Pearl necklace - where to buy?

[foolishpeach]

I have £200-300 to spend on a pearl necklace. Does anyone have any suggestions of where I could look?

Ideally I want a long white one, so I can double it over, knot it, or wear it long. I would happily look at other lengths too.

Thanks in advance

I like the look of this one - has anyone bought anything from Winterson before?

www.winterson.co.uk/white-freshwater-pearl-sautoir-fswrss0072.html

bump

these?

Thanks - I wanted to spend a little more on them though. The money is a small inheritance from someone who meant a great deal to me, and who wore pearls all the time. I thought it would be a nice tribute to her.

I think I'll probably go with the Winterson ones unless I find any I like more.

Something beautiful and antique from the Burlington Arcarde on Picadilly?

That's a great idea - when I am next in the area I will have a look. I like the thought of something antique.

I bought (on behalf of my Dad) a fantastic necklace for my Mum from www.thepearlmarket.co.uk.

They're UK based and hand knot the necklaces over here, though obviously the pearls are shipped in. Everything comes with certificates of authenticity etc too so you know you're getting something quality. They're also really helpful if you want to give them a ring.

A word of caution - I looked at loads of other sites before this one, some of which were offering brilliant deals. I've since found out a lot of them are probably dodgy, so do be careful! (Though that one you've linked to looks ok to me!)

Hope you find what you're looking for.

I have bought a pearls set from www.pearlgallery.co.uk

They are an actual shop too.

I would avoid upmarket retailers as they are overpriced.

This shop allows you to select different grades of pearls too according to budget.

Hope that helps!

Thank you - both websites have some beautiful things on them. This is exactly what I had in mind!

Lily has some lovely necklaces and she also does bespoke, I've bought a few things from her www.lilyo.com/lilyoproducts/cat_209457-Necklaces-cc-pg_2.html

www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/0006865/9ct-White-Gold-Freshwater-Pearl-Necklace/p#reviews_tab

Go to a high end pawn shop-yes there is such an entity. Get them to do a lot of explaining and comparing until you feel satisfied that they are talking turkey. They may show you strings without closures so don't forget to see several of those too. And get an evaluation certificate for insurance purposes. Also ask about restringing -with knotting of course.

I recommend Pearls of the Orient. They are online and very helpful.