Three women walk into a pearl sale

Over the summer, Kojima Pearl Company ran a tempting sale with new items added regularly. Every week, I'd eye the alluring choices. Apparently I was not alone! 

Several readers sent photos. LauraH chose this pair of earrings, glowy whites in a gold starburst setting. I love how they could be from any era from the '60s to now. (An oxidized silver version is here.) 

A few weeks later, LauraJ scooped up a purple, bronze and silver 32 in. rope (there is still one on the site) to wear with her summer linen dress, and beyond. Look at that graceful clasp and fuchsia knots!

I dreamed and dithered all summer, as possibilities flew off to other necks, other countries. Le Duc saw my indecision; I'd ask, "This... or this?" but would hold off. I veered between wanting to support small businesses I admire, and being very careful with spending.

He enjoys gems, especially on me (he was in the midst of a gemmology course when the pandemic hit), and wasn't pearl-blocked. He secretly sought Sarah's advice, asking for "something unusual".

I was delighted by both his heartfelt gesture and the pearls, an intensely-coloured circled Tahitian rope of mostly 7mm drops strung with tiny, sparkling tanzanite spacers. 

Below, left: Last Sunday evening at family dinner on the balcony (pearls, jeans, t-shirt, my favourite way to wear them), with with a Kojima custom pendant that's about thirteen years old; they also look good doubled. The 1 1/2 in. diameter silver Bud Hoops are made by Shirley Park.

At right: The natural colours dazzle in sunlight. Their drama lends more presence to the smaller mm size, which I appreciate because I can't wear a heavy piece for long. This one is really comfortable. 

Three women, three pearl pieces, and not one of them standard-issue. The lovely Lauras' pieces fit into the "Relaxed Real" category; as I said to one, "Why would anyone buy fakes, at this price?"

I can''t say how long this sale will run; Sarah's been exceptionally generous with the duration. She knows that these natural, sustainable gems lift the spirits—whether your own or a beloved's.