ABOUT US
www.tenderbeautypearls.com™, a female-owned company, is a BBBOnline Accredited enterprise. We sell fine pearl jewelry at up to 80%-90% less than brick-and-mortar jewelry store prices for comparable pearl jewelry. We buy direct from leading pearl farmers and suppliers, many with GIA certification. That's how we bring you fine pearl jewelry at great prices!
(Johanna Lolax photo by Leslie Boudreau, Innovative Photography, copyright 2009, All Rights Reserved)
A note about pricing: Retail values stated on this website were derived after extensive market research, and in consultation with GIA-certified experts in pearl jewelry appraisal. Prices are subject to change.
Custom orders may be placed for an additional cost. Corporate and other bulk discount prices also are available. Please contact us at tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com, 1-877-PEARL-01 or 508-479-7116 for information. Please note that a 15% restocking fee will be assessed for the return of all custom and bulk orders.
We now proudly offer Tender Beauty™ brand freshwater pearls. Our signature line of the finest in Asian freshwater pearl jewelry, Tender Beauty™ brand pearls are hand-selected from the top 0.01% of the freshwater pearl harvest.
Thank you for buying from us. We can be reached toll-free at 1-877-PEARL-01, tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com, or 508-479-7116 Sun-Fri 9-5 Eastern Time. Please scroll down for shipping and returns information, and for more information about us and our pearls.
OUR FOUNDER
www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ was founded by Johanna Lolax, B.A., M.A., GIA Pearls Diplomate, in 2008. Her lifelong passions include nature's beauty, pearls, gemology, and philanthropy. Mrs. Lolax is a graduate of Milton Academy, Simmons College, and the GIA Graduate Pearls program. She has more than 20 years of experience in public relations and marketing, writing, fundraising, executive-level management - and pearl jewelry.
A pearl jewelry enthusiast, Mrs. Lolax personally selects each piece sold here.
Tender Beauty Pearls™ is a registered dba and wholly-owned subsidiary of Best Consulting, LLC™, founded, owned and operated by Johanna Lolax in Massachusetts. Best Consulting, LLC™ is not affiliated with companies bearing the same or similar names. Best Consulting, LLC™ , and its subsidiaries, are proud members of the BBB of Central New England.
TENDER BEAUTY™ FOUNDATION, INC.
www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ is committed to environmental protection. Pearl jewelry production depends on clean water. Pearl-bearing oysters and other life on earth have been threatened to the point of extinction owing to predation, over-fishing, water pollution, global warming, war, and disease.
We donate a portion of profits from the sale of our pearl jewelry to the Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., a 501 c 3 non-for-profit, grant-giving organization established to protect the world's oceans, freshwater resources, and wildlife, among other projects.
Donations by credit card or checks to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. from the public-at-large also are accepted, and are deductible to the extent allowed under U.S. tax law. Please note that we do not accept in-kind donations, or donations of goods, cars, land, and other tangible items, at this time.
This corporate foundation also was founded by Johanna Lolax, President, and is a subsidiary of her company, Best Consulting, LLC. Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to providing grants and scholarships for the benefit of the environment, people, and organizations the world over.
Mrs. Lolax and a prominent Board of Trustees volunteer their time to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., overseeing all operations, programs, fundraising, and grant-giving.
Grant-making areas are:
1. Conservation and Preservation of the world’s oceans and waterways, freshwater resources, parks, and marine as well as land-based wildlife (the Foundation has a special focus on mollusks and feline animals);
2. Education for children, teens, and adults the world over, with a special focus on literacy for those with and without disabilities. Scholarships also are available to teens and adults, for secondary and higher education, and professional training programs, in the U.S. and abroad; and
3. Medical Research into the root causes and cures for asthmatic, allergic, and neurological disorders, skin cancer, mental illness and addiction, and heart disease - at research centers throughout the world.
Grants and scholarships are awarded at the end of the calendar year. Applications with an original signature must be received in the mail by November 1.
For application guidelines, please contact: Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, Suite 203, Holden, Massachusetts 01520, or tenderbeautyfoundation@yahoo.com.
www.tenderbeautypearls.com™, a female-owned company, is a BBBOnline Accredited enterprise. We sell fine pearl jewelry at up to 80%-90% less than brick-and-mortar jewelry store prices for comparable pearl jewelry. We buy direct from leading pearl farmers and suppliers, many with GIA certification. That's how we bring you fine pearl jewelry at great prices!
(Johanna Lolax photo by Leslie Boudreau, Innovative Photography, copyright 2009, All Rights Reserved)
A note about pricing: Retail values stated on this website were derived after extensive market research, and in consultation with GIA-certified experts in pearl jewelry appraisal. Prices are subject to change.
