Do you have or know much about pearls? (Full Version)

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csl7037 -> Do you have or know much about pearls? (8/3/2008 7:30:26 PM)

I've always wanted a traditional set of pearls - earrings and necklace. Today is our 12th anniversary and dh took me shopping for pearls! I didn't get anything fancy - not into brand names (like Mikimoto) and just can't really justify spending a small fortune. But I'm really pleased with the set I got - it's very traditional and it's something I can see my dd wearing on her wedding day - although I am not sure if I'll be ready to give it to her or just let it be her something borrowed. She's only 9 now though.

But I've also got a necklace that was my mother's. I've had it checked by a jeweler and it's not real. But I still love it. The story is that my grandfather got these somewhere overseas during WW II or maybe Korea, not sure. I just really wish I knew more about where they might've come from. My mother and grandfather are both deceased so I guess I'm stuck. The strand is much longer than what I just got, maybe 22" so not practical for a lot of things plus they're darker, almost an ivory color - which is why I didn't wear this when I got married. So I'm still on a hunt for earrings that will match this necklace - real or faux, I don't care. I think it's going to be hard to match though.

I'm a minimalist. I've never been flashy or very colorful in dress, decorating, or anything. I only wear gold and (small) diamonds. I really don't care much for gemstones. But I love these pearls! And my dh!! [:D]

(wearing these makes me miss my mom though)



_Cinderella_ -> RE: Do you have or know much about pearls? (8/3/2008 8:25:35 PM)

Congrats on your purchase.

Here is my pearl tip for you: make sure you don't clean your pearls with regular jewelry cleaner... that will ruin them. If you need to clean them make sure you buy a "delicate gem and pearl" cleaner.



peculiar_lady2 -> RE: Do you have or know much about pearls? (8/3/2008 10:27:07 PM)

yup...what Cathrine said...don't use regular jewelry cleaner on them.

I prefer fresh water pearls....I like the irregularity and character of them. My Grandma and mom have TN Fresh water pearls from where our family is from in TN....pretty cool!!!! The one real strand of pearls I have though came from Kuwait when hubby was deployed. I also have a strand of what looks like black pearls (though I doubt they really are pearls) from Germany...I wear a lot of dark colors, esp to church, so I wear them more then any other necklace I have.



laughinggirl -> RE: Do you have or know much about pearls? (8/4/2008 4:11:25 PM)

My dad gave my mom a strand of pearls for their 30th anniversary and I borrowed and wore them on my wedding day. [:D]

My grandma gave me a smaller strand of graduated pearls that I love, but I don't wear it much because it's too hard to keep the necklace centered since you can tell if it gets the slightest bit crooked on my neck.

My husband bought me a lovely alternating gold bead/pearl necklace when we were in Mexico earlier this year. I LOVE this necklace and I wear it all.the.time.

I agree with the gentle jewelry cleaner to keep them looking nice. Actually, the best thing you can do for pearls is to wear them. The oils from your skin will keep them lustrous and prevent them from getting too dry.



p31woman -> RE: Do you have or know much about pearls? (8/4/2008 8:04:46 PM)

I, too, prefer fairly minimal, classic jewelry. The strand of ivory pearls my parents gave me for college graduation is one of my favorite pieces. I wore it on my wedding day.

The necklace I wear all the time is a filigree chain studded with white fresh water pearls every couple of inches or so.

I also love those cheesy, tourist-y stands in Hawaii where you pick out an oyster and they give you the pearl inside. [:D]



HisCovenant -> RE: Do you have or know much about pearls? (8/4/2008 8:35:59 PM)

I got pearl earrings as a wedding present from dh. They are slightly rosey and are beautiful!! I don't wear them too often because earrings are my fun jewelry and I enjoy something a little more flashy... but still classy.

Tips:
1. Never apply make-up, hairspray, or perfume while wearing pearls. Any harsh chemical like that can ruin them.
2. Store pearls where they won't get scratched by other jewels.
3. Clean them with water and a soft cloth. If they need a little extra cleaning, you can use a bit of mild soap (like ivory.) Don't use soap with harsh chemicals in it though, like fragrances or lye.



spitzu -> RE: Do you have or know much about pearls? (8/6/2008 4:01:50 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: HisCovenant

Tips:
1. Never apply make-up, hairspray, or perfume while wearing pearls. Any harsh chemical like that can ruin them.
2. Store pearls where they won't get scratched by other jewels.
3. Clean them with water and a soft cloth. If they need a little extra cleaning, you can use a bit of mild soap (like ivory.) Don't use soap with harsh chemicals in it though, like fragrances or lye.


I agree with all that except if they are strung, keep them out of water and clean them instead with a soft cloth only. Certain types of thread will be weakened if allowed to get wet. Some high end jewelers recommend having them restrung as often as yearly due to stretching and the possibility of breakage.

If you don't wear them often, take them out once in a while and handle them. Pearls beg to be worn and handled... it's good for them. [:)]

I have a ton of pearls, mostly loosely stored waiting to be made into jewelry. [:D] I don't wear them myself very often... a little too traditional for my personal tastes... but chocolate brown and black freshwater pearls I love.



Abbreviated -> RE: Do you have or know much about pearls? (8/19/2008 5:04:43 PM)

The way to tell if pearls are real is to touch to teeth. If it is smooth they are not real. If it is gritty they are real.



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