Pomelo’s pearls

[Pomelo]

@yssie asked to see my collection, so here it is!

I bought my first strand at the beginning of April this year. It’s now late June and I cannot believe the speed at which my collection is expanding!

For me, I like things to be perfectly imperfect, so I am drawn to baroques and keshi more than perfectly round pearls. Lustre matters, but I won’t be upset if it’s not super lustrous.

I’ve focussed on necklaces and earrings for now, as I don’t trust myself not to batter bracelets and rings, and I think the physical size/volume of pearls makes wearing a bracelet/ring a bit harder.

Necklaces:
1. 9-11mm peacock circle drop Tahitians. This was my first necklace and probably still my favourite! The lustre on these is beautiful and I like the colour against my skin & with black clothing
2. 9-11mm multicolour baroque SSPs. I like the collation of various shapes and colours (the champagne and light gold, the pink, the silvery blue!), it’s a great twist on a classic white strand and very wearable for summer
3. 9-12mm silver/blue “boulder”-shape baroque Tahitians. This strand took me many many tries to find. I knew I wanted some silver-blue Tahitians with good lustre, but I wanted them in a slightly different shape to the peacock Tahitian drops. At first, I actually thought the seller might’ve gotten mixed up as you tend to see SSPs with this kind of boulder-shape! I am also contemplating getting rid of the centre white pearl (am still wondering if that’s actually a Tahitian or an SSP) as well as a couple of other pearls with fish bites and low lustre
4. 7-7.8mm tiny peacock drop Tahitians, from @Pearlescence . I loved the idea of tiny Tahitians and couldn’t believe that pearlescence had a strand that matches my peacock drop Ts so well! This strand is beautiful on its own but really packs a punch when twisted with the larger strand

Earrings:
1. 10.5-12mm Tahitian keshis. The colour is a silvery-green and the flat shape makes it very comfortable to wear!
2. 16.6-16.7mm mismatched green circle Tahitian / button WSSP. These pearls are unset (I bought them at a HK trade show two days ago) and I’ll be looking for setting advice as they’re huge and 6g each! The Tahitian is actually pretty lustrous for such a large pearl; the WSSP sadly is the least lustrous pearl I own but it’s a trade off I was willing to make for the size and price
3. 7.2mm round akoya - these pinked akoya have great lustre, but to be honest I only bought them for “lustre calibration” purposes and rarely wear them
4. 11.2mm round freshwater - I thought I liked larger pearl studs and 11.2mm was “large” before PSS set in. These are a funky colour - slightly silver-lavender and one pearl is more lustrous than the other. I’m okay with it, given the price I paid.

Bracelet:
1. I couldn’t pass up on this rabbit-shaped WSS! Our baby boy was born in the year of the rabbit (last year) and I had to get this pearl set in a way that I can see it. Sorry I forgot to include it in the family pic

 

[Catmom]

Gorgeous pearls Pomelo! Once you start you can't stop and there are so many different ones, lol.

 

[Pomelo]

Modelling shots matter.

I’ve found that no matter how much I want to keep a strand because the pearls are so beautiful (a super vibrant multicolour strand of Ts come to mind), if it doesn’t work on my neck then there’s no point in keeping it!

9-11mm Ts, 7-7.8mm tiny Ts, and both strands worn together




9-11mm multicolour baroque SSPs




9-12mm silver-blue baroque Ts



Family shot of the three larger strands

 

[stracci2000]

I love your collection, @Pomelo !
And your look is classic and sophisticated, as always!

 

[Pomelo]

Earring shots, although you can see the keshi in a lot of the pictures above!

10.5-12mm keshi. I love the wearability and uniqueness of this pair!



7.2mm pinked akoya and 11.2mm freshwater (with size comparison to some faux studs). I first thought 11mm were big, then 13.5mm looked just right, then tried on some 15.5mm faux buttons and they looked the perfect size


11.2mm freshwater with a strand of 9-9.5 baroque slightly pink akoya that I really wanted to keep but decided that I didn’t need it…





16.6-16.7mm mismatched monster Tahitian and WSSP. I’ll need help with how to set these as they’re so big and also have blemishes but face up okay. The WSSP lacks lustre but I was willing to compromise on size. In hindsight, maybe I should’ve looked for a white Edison instead!

 

[maryjane04]

Gosh @Pomelo you know how to make pearls look cool! I love all the photos and how you've styled them.

