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Lets Talk About Pearls!

by on ‎06-04-2012 01:38 PM

It’s 6:15am, & I just jumped on the train headed for New York City.  It’s a big day today.  I get to visit the Honora Pearl office & spend time with Joel & Ralph.  I wonder what it will be like.  Will there be pearls everywhere or will it look like a normal office?  Who are the people that work behind the scenes?  Will the women all be dripping with pearls? What stories will I learn about the oh-so-precious pearl?   I’ll share those pictures and stories via my Nancy Hornback, QVC Facebook Page & during the Honora Pearl Jewelry Show on June 8th at 10am ET.  (FYI – there just might be something happening on that day that relates to our very best value of the day.)  Hmm…


Heading to Honora reminds of my time in Japan & visiting Mikimoto Pearl Island.  (You might not know this , but I spent 10 months aboard the MS Asuka, a 5-Star, luxury Japanese cruise ship, as a principal singer.)  Kokichi Mikimoto was the first man ever to produce a cultured pearl.  You see, before then, the pearls were formed in nature “by accident”.  On the Island, located in Toba, Japan, is the Pearl Museum, which documents the history of this incredible feat by Mr. Mikimoto.  But, the most amazing part of the visit was to see the female pearl divers or Ama (“sea women”) in action. 




It has been tradition for these women to plant and harvest the oysters.  Dressed head-to-toe in white, they boarded a tiny boat that brought them to the oysters.  After reaching their destination, they dove into the water to check on these amazing creatures that form the glorious pearls.  It was fascinating!




Following the “performance” I made my way into the store where the pearls were displayed.  I sooo wanted to buy a pearl, but it wasn’t in my budget.  (I did, however, buy a single pearl in Hong Kong a few months later.  When I got back to the States, I had a ring designed for it.)   I’m so glad Mikimoto paved the way for men like Joel & Ralph!  The Honora Pearl Company is the largest supplier of fine Chinese Freshwater Cultured pearls in the world.  Because of Joel & Ralph’s dedication & innovation, there are now pearls that you & I can afford…pearls of all shapes, sizes and colors!  Thank you, Mr. Mikimoto & Joel & Ralph!


Since we’re talking pearls, tell me about your first (or favorite) piece of pearl jewelry or share a pearl story.


-Nancy