Shopping for a pearl necklace

[malarky_hk]

Hi all,

I"m looking to buy a nice pearl necklace for my wife. Just started to do some research on the topic and it seems that the Mikimoto brand is the equivalent of Rolex in the world of pearls.

Anyone here know about pearls and where to buy and what to look out for? Are there equivalent grey dealers out there pearls?

Thanks for any help.

[JP Chestnut]

There are actually forums specifically for pearls - one of their favorite online dealers is:
http://www.pearlparadise.com/

It might be worth it to do some research on the specialty forums before making a purchase.

[wantonebad]

Tiffany's pearl necklaces are iconic There are multiple sizes and grade available, you can spend $1,000-$25,000

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

There are actually forums specifically for pearls - one of their favorite online dealers is:
http://www.pearlparadise.com/

It might be worth it to do some research on the specialty forums before making a purchase.

Thanks for the info JP. Have you bought from there yourself? Any feedback?

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Tiffany's pearl necklaces are iconic There are multiple sizes and grade available, you can spend $1,000-$25,000

My budget is USD2-3K.

[Angrypuppy]

Originally Posted by malarky_hk

My budget is USD2-3K.

I will add, we went the PP freshadama line. My wife wanted everyday pearls not necessarily and heirloom set. These ended up being the way to go. They will hold up tremendously better than saltwater pearls and are less expensive.

I started the process looking down on fresh water pearls and assumed she needed some South Pacific salt water variety.

I also got some good counsel from the PP people via the telephone.

Good luck, you can do well with a 2-3k budget.

[Angrypuppy]

I bought my wife a necklace and earrings from Pearl Paradise. I would recommend them, and intend to use them again.

Use the pearl forums for info. I ended up buying something completely different than what I started out for, based on info garnered from the forum.

My wife is very pleased. For Mother's Day I'm buying her the matching bracelet that she was unsure of when we made the initial purchase. I just surprised her with a new Rolex a week ago, so a bracelet is enough for Mother's Day.

[Gaijin]

Mark I have a place for you. My Sister gets great pearls cheap. From　Louisiana. Got some for my girl. Great necklace. Let me get back to you.

[Trouble15]

MikiMoto

[chicfarmer1]

I've gotten a few things from Pearl Paradise and have been very pleased. I've also seen their stuff from Pearloutlet.com. I have some beautiful stud earrings from their Hanadama Akoya line, very nice and a fraction of the price of Mikimoto.


Here's a site with good info. A thread comparing PP to Mikimoto and another online retailer, just for starters:
http://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5889

[mcorliss]

Originally Posted by Trouble15

MikiMoto

+1. Mikimoto are the Rolex of pearls.

[dooder]

Got mikimoto for my wife.

[GermanyMatt]

I was actually thinking about buying my wife some pearls for our anniversary, but wasn't sure how popular they are. Thanks for the links, they are helpful.

[malarky_hk]

Wow....thanks everyone for all the info and feedback. I'm surprised by all the "pearls" of wisdom here.

Originally Posted by Angrypuppy

I will add, we went the PP freshadama line. My wife wanted everyday pearls not necessarily and heirloom set. These ended up being the way to go. They will hold up tremendously better than saltwater pearls and are less expensive.

I am looking for something that would be heirloom quality; and my original thoughts was that the salt water variety would be the way to go. So thanks for the info, will defintiely need to do more homework there.

Originally Posted by Gaijin

Mark I have a place for you. My Sister gets great pearls cheap. From　Louisiana. Got some for my girl. Great necklace. Let me get back to you.

Thanks Tom again. Appreciate the help. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Originally Posted by chicfarmer1

Here's a site with good info. A thread comparing PP to Mikimoto and another online retailer, just for starters:
http://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5889

Great thread! Thank you!

[Mosco]

Just don't try to google 'pearl necklace' with the SafeSearch 'off'.

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by Mosco

Just don't try to google 'pearl necklace' with the SafeSearch 'off'.

Lucky I'm on my home PC and not in the office when I just tried that search. Would have gotten a nasty email from the HR department.