I always thought that perfect pearls are a more mature look. So the quirky and imperfect but perfect pearls look so fun on you. Great way to start your pearl collection.

 

[Snowdrop13]

All so gorgeous! You really suit those Tahitian strands. And the lustre on the fat freshwaters is amazing!

 

[HollyC]

Loving all the looks on you @Pomelo
Fabulous

 

[Civnhasy]

Love all of these photos, and I love love love how you twisted the Tahitians together! Those might be my fave. Although the rabbit pearl is unbelievably cool as well.

I can identify with the inability to stop adding to one's pearl collection. Do you have a particular vendor you like to purchase from or do you source from shows and the like?

 

[yssie]

I love this!! Thank you @Pomelo - your current curations are delightful and it’s so much fun to see them all together

So I came to pearls from diamonds… And with diamonds - I mean, sure, we might idealize varying shapes and flavours, but y’know, everyone’s basically prioritizing the same characteristics the same ways. Pearls, though, it’s so different, people really can and do look for different features and honestly the diversity of preference is so refreshing. I haven’t reached for my diamond staples in months - it’s always pearls for me these days

The #rocks - that’s what I’m gonna call it now - is so unique. It really IS unusual to find Tahitians like that. That’s a treasure of a strand. And the your big and small blacks, I LOVE them twisted like in your earring pics. And f’n lucky win on the colour match - I’ve never had success matching without sending a sample in!!

Baroque Tahitians and akoya are usually more lustrous than rounds. Well, I guess I should say more pedantically - it’s way harder to find a strand of rounds that holds it’s own against the luster of even a “standard” quality baroque strand - I’ve found you pretty much always need a “higher” quality of rounds for a luster match. Given that you prefer baroques to begin with… I doubt you’re sacrificing on much in the luster department even if it’s not your top priority.

Can I say… Since you didn’t bring it home… I confess the 9-9.5 akoya strand gives me some low key anxiety. I think the pearls are just too close to round to read as overtly and deliberately baroque in the neck. So first glance says “oh, round, white, traditional, BUT”. And the BUT demands a second glance which says “nope not even”. So then you’re peering in for a third look and it’s starting to feel weirdly intimate, even just a photo on the internet Forewarning, if one day you decide you want a pinked white akoya strand I’m gonna be trying to talk you into plain ol’ rounds.

Omega clips for the mismatch B&W monsters!! Help distribute the weight. If you turn them into earrings. They’d make a great ring though. Hardy enough for a ring, and a killer size.

Dark pearls look really really really good on you Pomelo. They glow on you and they bring out the brightness and blush in your skin. I hope you wear those tons. You’ve found YOUR colour so early in your collecting. It took me a while to figure out that my skin does best with strongly pinked white akoya.

D’you have any interest in pearl bracelets? Or long ropes? I know you’ve said multicolours don’t work as well with your wardrobe but I wonder if something *totally* random like a harvest strand would fit… Because everything about it is so random that you don’t visually expect any sort of conformity, it’s just very clearly meant to be an interesting tangent, if that makes any sense? In a youthful and imperfectly perfect way?

I’m really looking forward to seeing how your collection evolves!!

 

[Pomelo]

Gorgeous pearls Pomelo! Once you start you can't stop and there are so many different ones, lol.

Haha it's true! The variety is astounding!

I love your collection, @Pomelo !
And your look is classic and sophisticated, as always!

Thank you!

Gosh @Pomelo you know how to make pearls look cool! I love all the photos and how you've styled them.

I always thought that perfect pearls are a more mature look. So the quirky and imperfect but perfect pearls look so fun on you. Great way to start your pearl collection.

Haha thanks! I have to say, I'm having a LOT of fun with them! I think I'm used to more dainty jewellery so having a strand of pearls is more statement-y

All so gorgeous! You really suit those Tahitian strands. And the lustre on the fat freshwaters is amazing!

Thank you! I'm amazed by how mirror-like freshwater pearls can get nowadays. Hopefully I'll have a chance to play with more freshwaters in person soon!

Loving all the looks on you @Pomelo
Fabulous

Thank you!!

Love all of these photos, and I love love love how you twisted the Tahitians together! Those might be my fave. Although the rabbit pearl is unbelievably cool as well.

I can identify with the inability to stop adding to one's pearl collection. Do you have a particular vendor you like to purchase from or do you source from shows and the like?

