SouthSeaPearl

Tucson Crud

2012-02-15T12:26:00.000-06:00

Hey fellow Gem Lovers - so 2012 Tucson is a wrap - I can't believe I missed half of the show being sick! What a waste....

For the decade or so that I have attended this Gem Show, I heard about people getting sick with the "Tucson Crud"! Which always made me smile - in my alternative life - in the Ranchers Daughter World - we would attend the Denver Stock Show and come home with the Denver Crud...to think diamonds and cattle would give us similar germs to fight. I left for Tucson being sick with bronchitis and being on antibiotics the month of January, but, became sicker during my time in Tucson. I felt like "Typhoid Cary" - with this hacking, loud cough and having people look at me with fear in their eyes! This cough ended up tearing my chest muscle which will take several months to heal. I was out voted about staying in the booth to work and they sent me back to the resort. So my very pale legs did see some sun - which of course just resulted in more freckles...not age spots..and I am sticking to that story!

Well...enough whining for one blog. It was great seeing my friends/colleagues during the Tucson Gem Show and I did get the gemstones bought that I was searching for - so all in all - it was a great show. My partners are currently in Hong Kong at the large jewelry fair selling and buying. We will have new merchandise to post soon...stay tuned...

Tucson Gem Show

2012-01-28T16:18:00.000-06:00

The fantastic Tucson Gem Show is almost here! This is a fun time for the industry on both sides of the counter; selling and buying. I will be both exhibiting and searching for the perfect purchases this year. This is the 8th year I have worked behind the counter; and it is always great to see my customers that include world renowned designers and the finest in jewelry stores. We have a fabulous, vast inventory of pearls that I am certain will dazzle and delight them. I am also on the search for the perfect, pink hued tourmaline in a certain sphere cut, spinel, rose cut diamonds and any rare fines that I can design with throughout the year.

One of the best parts, of course, are the people and having an opportunity to network and visit with friends from all of the world. My dear friends from Switzerland will be at the show; colleagues from throughout the United Sates and Canada. I will be working in the booth with wonderful, dear friends from Hawaii. And this year my gorgeous girlfriend Sandra is coming to do her own rock and gem finding plus chat and chew with me!

I will keep you posted on the fun, fantastic fines and if I see any bizarre wild sights...

Bucket List

2012-01-24T17:59:00.000-06:00

One may think having a "bucket list" is a little trite, but I think it is a good motivator to continue to learn, grow and work towards an objective. From time to time I think about what things I would really like to accomplish when I still have the stamina to do it. Yesterday, on the Main street of our small town, I saw a friend. She is one of those individuals that is always has a mischievous smile, upbeat and makes you stop and think. She asked me "So Kerri, what is your bucket list?". Sheepishly a admitted I had a mental list but had never, actually wrote it down. So here it goes.

1. See all seven continents (still to go: Antarctica, South America and Africa)
2. Do humanitarian service (14 years on our Board of Education and various Performing Art Boards do not count - truly humanitarian - rolling up my sleeves and getting my nails dirty).
3. Ride a horse in the mountains. I am a rancher's daughter and in my youth rode about 40 miles a day on horseback - but never in the mountains - so this is on the list which I plan to accomplish this summer.
4. Fly Fish...have my very own "A River Runs Through It" moment.
5. Ride a cute Moped in some select European cities. Before my butt is too big or my knees go out.

Of course, there are personal and business goals I want to accomplish - but these are the top five bucket list goals that are truly - only - up to me to accomplish. So what's on your bucket list? In addition, of course, to getting a strand of dazzling pearls from yours truly!

Keshi Pearl Special!

2011-11-28T09:38:00.000-06:00

For our dedicated Internet buyers - we have a limited number of beautiful Keshi Earring Drops. The natural pearl is approximate 11mm, AAA1 quality, white with very mild pink undertones. They are elegantly displayed on a french wire earring in sterling silver with platinum overlay. A classic for every woman's contemporary wardrobe.

Retail price: $350
SALE PRICE: $38 (plus $5 shipping charge)

Very limited stock - all the pearls hand selected by me at the Hong Kong Jewelry Show. Once they are sold out - they are gone! The earrings are way below cost...a great December gift buy!

Call us direct at: 866-611-8881.

