Sorry, Dear Future Husband: I Already Have Pearls
I have learned quite a lot about pearls in the last few weeks.
Admittedly, I am not the greatest jewelry lover in the world. I mainly own costume jewelry, and rarely wear more than earrings. But suddenly I started feeling this yearning towards pearls. Or perhaps I merely longed for some ‘grownup’ piece of jewelry. I don’t really like yellow gold, and silver/white gold always seem to be a waste of money: there are such good imitations around.
So I settled on pearls. I always loved their classic, timeless look. And I have the good fortune of working with a guy who flies often to a certain far eastern country where quality pearls are to be had at very reasonable prices. AND he has terrific taste. I know that for a fact: he has been buying me watches – and ties for my brothers – for the last two years. So I consulted him.
He said that ‘pearls necklace’ is an extremely vague description. What kind of pearls do I want? What color? Which shape I prefer? What length do I have in mind? And you do know that pearls come in many sizes, don’t you?
I am not sure I did, although Michelle’s Obama’s oversized pearls should have definitely given me a clue. However, internet research happens to be one of the things I am really good at. I researched, checked, compared, read, looked at pictures, and reached a conclusion: I want a single-strand choker.
I emailed my colleague with all the details. He emailed me back, asking me to call him. I did. He explained that I shouldn’t ask for a stand at length of 14-16 inches. I need to be specific. They will cut it to size.
We had our discussion, reached a conclusion, and I was ready to say goodbye, when he suddenly remarked ‘don’t you leave something for your chosson to buy?’
I told him my chosson, whenever he comes, can always buy me books. And that most guys don’t have much of a taste anyway. And that I prefer to buy my own jewelry. Really, I felt myself becoming the lady who doth protest too much. So I said a quick goodbye and hung up.
Jewelry, indeed, can be a token of love. But they can very well be a token of my own love to myself. And as to my intended… sorry, dear. ANOTHER pearl chocker isn’t on the agenda!
Princess Lea replied:
I bought for myself a 8 strand pearl choker. The pearls are very small, and I LOVE it (I have connections in 47th St in NYC).
While this same question was brought to me (chosson purchases), I have VERY specific tastes and a lot of $$$ spent on something I’ll never wear would actually wear away at out relationship. All hypothetical at this point.
The plan is to replicate my parents’ agreement (which did take time to establish). I buy something, and he not freak out when he gets the bill. Happy Anniversary!
November 12, 2009 at 7:25 pm. Permalink.
wellspring1986 replied:
Yes, I did see on the internet marvelous pieces of multiple strands, but I don’t want to wear this choker only for special occasions. This being Israel, such chokers would get me VERY odd looks (and the reputation of a nouvo riche young lady!)unless I wear them only for weddings in expensive venues, or similar events.
Your parents’ agreement sounds great. It should be a part of any prenup…:-)
November 12, 2009 at 7:52 pm. Permalink.