Haha thanks! I'm based in Beijing for a couple of years due to my husband's job, so my main go-to sources are:
1. Hongqiao pearl market in Beijing
2. Chinese livestreamers on RED and Douyin (the Chinese version of Instagram and Tiktok)
3. Recommended vendors from PS and the other pearl forum, which is how I found my tiny T's on pearlescence's website
4. I managed to catch the last day of the jewellery & gem exhibition in HK which is where I found the mismatched black and white monster pearls!

Definitely double-check that they have a returns policy beforehand. I have returned so many pearls over the last couple of months from livestreams - not because the quality isn't there (although I've come across two instances where obvious "GSSP" / "Tahitians" are dyed FWPs), but because it's hard to visualise how something will look against your skin. Plus, everyone's monitors are different and the livestreamers use different lighting set ups.

I love this!! Thank you @Pomelo - your current curations are delightful and it’s so much fun to see them all together

So I came to pearls from diamonds… And with diamonds - I mean, sure, we might idealize varying shapes and flavours, but y’know, everyone’s basically prioritizing the same characteristics the same ways. Pearls, though, it’s so different, people really can and do look for different features and honestly the diversity of preference is so refreshing. I haven’t reached for my diamond staples in months - it’s always pearls for me these days

The #rocks - that’s what I’m gonna call it now - is so unique. It really IS unusual to find Tahitians like that. That’s a treasure of a strand. And the your big and small blacks, I LOVE them twisted like in your earring pics. And f’n lucky win on the colour match - I’ve never had success matching without sending a sample in!!

Baroque Tahitians and akoya are usually more lustrous than rounds. Well, I guess I should say more pedantically - it’s way harder to find a strand of rounds that holds it’s own against the luster of even a “standard” quality baroque strand - I’ve found you pretty much always need a “higher” quality of rounds for a luster match. Given that you prefer baroques to begin with… I doubt you’re sacrificing on much in the luster department even if it’s not your top priority.

Can I say… Since you didn’t bring it home… I confess the 9-9.5 akoya strand gives me some low key anxiety. I think the pearls are just too close to round to read as overtly and deliberately baroque in the neck. So first glance says “oh, round, white, traditional, BUT”. And the BUT demands a second glance which says “nope not even”. So then you’re peering in for a third look and it’s starting to feel weirdly intimate, even just a photo on the internet Forewarning, if one day you decide you want a pinked white akoya strand I’m gonna be trying to talk you into plain ol’ rounds.

Omega clips for the mismatch B&W monsters!! Help distribute the weight. If you turn them into earrings. They’d make a great ring though. Hardy enough for a ring, and a killer size.

Dark pearls look really really really good on you Pomelo. They glow on you and they bring out the brightness and blush in your skin. I hope you wear those tons. You’ve found YOUR colour so early in your collecting. It took me a while to figure out that my skin does best with strongly pinked white akoya.

D’you have any interest in pearl bracelets? Or long ropes? I know you’ve said multicolours don’t work as well with your wardrobe but I wonder if something *totally* random like a harvest strand would fit… Because everything about it is so random that you don’t visually expect any sort of conformity, it’s just very clearly meant to be an interesting tangent, if that makes any sense? In a youthful and imperfectly perfect way?

I’m really looking forward to seeing how your collection evolves!!

Thanks Yssie, and also for your invaluable contribution to this subforum over the years! I think a lot of people have been inspired by your pearl journey.

Haha yes, makes sense on the baroque akoya - actually, I think you've just articulated what I struggled to verbalise: I like it when pearls are obviously not round (unless they're studs). The next thing on my wishlist is a strand of natural white baroque / drop-shaped akoya but I haven't really seen any of them around to try on.

RE: the mismatched monster studs, I was thinking about omega clips too! But do you think it needs some kind of cup for either weight distribution or to hide the side profile of the circlé Tahitian?

RE: harvest strands - YES! I love the way they look, but I haven't really seen any in person and it's hard for me to pull the trigger without trying it on first. I genuinely don't think pearl bracelets will work for my lifestyle at the moment with a baby at home, and he will most definitely pull on/eat the rope But one day!

And how about your pearl collection? Are you focused on strongly pinked white akoya now?

 

[diamondyes]

This was a beautiful way to start my morning; thank you for sharing! I always admire your style and this pearl progression was no exception.