Custom orders may be placed for an additional cost. Corporate and other bulk discount prices also are available. Please contact us at tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com, 1-877-PEARL-01 or 508-479-7116 for information. Please note that a 15% restocking fee will be assessed for the return of all custom and bulk orders.
We now proudly offer Tender Beauty™ brand freshwater pearls. Our signature line of the finest in Asian freshwater pearl jewelry, Tender Beauty™ brand pearls are hand-selected from the top 0.01% of the freshwater pearl harvest.
Thank you for buying from us. We can be reached toll-free at 1-877-PEARL-01, tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com, or 508-479-7116 Sun-Fri 9-5 Eastern Time. Please scroll down for shipping and returns information, and for more information about us and our pearls.
OUR FOUNDER
www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ was founded by Johanna Lolax, B.A., M.A., GIA Pearls Diplomate, in 2008. Her lifelong passions include nature's beauty, pearls, gemology, and philanthropy. Mrs. Lolax is a graduate of Milton Academy, Simmons College, and the GIA Graduate Pearls program. She has more than 20 years of experience in public relations and marketing, writing, fundraising, executive-level management - and pearl jewelry.
A pearl jewelry enthusiast, Mrs. Lolax personally selects each piece sold here.
Tender Beauty Pearls™ is a registered dba and wholly-owned subsidiary of Best Consulting, LLC™, founded, owned and operated by Johanna Lolax in Massachusetts. Best Consulting, LLC™ is not affiliated with companies bearing the same or similar names. Best Consulting, LLC™ , and its subsidiaries, are proud members of the BBB of Central New England.
TENDER BEAUTY™ FOUNDATION, INC.
www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ is committed to environmental protection. Pearl jewelry production depends on clean water. Pearl-bearing oysters and other life on earth have been threatened to the point of extinction owing to predation, over-fishing, water pollution, global warming, war, and disease.
We donate a portion of profits from the sale of our pearl jewelry to the Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., a 501 c 3 non-for-profit, grant-giving organization established to protect the world's oceans, freshwater resources, and wildlife, among other projects.
Donations by credit card or checks to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. from the public-at-large also are accepted, and are deductible to the extent allowed under U.S. tax law. Please note that we do not accept in-kind donations, or donations of goods, cars, land, and other tangible items, at this time.
This corporate foundation also was founded by Johanna Lolax, President, and is a subsidiary of her company, Best Consulting, LLC. Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to providing grants and scholarships for the benefit of the environment, people, and organizations the world over.
Mrs. Lolax and a prominent Board of Trustees volunteer their time to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., overseeing all operations, programs, fundraising, and grant-giving.
Grant-making areas are:
1. Conservation and Preservation of the world’s oceans and waterways, freshwater resources, parks, and marine as well as land-based wildlife (the Foundation has a special focus on mollusks and feline animals);
2. Education for children, teens, and adults the world over, with a special focus on literacy for those with and without disabilities. Scholarships also are available to teens and adults, for secondary and higher education, and professional training programs, in the U.S. and abroad; and
3. Medical Research into the root causes and cures for asthmatic, allergic, and neurological disorders, skin cancer, mental illness and addiction, and heart disease - at research centers throughout the world.
Grants and scholarships are awarded at the end of the calendar year. Applications with an original signature must be received in the mail by November 1.
For application guidelines, please contact: Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, Suite 203, Holden, Massachusetts 01520, or tenderbeautyfoundation@yahoo.com.
CONTACT US BY MAIL, EMAIL, OR PHONE
Customers who have questions, or who need assistance, may contact Johanna at our customer service phone numbers, email address, and fax numbers, which are open and listed below:
1-877-PEARL-01 (1-877-732-7501) - toll-free US & Canada
1-508-829-GEM2 - local calls and collect international calls
1-508-829-GEM5 - local and international 24/7 fax line
1-508-479-7116 - company cell Sun-Fri 9am to 6 pm Eastern Time.
johanna.lolax - free international calls through Skype
Email and phone messages from customers normally are returned within 24-48 hours. We love to hear from our buyers, and will get back to you as soon as possible!
Mail Only: www.tenderbeautypearls.com, Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, #203, Holden, MA 01520
Please Note: We do not maintain a brick-and mortar storefront or showroom. Our toll-free lines are for customer service only. Telemarketing sales professionals using these lines will be asked to call us back on our local and business cell phone numbers. Offers from off-shore lotteries, persons engaged in illegal activities, and fraudulent orders, will be reported to appropriate authorities.
tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com
Customers who have questions, or who need assistance, may contact Johanna at our customer service phone numbers, email address, and fax numbers, which are open and listed below:
1-877-PEARL-01 (1-877-732-7501) - toll-free US & Canada
1-508-829-GEM2 - local calls and collect international calls
1-508-829-GEM5 - local and international 24/7 fax line
1-508-479-7116 - company cell Sun-Fri 9am to 6 pm Eastern Time.
johanna.lolax - free international calls through Skype
Email and phone messages from customers normally are returned within 24-48 hours. We love to hear from our buyers, and will get back to you as soon as possible!
