A Pearl Question

Jewelry Discussion
1

I’m hoping someone out there can answer a question for me
regarding pearls. I need to know what they are called, and who
might carry them, preferably online. These pearls about 1" to 1
1/2" long, perhaps 1/2" - 5/8" wide, generally drilled in the
center (short/narrow width). (A member of our gem & mineral
society referred to them as “finger pearls” because of their
appearance.) Sometimes they are white-ish, sometimes more
gray/opalescent. I saw them recently at a gem & jewelry show in
San Mateo, CA, with a price tag of $80.00 a strand and up.

If anyone can help me with a name for these beauties, and who
might possibly sell them (wholesale preferred, but retail is OK),
I would appreciate it!

Thanks!
Cheryl

2 
 If anyone can help me with a name for these beauties, and who
might possibly sell them (wholesale preferred, but retail is
OK), I would appreciate it!

You are probably refering to Biwa or stick pearls. We carry them
and sell them by the strand or singles. Jordan @ JD Findings

3

Cheryl- I think your refering to what are called Baroque bars.
You can find a great selection from the folks at:

The American Pearl Co.
6136 Cockrill Bend Circle
Nashville,  TN  37209

1-800-288-2877
615-350-8522 FAX

They have a fantastic little brochure, pearl guide, that tells
you all about the different kinds of pearls they grow in the
Tennessee River. I’ve purchased a variety of unusual shapes.

Another source is:
The Cultured Pearl Information Center 212-688-5580. They have a
great little l/promo kit, that’s pretty handy. Leslie

4

hi cheryl i rec’vd a catalogue from TAJ company in New York, (but
they do sell at Int’ntl Gem Shows, in the back in the wholesale
section), and on the back cover they have 5 different
strans/shapes/colors…called center drilled biwa
sticks…but the prices are starting at $100.

i was at one show, the Gemfaire, in Pleasanton i think, and
found a half strand broken in a full strand batch. i got them
for $35.00 and treasure those suckers! so far i have used 1, i
made a silver crocheted amulet bag, with a pink AB finish, and
used one of the pearls for a center dangle/clasp. it picked up
the pink colors beautifully!

what plans do you have in mind for them? pat

5

Hello Cheryl Hahn-
A good source for pearls is:

Ingebrittson Gem and Jewelry
Houston, Texas 77056
Ph.- 713-622-4780

Ms. Ia Ingebrittson is a very nice person and extremely
knowledgable about pearls, which they specialize in. Their
business hours are M-F 10am to 5pm. HTH Ricky Low