 

[yssie]

Thanks Yssie, and also for your invaluable contribution to this subforum over the years! I think a lot of people have been inspired by your pearl journey.

Haha yes, makes sense on the baroque akoya - actually, I think you've just articulated what I struggled to verbalise: I like it when pearls are obviously not round (unless they're studs). The next thing on my wishlist is a strand of natural white baroque / drop-shaped akoya but I haven't really seen any of them around to try on.

Takahashi had some super cute baby grey baroques a few weeks ago, I thought of you! I’m sure they’ve got whites too. But no returns of course, so unless you trek out to Japan Another random thought, if you’d be open to vintage akoya (they’re more creamy and less lustrous - easy to find non-pinked though, and I find some of them charming) you can get some gorgeous clasps I’ll buy old strands just to harvest clasps sometimes. So I’ve got handfuls of old akoya now. If you have a US addy I’m happy to mail you some?

RE: the mismatched monster studs, I was thinking about omega clips too! But do you think it needs some kind of cup for either weight distribution or to hide the side profile of the circlé Tahitian?

Yeah. A really quick google pics search - I was thinking something like these:





But now I’m thinking about this more, if the backs of yours aren’t either basically-flat or basically-spherical they’ll probably need custom cups. And if you need custom cups you might as well have clips attached exactly like you want, since it’ll be a custom job anyway. I think this is what they call scope creep

RE: harvest strands - YES! I love the way they look, but I haven't really seen any in person and it's hard for me to pull the trigger without trying it on first. I genuinely don't think pearl bracelets will work for my lifestyle at the moment with a baby at home, and he will most definitely pull on/eat the rope But one day!

Pearl bracelets: The most exotic teething devices

I think a long harvest or harvest style rope would suit your style perfectly. I’m seeing it with your bone cuff… Eclectic luxury

And how about your pearl collection? Are you focused on strongly pinked white akoya now?

You’re sweet to ask I need to update my thread! I totally ghosted it - posted when things were kinda crazy and ran to go deal with the crazy and haven’t dared to stick my head back in yet I do feel like I have enough pearls though. Now I want to make the pieces I do have “perfect for me” - switch out clasps I don’t love, restring anything that doesn’t look great (some of my earlier stringing efforts were more successful than others… LOL)

I have a mammoth singleton WSS - a bit smaller than yours actually, 15.6mm. I know I want a ring and rose gold, I don’t know anything more than that - I’ll probably start a thread asking for ideas help pretty soon. Having unset gems bugs me no end

 

[Pomelo]

Another random thought, if you’d be open to vintage akoya (they’re more creamy and less lustrous - easy to find non-pinked though, and I find some of them charming) you can get some gorgeous clasps I’ll buy old strands just to harvest clasps sometimes. So I’ve got handfuls of old akoya now. If you have a US addy I’m happy to mail you some?

That's so kind of you to offer, thank you! My husband has a NYC work address, I'll share that with you via Instagram! He'll be in NYC in two weeks' time for a meeting

But now I’m thinking about this more, if the backs of yours aren’t either basically-flat or basically-spherical they’ll probably need custom cups. And if you need custom cups you might as well have clips attached exactly like you want, since it’ll be a custom job anyway. I think this is what they call scope creep

Haha scope creep is always fun. Maybe I'll do a simple jobbie in sterling silver first, in case it's not right for whatever reason.

You’re sweet to ask I need to update my thread! I totally ghosted it - posted when things were kinda crazy and ran to go deal with the crazy and haven’t dared to stick my head back in yet I do feel like I have enough pearls though. Now I want to make the pieces I do have “perfect for me” - switch out clasps I don’t love, restring anything that doesn’t look great (some of my earlier stringing efforts were more successful than others… LOL)

I have a mammoth singleton WSS - a bit smaller than yours actually, 15.6mm. I know I want a ring and rose gold, I don’t know anything more than that - I’ll probably start a thread asking for ideas help pretty soon. Having unset gems bugs me no end

Learning to restring was a summer project I was hoping to pick up, and then I found out the cost of restringing a necklace in Beijing... it's 20 RMB. Which is 3 USD. I have zero intention of learning to restring now, especially since I hear it takes over an hour to do a necklace!

Can't wait to see what you do with your WSS! Maybe a mega pearl pinky ring to wear with your Paspaley ring? That would be epic!

Or a BTF with another unset stone / Tahitian?