Pay close attention to your style instincts and you will always be fashionable!

Beautiful Autumn

2011-10-04T22:23:00.000-05:00

Autumn - absolutely my favorite time of the year! I love every change of season - but there is something extra special about the leaves changing to fiery red or look like they are kissed by gold. Still waiting for our first freeze so we have the added benefit of the locust humming their songs providing the perfect audio background for each evening.

The Hong Kong show just finished. The hottest pearls at the show were the multi-color strands that strike that ideal blend of cream, white and golden South Sea pearls with various shades of Tahitians. Most of the strands remind me of Autumn. The striking colors - earthy tones - stunning!

Discount Code for Website

2011-08-10T12:10:00.000-05:00

To celebrate the end of a beautiful summer we are offering 10% discount on all items purchased on our site from August 10, 2011 until September 30, 2011. We have a wide variety of pearl jewelry from hand chosen dazzling white freshwater pearl earrings for $50 to extremely rare, large white South Sea Pearl Strands.

Discount Code: LateSummerSavings

I had a wise friend tell me once, you know you are getting older when it feels like Christmas is here about every three months. As a child one waits and waits for birthdays and holidays which seemingly take forever for the special occasion to arrive. As you enter the second twenty-five years of life, it seems as time goes in a blur. Perhaps it is because we are so busy with a career, starting families and taking the focus off of oneself that time flies. I am now entering my half century mark and moments are fleeting. Unquestionable in that "sandwich" age of parents and children all needing your time. My parents are in their early 90's and they often state "life truly goes in the blink of an eye".

So, enjoy your last days of summer, the sparkle of sunlight on the water, fresh tomatoes, a slice of watermelon, fireflies lighting up the evenings and children's laughter.

Forget the "Little Black Dress"

2011-08-07T16:52:00.000-05:00

One of my fashion Idols, the beloved Madame Chanel, made the little black dress what it is today - the staple of every well dressed woman's wardrobe. I must say I am no different, although I carry it to extreme as I generally dress all in black. Nothing pops pearls as black does...including the backdrop it provides for black pearls.

The beloved, mysterious black pearl should become a basic in each woman's wardrobe, just as the little black dress. These sought after Tahitian gems bestow beautiful luster against all skin tones. Pearls have a depth of color and reflection of hues that are unique qualities of these rare ocean gifts. Whatever the occasion, pearls are always the perfect choice and essential for the stylish woman.

Forget the little black dress....just go for the black pearls!

Sexy Pearl Jewelry

2011-08-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Luster, shape, feel....pearls are downright sexy! How many images throughout time do we see the gorgeous vixen holding pearls in her teeth or have only her pearl strand on with her boyfriend's white dress shirt. Pearls have that perfect mix of innocents and naughtiness. This is what makes a pearl necklace the ideal, timeless piece of jewelry!

Las Vegas Jewelry Show

2011-05-30T22:56:00.000-05:00

We will be leaving this week for the world re-knowned Las Vegas Jewelry Show. I will be in Sin City for eight days - almost too long - with little sleep and too much fun! But, seriously, it will be much work. Jewelry Fairs may seem glamorous - but they are not - they are long, tedious days, spent on your feet, working hard and making large financial decisions if buying, and working your tail off if selling. I will be doing both at this upcoming show - selling beautiful Tahitian and South Sea Pearls and purchasing some pink sapphire and diamonds if the quality and price is right.

The show I will be at is held at Mandalay Bay. This is the first year it has moved from it's original location at the Venetian on the other end of the Strip. So we will have a great time checking out the restaurants and fabulous boutiques. My husband and our three college-age children will be coming with me- so it will be kind of a mini family vacation -minus the fact that mom will be working her tush off! Evenings will be fun. I will plan to post any fabulous finds - plus we are working on some new pearl jewelry designs that will be certain to dazzle!

Life is too short not to be SASSY!

2011-05-17T17:41:00.000-05:00

The older I get, the more I appreciate other's uniqueness and independence in style and thought. Why settle for the mundane and ordinary of life? Be bold - make your own decisions and accept responsibility for them. Remember - freedom is from within - live with sass and zest!

