BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

Kara and Todd Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:45 PM

BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

I was in China on business and got all of my girls a set of (real) pearl jewelry - necklace, triple strand bracelet, and stud earrings.

I've been comparing what I got in China to the same stuff here, and what I got them (for about $60-70 each) in China is worth over $1,000 here! (Yes, they are real pearls and the same quality - pearls are just that cheap in China)

I know my girls are not expecting me to get them real pearls (at least not this much) for their gift... I want them to know that they are real and pretty valuable just so they are aware. I want to know if it's all right to let them know that they are REAL and valuable -- I am not looking for huge thank yous or anything -- I just want them to know that it's not fake jewelry so they don't just toss it aside (though if they hate it they can - lol)

Thoughts on whether to tell them and if so how? (My mom thinks I shouldn't tell them, that they'll know... but there's now way they'd think this stuff was so valuable... However, if it's tacky to tell them, I won't.)

AMGBride2008 Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:47 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

I would just let them know that they're real so be careful with them. My cousin gave us all pearl earrings, necklaces and bracelets and she just threw in there as we were admiring them that they were real....

alymikewedding08 Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:47 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

personally I would want to know.. and the girls know you.. so they don't think ur bragging or snotty.. plus if you go back to china soon pick me up 10 sets thank you!! hahaha

Audreygirl Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:48 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

i think you SHOULD tell them. a tactful way of approaching it might be by writing a nice little poem indicating that they are real. ie

or real pearls for a real friend. . etc.

exsmr04 Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:48 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

I would definitely tell them! If they're close enough to you that they're in your BP then they won't think it's tacky that you're telling them, they'll be greatful!

rkl1130 Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:49 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

I would probably just let them know to be careful. On vacation one year, we came back with plenty of pearl things since we went to Asia and they have an ABUNDANCE of it. I wish I could go back to get some bridesmaid jewelry or I had enough forethought to have bought some...

Mandyin2007 Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:49 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

I would let them know they are real. If I knew someone got me real pearls I would be super careful!!

neener1211 Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:52 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

Your mom might be thinking that you would be giving them the same price comparison that you told us, just let your mom know you weren't planning on that. But that you want them to know, so they take care of them.

Is there a special cleaner for pearls? Perhaps buy them that, so you can explain they are real, so they need to be taken care of with that stuff...just an idea.

But l'd definitely let them know they are real, so they are aware.

thelastresort Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:53 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

Definitely tell them! I would say something about buying them when you were in China and somehow incorporate it into that. And also, I'm going to jump on the bandwagon with the other poster....I'll take 11 sets. Thanks!

stephanielyse Posted: Mar 07, 2007 04:58 PM

.

KickinDandelions Posted: Mar 07, 2007 05:04 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

Posted by stephanielyse

Are there special precautions to take when taking care of real pearls? You could include instructions in the box, which would clue them in to the fact that they are real and should be taken care of, but not their actual value.

I like this idea! It's helpful...and a subtle way to tell them that the pearls are real. If they're anything like my friends...as soon as the gifts up they'd be amazed and blurt out 'Are these real?!!!' haha.

beachbum05 Posted: Mar 07, 2007 05:04 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

ehhhhhhh, I kinda think its tacky to tell them.

They don't need to know what they're worth. I'd just let them know that they are real....or just tell them how to clean them so that they REALIZE they ARE real.

But telling them that 'these are actually worth $1,000' comes across as kinda braggish to me....

winterwhite Posted: Mar 07, 2007 05:08 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

wow, what a great gift, your girls are gonna love them.

Word will get out that they are real. (and it doesn't hurt if you let it slip through family)

lacey&mark Posted: Mar 07, 2007 05:09 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

Posted by KickinDandelions

Posted by stephanielyse

Are there special precautions to take when taking care of real pearls? You could include instructions in the box, which would clue them in to the fact that they are real and should be taken care of, but not their actual value.

I like this idea! It's helpful...and a subtle way to tell them that the pearls are real. If they're anything like my friends...as soon as the gifts up they'd be amazed and blurt out 'Are these real?!!!' haha.

i think this is GREAT idea. they are going to need to know how to take care of them and it will clue them in that they are real.

06NovBride Posted: Mar 07, 2007 05:14 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

I would def let them know that they are real. In a nice, tactful way.

KellyDance Posted: Mar 07, 2007 11:09 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

Posted by Audreygirl

i think you SHOULD tell them. a tactful way of approaching it might be by writing a nice little poem indicating that they are real. ie

or real pearls for a real friend. . etc.

I was def thinking the same thing. You can explain that you got them in China...so people are thinking that you wanted them to know you spent a lot of money!! Congrats on the great buy!

jessruth9 Posted: Mar 07, 2007 11:55 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

What a sweet gift - i agree with the posts above that you should include a pearl cleaner or caring instructions and let them figure it out. If no such thing exists I would just tell them. They are your girls so I'm sure they won't find you snobby and the thank you's will be even bigger!!!

luvabul Posted: Mar 07, 2007 11:59 PM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

theyre are SO many pearl replica's and i would definately let them know their real but not how much you paid...

great gift!

Kara and Todd Posted: Mar 08, 2007 08:06 AM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

Posted by beachbum05

ehhhhhhh, I kinda think its tacky to tell them.

They don't need to know what they're worth. I'd just let them know that they are real....or just tell them how to clean them so that they REALIZE they ARE real.

But telling them that 'these are actually worth $1,000' comes across as kinda braggish to me....

Sorry if my post was confusing, but I have absolutely no intention of telling them what they are worth. I want them to know they're real (they know real pearls are valuable) so they are careful with them... if they like them of course. If they don't, well they can throw 'em out if they want!

ETA - Thanks for the suggestion about pearl care / cleaning kits. I searched online and it does exist! I think I'll just include that in their gifts and that should be enough to tip them off.

LaurenluvsTJ Posted: Mar 08, 2007 09:43 AM

Re: BM Gift - not the question you're expecting

I would write somethng in their cards about your trip to China and how you thought of them when you saw the pearls and maybe something about how pearls are harvested in China, ALONG with instructions on how to clean/take care of them.