Jewelry
 

Hello everyone. I don't really know what the correct forum for this is but I figured chit chat was the best bet.

My grandmother told me I could pick a nice piece of jewelry for graduation, and I decided that I want a single strand pearl necklace. I chose one online and was very disappointed in the quality because it was not what the description said, and when I received it the necklace was in pieces.

I decided that I should actually go into a jewelry store to pick out the necklace and inspect it before I pay again. I do not know any stores in the DFW area that have quality pearls and if anyone does I would love the information. I figured that with all the sorority women someone would have some ideas for me.

Thanks

I would recommend two places:

Eiseman Jewels at Northpark (they are family-owned and have been in the business for years - my grandmother got so much of her high-end pieces from Richard Eiseman, Sr)

Carter Malouf, a private jeweler. I grew up with Carter and he has exceptional taste. Here is a spread on designer vintage wedding gowns in D Magazine; Carter supplied the jewelry for the shoot.

Also, if you happen to be in Fort Worth, try Haltom's. There are several locations and they have been around forever. A family-owned company with a very good reputation.

While NOT in TX, could save you lots of $$$ on taxes by getting it shipped:
http://www.rwwise.com/index_content.html
They do very good work and Mr. Wise knows his stones.

Mikimoto. No matter where you buy them, you can trust them.

My pearl earrings are Mikimoto and I love them. They still look as beautiful as the day I first got them.

My necklace, however, is Princesse. My grandfather started the strand when I was born, and each holiday/birthday had two more pearls added. I recently had the necklace restrung to add length, and they appraised it at a value that makes me terrified to wear it anymore. If you're looking for high quality those would be my recommendations.