gravitating toward the 8.5-9 mm size although I started my search with lower sizes in mind. I will get in touch with T. again once their vacation is over. They have said that they will respond to questions if they have time, but I know the Japanese have very little vacation time, so I want to be respectful of that.

 

[Gabor]

The only ones I can find. They’re probably not too helpful, sorry. Both studs pairs are pinked akoya. The bracelet isn’t flattering on my colouring. Maybe someone else has some NW pearls they can post… But definitely see about getting some in for yourself

Oh, thank you for posting those!! So pretty, truly, truly beautiful! Your extremely well trained eye probably sees the difference in luster, but I still think the bracelet pearls are beautiful and shiny. I actually also think that the color, as I see it on your hand, actually should look good on you, but, of course you know best. I also think it depends a little bit on the make up and clothes we wear at any given time, like, sometimes yellow gold works better and sometimes we reach for white gold or silver.

 

[Gabor]

This is confusing to me because I got quotes for both 16" and 18" inches, and based on what you are saying it looks like by the time they are strung into a finished necklace, the 16" becomes 18" (or close too), and along those lines the 18" becomes 20"?? Do you recall what length did you ask them for? I'm only wondering because the 16" quote is significantly lower then the 18", and I may actually get away with just the 16"??

Ok, @DorotheaBrooke , I'm re-reading this and I see that you bought 16" strand. It is confusing, because the online US-based sellers state the finished length including the clasp. I guess it's all down to terminology, 'strand' versus 'necklace'. I'm getting there!

 

[DorotheaBrooke]

This is confusing to me because I got quotes for both 16" and 18" inches, and based on what you are saying it looks like by the time they are strung into a finished necklace, the 16" becomes 18" (or close too), and along those lines the 18" becomes 20"?? Do you recall what length did you ask them for? I'm only wondering because the 16" quote is significantly lower then the 18", and I may actually get away with just the 16"??

I think so, if you asked about a strand, but definitely check with Takahashi. I inquired about a strand without specifying a length and she gave me the price.

 

[Gabor]

The only ones I can find. They’re probably not too helpful, sorry. Both studs pairs are pinked akoya. The bracelet isn’t flattering on my colouring. Maybe someone else has some NW pearls they can post… But definitely see about getting some in for yourself

One more question, since you already did that route, how much does it cost approximately to send out to PSL for certification? I may want to still do that if I get something and it's not a huge cost of course. Thanks!

 

[yssie]

This is confusing to me because I got quotes for both 16" and 18" inches, and based on what you are saying it looks like by the time they are strung into a finished necklace, the 16" becomes 18" (or close too), and along those lines the 18" becomes 20"?? Do you recall what length did you ask them for? I'm only wondering because the 16" quote is significantly lower then the 18", and I may actually get away with just the 16"??

Loose pearl hanks are 16” long by default. Anything that’s not 16” is an exception to the norm!

The knots adds a little length, as does the clasp. So when those loose pearls are knotted up into actual necklaces, they tend to wind up right around 18”.

My presumption is that the quotes you received were for 16” (unknotted, just the normal hank) and 18” (unknotted, the normal hank and sorting through lots to find some matching extra pearls to add on, which is more pearls plus additional labour). But *def* check precisely what your quotes were for. If you get a quote without specifying any length then that’s for a hank, 16” unknotted.

Takahashi can knot the loose pearls up and they’ve got a number of clasp options!

 

[yssie]

One more question, since you already did that route, how much does it cost approximately to send out to PSL for certification? I may want to still do that if I get something and it's not a huge cost of course. Thanks!

The actual PSL runs $50 or $75 depending on who does it, plus shipping - if you buy from a US vendor the shipping is pricey.

I want to say though - if what you want is a PSL ten-nyo strand, then you should buy with PSL up front, exactly what you’ve already gotten quotes for. If you buy an uncerted strand and then send it to PSL - you’ve got to recognize that you’re buying the strand itself regardless of what the PSL comes back with. This is how both me and Boom bought ours - we bought the pearls, the PSLs were merely curiosities.

For anyone - not you, Gabor, this is just a general request!! - who might be thinking of buying an uncerted strand, having it certed, and then potentially rejecting it based on the cert - please don’t buy from Takahashi!! That’s not fair to them, and I won’t support subjecting a vendor to those sorts of games.

