The city of Sequin

Flying into Hong Kong after the sun has gone down is so beautiful.  The city is lit up with bright dancing lights and looks as though (to me anyway) that you have built an entire lego city with modular black plastic pieces, draped it in a multi color sequin fabric and thrown a disco ball in your lego world sky.  The city is full of life. 

City transit in Hong Kong is efficient.  Landing at half past seven last evening and checking in to my hotel by quarter past eight was a record for me, and a wonderful treat allowing for a full 12 hour snooze before heading off bright eyed early this morning. 

The Hong Kong leg of this trip is like a quick refresher and update.  It is typically a necessary stop over on the way to Bali, and instead of 4 hours I’ve opted for 4 days allowing time to meet up with my favorite Freshwater pearl suppliers and spend some time at the International Gem and Jewelry show that starts tomorrow. 

This morning was spent sifting through, mixing and matching, selecting and comparing mass amounts of freshwater pearls.  I arrived at the offices a bit later than expected (my radar for public transit was a bit wonky early am) but was greeted by Janet and a ‘traditional Hong Kong coffee.’ 

My first question for Janet was about the new soufflé pearls that I have been reading about all over the internet.  I am not particularly fond of the appearance so far, although I have seen them only online.  What makes the soufflé pearls different than a regular freshwater baroque pearl is the weight.  Apparently the strands are light as a feather.  With the very irregular shape in the freshwater variety, I can imagine the quality and lustre these pearls offer.  Janet did not have any soufflé pearls to show me, so we stuck with what I (and you guys!) like.

The best part about selecting freshwater pearls from Janet the day before an international show opens, is that the inventory is higher than it typically would be on a regular visit, but also the opportunity for the best quality pearls.  I know some of my clients have been requesting white round freshwater pearl ear studs in 11mm diameter, but it has been an impossible size for me to get.  Oddly, I was able to match up some really spectacular pearls for earrings in 12-13mm!  They are HUGE, high luster pearls, and are so near round that the only way to see the size discrepancy is with a mm gauge.  I am confident that the lustre and size of some of the pearls I have selected will far surpass anyone’s grasp or understanding of how large freshwater pearls can actually come. 

I am also really excited about the selection of baroque pearls.  For spring, I have decided to really focus on the natural pastel palette that the freshwater pearls will occur in, and the baroque shape is such a perfect display of rainbow colors. 

So far the selection of freshwater pearl harvests are looking incredibly promising with impressive lustre, symmetrical shape and cotton candy rainbow color combinations.  (all natural colors, of course:)

Tomorrow will be fresh eyes, old friends and a trade show that is not particularly high heel friendly.