I've just found a couple of pictures from Assael (I do like their stuff...!). First pic is WSS with goshenite (I've just learnt that it's a fancy name for white beryl), second is T and WSS.

 

[lulu_ma]

All gorg-but the rabbit is my fave!

 

[canuk-gal]

That's so kind of you to offer, thank you! My husband has a NYC work address, I'll share that with you via Instagram! He'll be in NYC in two weeks' time for a meeting


Haha scope creep is always fun. Maybe I'll do a simple jobbie in sterling silver first, in case it's not right for whatever reason.


Learning to restring was a summer project I was hoping to pick up, and then I found out the cost of restringing a necklace in Beijing... it's 20 RMB. Which is 3 USD. I have zero intention of learning to restring now, especially since I hear it takes over an hour to do a necklace!

Can't wait to see what you do with your WSS! Maybe a mega pearl pinky ring to wear with your Paspaley ring? That would be epic!

Or a BTF with another unset stone / Tahitian?

I've just found a couple of pictures from Assael (I do like their stuff...!). First pic is WSS with goshenite (I've just learnt that it's a fancy name for white beryl), second is T and WSS.

Love Assael! FWIW, Oakgem often has lovely (new) Assael pieces for sale.

Search: 49 results found for "Assael"

Purveyors and Purchasers of Fine Jewelry and Timepieces.

oakgem.com

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

That's so kind of you to offer, thank you! My husband has a NYC work address, I'll share that with you via Instagram! He'll be in NYC in two weeks' time for a meeting


Haha scope creep is always fun. Maybe I'll do a simple jobbie in sterling silver first, in case it's not right for whatever reason.


Learning to restring was a summer project I was hoping to pick up, and then I found out the cost of restringing a necklace in Beijing... it's 20 RMB. Which is 3 USD. I have zero intention of learning to restring now, especially since I hear it takes over an hour to do a necklace!

Can't wait to see what you do with your WSS! Maybe a mega pearl pinky ring to wear with your Paspaley ring? That would be epic!

Or a BTF with another unset stone / Tahitian?

I've just found a couple of pictures from Assael (I do like their stuff...!). First pic is WSS with goshenite (I've just learnt that it's a fancy name for white beryl), second is T and WSS.

wow !! $3
btw thats lovely looking inspriational pearl rings

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Awesome collection! I especially love the layered looks. One of these days I’ll make it to the big HK pearl show!

 

[Pomelo]

Coming back to update this thread for the new pieces that snuck their way into my pearl collection.

Considering I bought my first piece in April last year, the collection grew much faster than I anticipated, but interestingly I think I’m at pearl peace as I haven’t looked at any pearls for a while. (Of course, another obsession takes its place - spending more time on jadeite haha!)

Since I last posted on this thread, I’ve added the following:
1) 7mm drop-shaped akoya strand, strung on blue string from Flower Jem (independent seller from Japan)
2) 9-10mm baroque blue akoya from Flower Jem (since restrung with 4 pearls removed due to length)
3) 8.3-10.4mm semi-round Tahitians from Kobe
4) 7.2-7.9mm drop-shaped Tahitians from Kobe (these have replaced the tiny T’s I got from Pearlescence as the skins are slightly smoother with more uniform drop shapes, but the Pearlescence strand were rehomed to a good friend who loved them when she first saw them)
5) Ombré soufflé Tahitian bracelet - selected individual pearls from General Pearl in Tokyo. I usually wear this as a necklace though, by connecting a chunky silver bracelet to it
6) Various pearl drops and pendants from General Pearl
7) Bubble Tahitian bracelet, made from leftover pearls when strands were restrung (I prefer them shorter and have an extender if needed)
8 ) 16.6-16.7mm mismatched monster Tahitian and WSS - pearls selected from a gem and pearl show in HK
9) 17.5mm pink button FW from Beijing’s Hongqiao pearl market, currently set as a single earring as I wanted to find it a blue or golden SS for a pair of mismatched monster pastel earrings, but since haven’t had the energy or desire to look for its other half…
10) Two loose 13.1-13.3mm light grey Tahitians from CMW (one is “high luster”, the other is “mid-high luster” per their description)
11) 7-9mm multicolour Tahitians bracelet from CMW
12) Vintage akoya double strand bracelet, very kindly sent to me by @yssie

The nearly-complete family portrait below shows what’s new (marked with green arrows) and what’s been rehomed (in blue).



The following two photos show how much of a difference lighting makes!