 

[Gabor]

The actual PSL runs $50 or $75 depending on who does it, plus shipping - if you buy from a US vendor the shipping is pricey.

I want to say though - if what you want is a PSL ten-nyo strand, then you should buy with PSL up front, exactly what you’ve already gotten quotes for. If you buy an uncerted strand and then send it to PSL - you’ve got to recognize that you’re buying the strand itself regardless of what the PSL comes back with. This is how both me and Boom bought ours - we bought the pearls, the PSLs were merely curiosities.

For anyone - not you, Gabor, this is just a general request!! - who might be thinking of buying an uncerted strand, having it certed, and then potentially rejecting it based on the cert - please don’t buy from Takahashi!! That’s not fair to them, and I won’t support subjecting a vendor to those sorts of games.

That thought has never entered my mind! It's good to have the warning out, however, I don't think you need to worry, because I don't even think it is remotely technically feasible, would anyone attempt cheap tricks like that, because I am sure they, and any other vendor for that matter, would probably complete the purchase first (especially with a new client) and send to PSL only after, as an extra courtesy to the customer, and given their no return policy there is nothing to reject or return at that point. If I end up buying from them, I certainly intend to be a very good customer, and would we go to Japan again (we have been many times both on business and privately) I would love to visit them (if they have a store).

I will talk with T. when they are back to see what all the options are and get clarifications to my questions. I think, thanks to you guys, I have a much better view and understanding of things than when I started my search and will be able to make a much more educated decision. Thanks again #Yssie, thanks everyone

 

[yssie]

That thought has never entered my mind! It's good to have the warning out, however, I don't think you need to worry, because I don't even think it is remotely technically feasible, would anyone attempt cheap tricks like that, because I am sure they, and any other vendor for that matter, would probably complete the purchase first (especially with a new client) and send to PSL only after, as an extra courtesy to the customer, and given their no return policy there is nothing to reject or return at that point. If I end up buying from them, I certainly intend to be a very good customer, and would we go to Japan again (we have been many times both on business and privately) I would love to visit them (if they have a store).

I will talk with T. when they are back to see what all the options are and get clarifications to my questions. I think, thanks to you guys, I have a much better view and understanding of things than when I started my search and will be able to make a much more educated decision. Thanks again #Yssie, thanks everyone

Oh I knew right away that wasn't your intent, given that you had originally asked about strands with PSL reports! Please let us know what they come back to you with!

Have you decided whether or not you'll have the natural white in your first post sent out to look at?

 

[Gabor]

Oh I knew right away that wasn't your intent, given that you had originally asked about strands with PSL reports! Please let us know what they come back to you with!

Have you decided whether or not you'll have the natural white in your first post sent out to look at?

The NW one is still in the running, but as much as I'd love to see it, it's coming from HK, so it would be cumbersome and costly to return in case it wouldn't work, plus it's only an 8-8.5mm. Besides, I couldn't really order anything, because we'll be away next week. I'm actually looking forward to having some time to reflect and make decisions. I will certainly let you know what I decide and what I hear back from T, too. It is really fantastic to have all these options though!

 

[yssie]

Any updates?

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

How I think when I see pearls and coloured stones at most stores…

welcome to NZ

 

[Gabor]

Any updates?

No updates We are still traveling, and honestly, it is nice to get a bit of distance from my pearl search because I was getting very stressed out. However, the more I think about it, I feel, I need to order domestically first so I can test the colors and how the sizes feel and send back easily if needed. Then, my next purchase can happen from overseas, like Takahashi when I know exactly what I want. Yes, I think, eventually, I'll need 2 Akoya necklaces, because I also like the longer lengths with certain outfits and the shorter with V-necks. I may start with PP as many have. May wait until their next sitewide sale though. I saw that Pearls of Joy just had a sale, but PP seems to be the popular choice for many here.

 

[AudxLauren]

I think those top two are gorgeous!

I can answer your question about extra costs. I purchased an 8.5-9 mm strand and earrings, gem quality (no cert). I paid a little over $600 USD extra for a necklace with a gold clasp and gold backs for the earrings. (Silver would have been much less.) The FedEx fee was about $100 and I later paid about $300 in duty.

Here’s a photo to show the complete set, although it does not show the luster to full advantage. They look very similar to the top two strands you posted.

Good luck with your search!

Your set is lovely. Where did you purchase it?