Lusty Month of May

2011-05-01T16:38:00.000-05:00

I love May - it is a beautiful month - where Spring is breaking through from a cold, hard winter. As a little girl, growing up on a large cattle ranch in the middle of the USA, we would love this time of year. All of nature is in their full bloom and baby calves would be running wild on the hillside. I believe this is when I learned to love nature and which lead to loving one of natures most precious beauties- pearls. Pearls are truly an ocean gift that, after harvesting (only from Eco-friendly farms), they arrive in their beautiful natural form. We analyse each pearl, pairing them up with other pearls that reflect similar beauty and then create jewelry. They don't have to be cut or faceted or disrupt Mother earth as gems do, the pearl has it's own innate luster.

For all of you that remember the movie Camelot - you will recognize the "Lusty Month of May" as a lyric from that movie. Of course, May isn't really "lusty" but this marvelous month does have a certain spirit that gives one a renewed sense of thinking that.. everything is possible...

Hot Pearl Baubles

2011-04-25T17:55:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed how pearls are hotter than HOT right now! You see them from the Paris runways to the most refined political and media darlings. Pearls have always had a place of value among generations of great beauties. Although they were worn long before Coca dazzled the fashion world with her layers of pearls, she definitely played a vital role in getting and keeping pearl jewelry at the foremost of fashion.

These lustrous baubles stand the test of time. No longer are they only delicate, white, round pearl strands to be worn to church or at a wedding - but the height of fashion. The color palate of Tahitians alone, can make your head spin...from extremely dark black to greens, blues and silvers. Then if you really want to dazzle bring out your South Sea pearls with their golden, white, cream or bronze colors and you truly will make your neighbors jaw drop!

Buying Pearls from the Farms in Tahiti

2011-04-07T09:09:00.000-05:00

Just finished our buying of gorgeous Tahitian pearls for the summer and fall collections! We bought the entire harvest of some of the most Eco friendly farms in Tahiti. It is a must for us at Southseapearl.com that our pearls come from producers that are social and environmentally conscious.

The Tahitian pearls come in a variety of shades of very blue silver, green, bronze, peacock, grey, and various depths of black. The shapes are from the perfect round pearl up to 17mm to the funky baroque. After we purchased the pearls, we send them to Japan to be processed (drilled and matched into lots). The pearls are then sent to us. We carefully go through each lot (which can be from a dozen to several thousand individual pearls) and select the pearls that make the perfect pair of earrings or comprise the stunning strands.

I can understand why their is a mystic around the black pearl..they have such a beauty and luster that mystifies the wearer and draws in all others that see these rare gifts from our ocean.

Designing Custom Jewelry

2011-03-15T17:41:00.000-05:00

I just finished the third watercolor sketch for a diamond ring. I am meeting with my client on Thursday and like to have a starting point with the different designs for discussion. I have about four to five hours in each design - but they look stunning! It is always interesting when doing a custom design to come up with a unique twist on a classic piece. As an artist, one strives for a distinct voice, but with jewelry it must be engineered for function, durability and beauty. Also, I always feel with a diamond ring design, that is worn daily, it has to have a timeless, classic look to it. With a necklace design, I can dare to go a little more wild!

My advise to all who is doing a custom designed piece, may it be an engagement ring, or redesigning a diamond ring you just inherited from Aunt Bertha, have some ideas what you like, but allow the jeweler to have the liberty to create the vision. If the jeweler doesn't have their own artistic direction, than find a creative jewelry designer that does! A good one will balance your style, how the piece functions, show the beauty of the gems, and personalize in a way which allows you to make your own fashion statement!

Fabulous Trends at Jewelry Show

2011-02-19T11:40:00.000-06:00

The Tucson Gem Show was fun, energetic and of course a lot of work! It is posted as the world's Largest Gem Show and it is if you consider all of the various shows going on at the same time it is and I believe it would take an entire month to see it all. I worked at the GJX (Gem and Jewelry Exchange) show. Our booth is always quite busy, and this year was no exception. Exhibitors and buyers are there from around the world. In the evenings I would have dinner with various clients or colleagues, always an international evening this year included friends from Switzerland, Israel, Hawaii, Philippines, Atlanta, Brazil, Germany and Austria. Jewelry Shows always makes this Midwest girl feel quite Continental!

