Pearls...can anyone school me on them?

[swils8610]

The Mrs mentioned she would like some pearl earrings or necklace for Xmas. Can someone provide me with pearl info? Cultured, fresh water, salt water what's the difference?


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[keschete]

Originally Posted by swils8610

The Mrs mentioned she would like some pearl earrings or necklace for Xmas. Can someone provide me with pearl info? Cultured, fresh water, salt water what's the difference?


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Tell your wife to pick out what she likes at your AD and put it on her wish list. Then buy what she put on the list. Points in your favor on the AD side and on the wife side.

I could school you in pearls but it's a mute point. Your wife already knows what she wants. Wishlists save men a lot of headaches. Also have a skilled sales lady who can guide you who knows your wife.

My sales lady always knows what I like. I have a wish list and she knows my tastes. She steers the hubby in the right direction every time. Encourage your wife to visit your AD and establish a relationship. It will make everyone happy.

[Dyim]

I was told Mikimoto is the best.

[bdex75]

My wife asked for a pearl necklace once. She never did that again...........







Because I went to my AD and got her a string of Mikimoto pearls.


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[swils8610]

Originally Posted by bdex75

My wife asked for a pearl necklace once. She never did that again...........







Because I went to my AD and got her a string of Mikimoto pearls.


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Lol.


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[SMD]

Originally Posted by Dyim

I was told Mikimoto is the best.

This is your answer.

[Tony64]

Pearls are always a great choice, and as others have stated, your wife probably already has something in mind so take their advice and get yourself to the AD!

Here are a few basics. She first needs to decide freshwater vs saltwater, but the choice will be obvious if she knows the differnece.
Pearls are made of calcium carbonate and occur naturally as a result of an irritant to the inside of a mullosk. Natural pearls are rare to find and most pearls sold today are cultured. To create a cultured pearl, a tiny bead is implanted into the oyster and gradually over time the oyster coats the bead in many layers of natural minerals and proteins.

Pearls can be either fresh or saltwater, the difference primarily being quality and shape. Salt water pearls should be completely round, fresh water pearls usually have a lumpy, potato-like shape.

Like diamonds, there are characteristics to look for that determine rarity and price. The value of the pearl is a combination of its luster, color, size, lack of surface flaw and symmetry. Typical pearl colors are white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black (Tahitian). All factors being equal, the larger the pearl the more valuable.

Mikimoto is one of the oldest and most well regarded (and expensive). It's the "Rolex" of pearls I suppose, but there are many other brands to look at depending on budget etc.

Good luck, and whatever you decide, remember to make sure your wife is careful when cleaning her pearls. A lot of products, as well as perfumes, hairsprays, etc can dull the luster of the pearls. With proper care though they should be very durable and last a lifetime.

The AD will go over all of this with you I'm sure, but hopefully this helps to prepare you a little. If you're going this alone, as a surprise for your wife, then my advice would be go classic saltwater (cultured) pearls in whatever size and color your wife and your wallet can agree. Can't go wrong with Mikimoto and trust me she will know the name, but also don't be afraid to look at other brands for similar quality at a more affordable pricepoint if budget requires.

Sound like she's in for nice Christmas!

[blufinz52]

Originally Posted by bdex75

My wife asked for a pearl necklace once. She never did that again...........







Because I went to my AD and got her a string of Mikimoto pearls.


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[MonBK]

Go with the biggest you can find.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Go with the biggest you can find.

Is that a pearl or a Christmas tree ornament?

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Is that a pearl or a Christmas tree ornament?

I paid $1,75 for it so it better be a pearl.

[56scooter]

On Mikimoto's website http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/ there is a section called the art and science of pearls, a good start to answering your questions
Good luck!

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Pearls are always a great choice, and as others have stated, your wife probably already has something in mind so take their advice and get yourself to the AD!

Here are a few basics. She first needs to decide freshwater vs saltwater, but the choice will be obvious if she knows the differnece.
Pearls are made of calcium carbonate and occur naturally as a result of an irritant to the inside of a mullosk. Natural pearls are rare to find and most pearls sold today are cultured. To create a cultured pearl, a tiny bead is implanted into the oyster and gradually over time the oyster coats the bead in many layers of natural minerals and proteins.