My new favourite T strand - the luster and colours are wonderful



9-10mm baroque blue akoya and 7mm drop-shaped akoya. I’m glad to have these in my collection




The bottom strand of T’s was very lustrous and near-round, and was gifted to my mum as I felt that she could pull off a slightly larger, rounder strand than me! This is her first pearl necklace so I think she’s done better than most pearl newbies



I prefer my necklaces shorter, so spent a couple of afternoons rearranging them on a bead board and made a T bubble bracelet from the leftover pearls.

WSS (leftover from another necklace) were also added to the ombré soufflé T bracelet so the ombré ranges from actual white to very dark grey (rather than a light grey to dark grey). I do wish the WSS were more elongated and baroque, but it’ll do for now!



Getting everything restrung, drilled, bails and clasps added etc

 

[Star gazer]

Coming back to update this thread for the new pieces that snuck their way into my pearl collection.

Considering I bought my first piece in April last year, the collection grew much faster than I anticipated, but interestingly I think I’m at pearl peace as I haven’t looked at any pearls for a while. (Of course, another obsession takes its place - spending more time on jadeite haha!)

Since I last posted on this thread, I’ve added the following:
1) 7mm drop-shaped akoya strand, strung on blue string from Flower Jem (independent seller from Japan)
2) 9-10mm baroque blue akoya from Flower Jem (since restrung with 4 pearls removed due to length)
3) 8.3-10.4mm semi-round Tahitians from Kobe
4) 7.2-7.9mm drop-shaped Tahitians from Kobe (these have replaced the tiny T’s I got from Pearlescence as the skins are slightly smoother with more uniform drop shapes, but the Pearlescence strand were rehomed to a good friend who loved them when she first saw them)
5) Ombré soufflé Tahitian bracelet - selected individual pearls from General Pearl in Tokyo. I usually wear this as a necklace though, by connecting a chunky silver bracelet to it
6) Various pearl drops and pendants from General Pearl
7) Bubble Tahitian bracelet, made from leftover pearls when strands were restrung (I prefer them shorter and have an extender if needed)
8 ) 16.6-16.7mm mismatched monster Tahitian and WSS - pearls selected from a gem and pearl show in HK
9) 17.5mm pink button FW from Beijing’s Hongqiao pearl market, currently set as a single earring as I wanted to find it a blue or golden SS for a pair of mismatched monster pastel earrings, but since haven’t had the energy or desire to look for its other half…
10) Two loose 13.1-13.3mm light grey Tahitians from CMW (one is “high luster”, the other is “mid-high luster” per their description)
11) 7-9mm multicolour Tahitians bracelet from CMW
12) Vintage akoya double strand bracelet, very kindly sent to me by @yssie

The nearly-complete family portrait below shows what’s new (marked with green arrows) and what’s been rehomed (in blue).



The following two photos show how much of a difference lighting makes!


My new favourite T strand - the luster and colours are wonderful



9-10mm baroque blue akoya and 7mm drop-shaped akoya. I’m glad to have these in my collection




The bottom strand of T’s was very lustrous and near-round, and was gifted to my mum as I felt that she could pull off a slightly larger, rounder strand than me! This is her first pearl necklace so I think she’s done better than most pearl newbies



I prefer my necklaces shorter, so spent a couple of afternoons rearranging them on a bead board and made a T bubble bracelet from the leftover pearls.

WSS (leftover from another necklace) were also added to the ombré soufflé T bracelet so the ombré ranges from actual white to very dark grey (rather than a light grey to dark grey). I do wish the WSS were more elongated and baroque, but it’ll do for now!



Getting everything restrung, drilled, bails and clasps added etc

Wow!!!

 

[Pomelo]

And photos for these pieces (that I couldn’t fit into the previous post):
9) 17.5mm pink button FW from Beijing’s Hongqiao pearl market, currently set as a single earring as I wanted to find it a blue or golden SS for a pair of mismatched monster pastel earrings, but since haven’t had the energy or desire to look for its other half…
10) Two loose 13.1-13.3mm light grey Tahitians from CMW (one is “high luster”, the other is “mid-high luster” per their description)
11) 7-9mm multicolour Tahitians bracelet from CMW, “top luster” per their description
12) Vintage akoya double strand bracelet, very kindly sent to me by @yssie

View attachment 996938


The multicolour “top luster” AA/AAA bracelet from CMW vs my new favourite T strand.