This year trends seem to be mixed pearl (Tahitian and South Sea) long necklaces, Canary Lava Rock, blue aquamarine, Philippine shells, green beryl, and Peacock Tahitian Pearl in baroque and rounds. The designers are doing quite a bit of mixing of texture and color in the pieces, which adds depth and interest. Watch the magazines, what is bought now will be shown this fall or Spring of 2012.

The next big Show is in Hong Kong in March. My business partners are going, but I am staying home and need to desperately get busy designing jewelry out of my fabulous Tucson finds. But, I can't whine too much as I did get to go to Hong Kong in June. It is a great show with a strong focus on pearls.

Will plan to post some of my designs when completed. Wow - do I adore jewelry!

World's Largest Gem Show

2011-01-29T16:30:00.000-06:00

It is wild to think that the world's largest Gem Show is held in Tucson, AZ. When one thinks of gems and fashion - NYC, Basel or Milan may come to mind..not the Wild West Arizona. But it is true...in 1955 a group of mineral and rock collectors held a exhibit in Tucson. Since that time it has grown into city wide shows with various locations showcasing a speciality. You can find it all in Tucson - from dinosaur eggs to egg size gem quality emeralds! I am a wholesale exhibitor at the show, where designers and jewelry stores from across the world stop by my booth and buy loose (unset) gem strands and pearls. I do many shows in the USA and a few international jewelry fairs - but I have yet to find the excitement and momentum buyers and sellers feel like they do at the Tucson Gem Show. It is the show of all shows - I believe it has the perfect blend of wide selection, the excitement of the "perfect deal", and Tucson hospitality. If you ever have an opportunity to attend this show - it is worth your time!

Girls Care for Your Pearls!

2011-01-11T21:27:00.000-06:00

Care of Pearls

o Wearing your pearls they should be the last thing you put on ~ and the first thing you take off. Your pearls should never be exposed to hairspray, cosmetics, cream, or perfume. They should not be worn in water; showering or swimming.

o Cleaning of your pearls should be done with the utmost of care, wipe them with a soft cloth moistened with water and then dried or use jewelry cleaner that is labeled SAFE for pearls. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, any type of abrasive material, dish or laundry detergents or ammonia based cleaner.

o Store your pearls wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch, NEVER in plastic. Do not store them around a direct source of heat.

o Pearls restrung should be done yearly, if they are worn a great deal. Carefully examine the strand for any signs of wear.

Your pearls are a magnificent ocean gift and the better care you give them; the longer their natural luster will be maintained as a treasured heirloom for generations.

History of Pearls

2010-12-22T17:19:00.000-06:00

Education – history of pearls

Pearls have a very rich history as gifts, good fortune and also for use in medicine. One of the oldest known gems, pearl jewelry dates back to 2300 BC, Chinese records indicate that pearls were the prized possessions of (and gifts to) royalty. A Hindu book written in 1000 BC makes reference to pearls and their symbol of purity and innocence. This ocean gem has a very special place in history and continues to mark modern day celebrations.

Pears through-out history has been highly valued, ideal wedding gifts. The pearl is considered the “wedding gem”. During the Crusades, valiant knights would bequeath their “fair ladies” pearls to be worn on their wedding day. The French royalty during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries documented that pearls were the utmost in fashion as everyone, from the bride to the male guests were bejeweled in pearls. In England, the queens have continued the ritual of wearing pearls on their wedding day for generations. The wedding tradition continues, as pearls remain the favorite wedding jewel among modern brides.

In ancient India and China to Europe pearls were used for medicinal purposes. The pearls were worn as jewelry for their curing powers or ground up into a fine powder for use in potions, balms and salves to be used to cure a wide range of ailments. In modern times, the pharmaceutical industry continues to use pearls of inferior quality (that can’t be used in jewelry) as high-quality calcium.

Pearls of exceptional quality continue to be some of the world’s most sought-after and valued gems. Begin your own history- purchase a fine quality strand of pearls from Southseapearls.com.

Care of Pearls

2010-12-19T19:04:00.000-06:00

Care of Pearls

o Store your pearls wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch, NEVER in plastic. Do not store them around a direct source of heat.

o Pearls restrung should be done yearly, if they are worn a great deal. Carefully examine the strand for any signs of wear.

Your pearls are a magnificent ocean gift and the better care you give them; the longer their natural luster will be maintained as a treasured heirloom for generations to come.