I contemplated getting some pearl studs for a couple of years. I spend so much money eating out and traveling every year that fine jewelry is not on the top of my list of things to consider buying for myself. My friend and her mom were visiting from out of the town (her mom from out of the country) and we decided to hit up Rodeo Drive along with the gazillion tourists who were there on the day of New Year's Eve.
Mikimoto is world renowned for their fine pearl jewelry... that much I knew. My friend looked at several strands of pearls that were in the case. A very friendly and knowledgeable associate in the store named John was so gracious in educating us about the quality of pearls. He let us try on anything and everything we wanted.
You won't find pearl studs in the display case. You have to ask for them. I knew I wanted something in the range of 7 to 8 millimeters. After picking the size I wanted to go with (via trying them on), John so kindly pulled out all of the 8mm inventory for me to go through to help me get the biggest bang for my buck. I ended up with a pair that measured 8.2mm. I have to say I was zoning in and out of the education part about luster, etc., etc., but I trusted him. They're beautiful. I wore them for the first time today to a business meeting and was surprised they caught the eye of one of the ladies in the meeting. She asked me what kind of pearls they were (Akoya was the answer).
My mom, in true Chinese fashion, asked John for a discount when he told us the price in the beginning. Hahaha. She asked a few times, I think, and he was so nice about it despite how embarrassed I was that she would ask. (Side note: Believe it or not, she has managed before to get a store manager to deduct the sales tax on a piece of fine jewelry years ago with her "cute" persistence). I picked out my earrings, paid for them, John very nicely wrapped them up and taught me how to care for them, and he gave my mom a gift! It was a beautiful Mikimoto candle.
Ask for John... he'll take good care of you. read more