Honest feedback is that I found the bracelet slightly underwhelming. The luster is good but maybe I was expecting something on par with my strand of T’s. And, there are 2-3 pearls with a lot of surface blemishes. It was sold as 15-30%, and maybe I didn’t realise just how much the 30% is. As I bought these online rather than in-store and got a friend to pick them up in HK, I was already beyond the returns policy when I received them.

Saying that, I’m glad to have a multicolour set of T’s (mine are mostly peacock/purple) and have a point of comparison if I ever want a truly multicolour strand.

Now, the question is how to string these multicolour T’s - maybe I’ll remove the ones that are too blemished, and add one of the grey 13mm T’s to the centre? That way, it’ll be a visually interesting bracelet with a large centre pearl, and might make an interesting necklace if paired with the chunky silver chain.

View attachment 996939View attachment 996940View attachment 996941


I’m debating whether to keep the grey T’s as a pair of studs, or whether to make a grey T and pink FW cuff ring - would love your thoughts!

I just don’t know how often I’d wear the 13mm grey T studs, as I already have some 10-12mm silvery keshis that I love, and also 9-10mm pinked akoya studs / 16–17mm mismatched monster T x WSS studs…

FWIW, I was very happy with the CMW grey T’s, sold as high luster AA and mid-high luster AAA/AA. They have far fewer blemishes than the pearls in the bracelet!

View attachment 996942View attachment 996943View attachment 996944

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Coming back to update this thread for the new pieces that snuck their way into my pearl collection.

Considering I bought my first piece in April last year, the collection grew much faster than I anticipated, but interestingly I think I’m at pearl peace as I haven’t looked at any pearls for a while. (Of course, another obsession takes its place - spending more time on jadeite haha!)

Since I last posted on this thread, I’ve added the following:
1) 7mm drop-shaped akoya strand, strung on blue string from Flower Jem (independent seller from Japan)
2) 9-10mm baroque blue akoya from Flower Jem (since restrung with 4 pearls removed due to length)
3) 8.3-10.4mm semi-round Tahitians from Kobe
4) 7.2-7.9mm drop-shaped Tahitians from Kobe (these have replaced the tiny T’s I got from Pearlescence as the skins are slightly smoother with more uniform drop shapes, but the Pearlescence strand were rehomed to a good friend who loved them when she first saw them)
5) Ombré soufflé Tahitian bracelet - selected individual pearls from General Pearl in Tokyo. I usually wear this as a necklace though, by connecting a chunky silver bracelet to it
6) Various pearl drops and pendants from General Pearl
7) Bubble Tahitian bracelet, made from leftover pearls when strands were restrung (I prefer them shorter and have an extender if needed)
8 ) 16.6-16.7mm mismatched monster Tahitian and WSS - pearls selected from a gem and pearl show in HK
9) 17.5mm pink button FW from Beijing’s Hongqiao pearl market, currently set as a single earring as I wanted to find it a blue or golden SS for a pair of mismatched monster pastel earrings, but since haven’t had the energy or desire to look for its other half…
10) Two loose 13.1-13.3mm light grey Tahitians from CMW (one is “high luster”, the other is “mid-high luster” per their description)
11) 7-9mm multicolour Tahitians bracelet from CMW
12) Vintage akoya double strand bracelet, very kindly sent to me by @yssie

The nearly-complete family portrait below shows what’s new (marked with green arrows) and what’s been rehomed (in blue).



The following two photos show how much of a difference lighting makes!


My new favourite T strand - the luster and colours are wonderful



9-10mm baroque blue akoya and 7mm drop-shaped akoya. I’m glad to have these in my collection




The bottom strand of T’s was very lustrous and near-round, and was gifted to my mum as I felt that she could pull off a slightly larger, rounder strand than me! This is her first pearl necklace so I think she’s done better than most pearl newbies



I prefer my necklaces shorter, so spent a couple of afternoons rearranging them on a bead board and made a T bubble bracelet from the leftover pearls.

WSS (leftover from another necklace) were also added to the ombré soufflé T bracelet so the ombré ranges from actual white to very dark grey (rather than a light grey to dark grey). I do wish the WSS were more elongated and baroque, but it’ll do for now!



Getting everything restrung, drilled, bails and clasps added etc

luster to die on a hill for

 

[Calla-lilies]

Your collection is incredible! Thanks for sharing!