<p>Thanks all for your opinions and advice. I too love a classic look. I’m a Talbots shopper and I adore wearing my strand of fine pink pearls and always feel like a lady in them. I am careful not to spray anything on them and have had them restrung as recommended. Since I will be receiving another strand of the same length and I believe mm size (the white pearls are Mikimoto by the way), I wanted to do something a little different, possibly just by changing the clasp for a gemstone one. I understand it is currently a simple white gold clasp.</p>
<p>Years ago, my H bought me a beautiful <em>add-on</em> that clips onto my “good” string of pearls. It can be added/removed anytime I choose. It’s a larger pearl with diamond in a gold setting. It’s great for changing the look of my string of pearls. I don’t know if jewelry stores still sell them.</p>
<p>Binx, my friend is in China for her H’s job. She gave me a really pretty string of pearl/earrings that she bought there. I wear them all the time. :)</p>
<p>kelsmom, that’s a fantastic idea-- to buy an “enhancer” that can be clipped on or left off according to my mood and the occasion. I love that idea. Okay girls, where does one shop for an enhancer?</p>
<p>p.s. Does it harm the adjacent pearls?</p>
<p>I had mine custom made by a semi-retired jeweler. I found his name out of some book. I explained to him what I wanted and he designed the clasp/enhancer for less than $200(early 1990s). He provided the gold/diamond, I provided the black tahitian pearl.</p>
<p>I second the enhancer, I love mine!</p>
<p>And a reputable local jeweler for the wedding rings, I just had my engagement ring reparied by the long standing local jeweler for our town–I had broke off a prong somehow. He’s great, price is reasonable for quality work, and he reminds me to let him check the settings at least a couple of times a year.</p>