Pearls can be either fresh or saltwater, the difference primarily being quality and shape. Salt water pearls should be completely round, fresh water pearls usually have a lumpy, potato-like s

Like diamonds, there are characteristics to look for that determine rarity and price. The value of the pearl is a combination of its luster, color, size, lack of surface flaw and symmetry. Typical pearl colors are white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black (Tahitian). All factors being equal, the larger the pearl the more valuable.

Mikimoto is one of the oldest and most well regarded (and expensive). It's the "Rolex" of pearls I suppose, but there are many other brands to look at depending on budget etc.

Good luck, and whatever you decide, remember to make sure your wife is careful when cleaning her pearls. A lot of products, as well as perfumes, hairsprays, etc can dull the luster of the pearls. With proper care though they should be very durable and last a lifetime.

The AD will go over all of this with you I'm sure, but hopefully this helps to prepare you a little. If you're going this alone, as a surprise for your wife, then my advice would be go classic saltwater (cultured) pearls in whatever size and color your wife and your wallet can agree. Can't go wrong with Mikimoto and trust me she will know the name, but also don't be afraid to look at other brands for similar quality at a more affordable pricepoint if budget requires.

Sound like she's in for nice Christmas!

Great info Tony, thanks...

[Ferdelious]

Originally Posted by bdex75

My wife asked for a pearl necklace once. She never did that again...........







Because I went to my AD and got her a string of Mikimoto pearls.


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I wanted to comment something similar but wouldn't have had the stones to do it.

[enjoythemusic]

Cue the music :D

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by swils8610

The Mrs mentioned she would like some pearl earrings or necklace for Xmas. Can someone provide me with pearl info? Cultured, fresh water, salt water what's the difference?


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http://talk.jewelry

http://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/for...Us-Your-Pearls!

http://www.pearl-education.com/forumdisplay.php?f=42

use your TRF username and post the same question... get answers from the experts and become this forum's pear necklace master.

[locutus49]

About 30 years ago I bought the wife a pearl necklace from a well-known shop in NYC, maybe Mikimoto, I don't remember. She still wears it.

[rr-nyc]

Forget about fresh water pearls. When a woman asks for a pearl necklace, she means salt water (preferably Southeast Asia). The questions should be how long, single or double strand, and whether she prefers white or black.

I agree with those who said to take your wife to a store and have her pick

My wife has both but prefers black, as do I

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by bdex75

My wife asked for a pearl necklace once. She never did that again...........







Because I went to my AD and got her a string of Mikimoto pearls.


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My mind was really in the gutter when I read this- until I scrolled to see the second part.

[swils8610]

Thanks for not advice! I wanted to be somewhat educated when I went to the AD.


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[bdex75]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

My mind was really in the gutter when I read this- until I scrolled to see the second part.

Ha.

The biggest fear I had with pearls is the fact that it was so hard for me to tell the good ones from the bad ones. So I bought the seller and the reputation of the brand. Sounds a lot like some guy on a watch forum!!


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[rouxeny]

Agree forget freshwater. When women talk pearls they mean cultured pearls, the round lustrous, smooth, white (or black) ones.

Usually the only questions you have to answer are how long of a chain, how many strands, and what dimension pearls. white pearls outnumber Tahitian black pearls by a good amount, at least in terms of what I've seen women wearing.

I suppose the final question is when tO buy the matching earrings.

Mikimoto very good, I think Tiffany's also reliable.

[lapince]

Just make sure she doesn't spray perfume or other products, it kills them...

[RKTudor]

Originally Posted by bdex75

My wife asked for a pearl necklace once. She never did that again...........







Because I went to my AD and got her a string of Mikimoto pearls.


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Haha needed a good laugh today ;)

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

Forget about fresh water pearls. When a woman asks for a pearl necklace, she means salt water (preferably Southeast Asia). The questions should be how long, single or double strand, and whether she prefers white or black.

I agree with those who said to take your wife to a store and have her pick

My wife has both but prefers black, as do I

I'm sure they look lovely on you.

[cdmorenot]

Here is the only thing I can think of - Speak to Joann or Rick. They're on TRF but I'm not disclosing usernames.

http://www.leeperla.com/brand/mikimoto/

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by Tony64

I'm sure they look lovely on you.

I didn't think it needed to be stated but I stand corrected. I prefer black pearls on women over white pearls. That in no way means I wear them myself