Man Jewelry Necklace
Q.I recently bought my girlfriend a gorgeous Majorca $300 pearl necklace for our 1 year anniversary. I guess I didn't realize when I bought it that Majorca pearls are man-made . That said I've done some research online finding that this brand of man-made pearl, albeit man-made, is considered to be highly attractive, and quite genuine in *appearance*, on a level rivaled by no other man-made pearl. I've also observed that this brand is sold in many of the upscale stores such as Nordstrums and Bloomingdales, providing what some might consider to be a casual degree of validation. However, it's still not real, and for a part of me that doesn't sit entirely well. So, what are your thoughts? Would you rather have a $300 necklace of cultured pearls like Akoya or a $300 necklace of Majorca?
A.I'm a bit confused, as far as I know Akoya pearls are also man-made. Man-made in the case of pearls doesn't mean the "substance" they are made from, but rather how the oyster formed the pearl. Man-made pearls have a human hand introduce a small "mother of pearl" bead inside the oyster which triggers the creation of nacar around it thus forming the pearl. So both kind of pearls look the same in the outside. I believe man-made pearls are more uniform in appeareance, meaning you are more likely to get a "perfect" round pearl than with naturally occurring pearls. The price scale is very different though for both kind of pearls. I would be extremelly surprised if you could get a natural pearl necklace anywhere near that price--unless you get fresh water pearls. All pearls with time change color, it's the interaction with the oils from the skin that makes that happen. That luster is considered a high plus. Pearls prices (man-made and natural) are priced according to shape, size, etc. (a similar system to the diamond scale) better quality pearls will be in thousands of dollars. For example, a 16" necklage with 9" pearls will run you in the 20-30K, depending on the quality of the pearls involved. Personally I think that since pearls never go out of fashion they are worth the investment
Other Questions :
Diamond Charm Bracelet
What is your favorite sentimental piece of jewelry and what is the story behind it? Just curious! Mine are all of the earrings that I got from Claires Boutique that my boyfriend bought for me (3 pairs for my bday and one for our 6 month anniv...
Did J. Lo want a *pink* diamond???
.I watched the interview last night and that part wasn't discussed. I could understand wanting a canary or a chocolate diamond, but a *PINK* one? Pink doesn't go with everything and that ring is huge. Seems like a waste, but maybe pink is he...
Gem Jewelry Making Stone
First, I am not an expert in any matters relating to jewelry or jewelry making. However, I am beginning to delve into the art a bit, and have come across an item that I have a question about. If I'm not mistaken at the basic level, why i...
where can i find 'faux' ivory pearl necklace and earrings online?
Anybody know of any good websites to find wedding jewelry for a decent price? I am looking for a simple strand of ivory pearls with silver clasp and matching earrings.I stumbled upon them in an ebay auction and checked out their site. I ordere...
Looking for jewelry manufacturer ?
Looking for manufacturer to create sterling silver custom photo jewelry. Sterling silver bracelets w/charms, pendants, rings and cufflinks with photo image imbeded under acrylic. If you know the process of using acrylic with sterling silver I ...