Mail Only: www.tenderbeautypearls.com, Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, #203, Holden, MA 01520
Please Note: We do not maintain a brick-and mortar storefront or showroom. Our toll-free lines are for customer service only. Telemarketing sales professionals using these lines will be asked to call us back on our local and business cell phone numbers. Offers from off-shore lotteries, persons engaged in illegal activities, and fraudulent orders, will be reported to appropriate authorities.
tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com
FREE SHIPPING
Thank you for your purchase today. FREE USPS Priority Mail is available on ANY order in the US and Canada.
Check out more of our free shipping options on international and domestic orders, listed below!
Please note the following shipping policies and procedures. Feel free to call us with questions at 1-877-PEARL-01 (1-877-732-7501) - toll-free US & Canada or at 508-479-7116:
-Most pearl jewelry sold at www.tenderbeautypearls.com™, unless marked as SOLD OUT, is shipped within 2-3 business days when full payment is received.
-Please include your complete name, address, daytime and evening phone numbers when ordering. When requesting shipping to a business address, please include your complete business name, too. We cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected deliveries.
-United States Postal Service (USPS) shipping options include a delivery confirmation number, but not insurance.
-Please allow 5-10 business days for resized rings from our Pearl Rings section to ship. Special, custom orders, or manufactured orders usually take 2-8 weeks to be produced and shipped.
-International orders must go through customs; please add 1-2 business days to delivery times for orders outside the US and Canada.
-Please note that orders are processed, shipped, and delivered only on business days, and not on holidays.
-Orders cannot be shipped unless paid in full. If you make any changes to your order at checkout, click the UPDATE button to see your new total.
-We do not hold items pending receipt of payment. We do not offer rentals, layaway, memo buying, consignment purchases, store credit, financing, or other deferred payment plans.
-All orders must be paid in full with your credit card, debit card, PayPal e-check, bank check or money order at the time of order, and funds must be received before shipping.
-We accept all major credit and debit cards online. We also accept credit and debit cards by phone, as well as PayPal e-checks, personal or corporate checks, and money orders drawn on US financial institutions. (Items will not be shipped until funds are received. Returned checks will be charged a $25.00 processing fee.)
-Orders may be cancelled in writing within 24 hours of placement, calculated on Eastern Time. Please us send email. Otherwise, your order may be processed and shipped.
-Orders of more than 25 pieces include one set of care instructions and one appraisal for each type of jewelry ordered. Boxes are priced separately for orders of 25 pieces or more. Please call or send email for pricing when ordering in quantity.
-Sales taxes for U.S. buyers outside Massachusetts are the buyers' responsibility. Applicable taxes and import duties for Canadian and other International orders also are the responsibility of the buyer. Any paperwork associated with an International order, such as Appraisals, will be shipped separately to ensure secure delivery.
-Note that our software is programmed to detect and track fraudulent "purchases". Fraudulent orders cannot be shipped, and will be reported to the proper authorities.
UNITED STATES AND CANADA - SHIPPING
Please note that packages are processed, shipped, and delivered only on business days, and not on holidays.
-FREE: U.S. Ground Mail - 5-7 business days, free delivery with any order
-FREE: U.S. Priority Mail - 3-5 business days, free delivery with any order
-Corporate and bulk orders: Please call us for the special rates and offers that come with large orders! ________________________________________________________
-$21.00: U.S. Express Mail (for fast, 2nd Day delivery to PO boxes and other addresses)
U.S. Express Mail Shipping is FREE with orders of $500.00 or more, and includes tracking. Just use code: usexpress at checkout. ________________________________________________________
-$25.00: FEDEX Second-Day Air (includes tracking and insurance)
FREE with orders of $500.00 or more. Just use code: fedexsecond at checkout. ________________________________________________________
-$45.00: FEDEX U.S. Overnight with 1 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance)
FEDEX U.S. Overnight Shipping is FREE with orders of $750.00 or more. Just use code: fedexovernite at checkout. ________________________________________________________
-$45.00: UPS U.S. Next Day Air with 1 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance)
UPS U.S. Next Day Air Shipping is FREE with orders of $750.00 or more. Just use code: fedexovernite at checkout. _________________________________________________________
APO SHIPPING
-FREE: U.S. Priority Mail with 3-10 day delivery
_________________________________________________________
GLOBAL SHIPPING
International shipments must go through customs; please add 1-2 days to delivery times for orders outside the US and Canada. Paperwork for international orders may ship separately. Please note that packages are processed, shipped, and delivered only on business days, and not on holidays.
-Corporate and bulk orders: Please call for rates.
-$19.00: U.S. Airmail with 14-21 day delivery, anywhere in the world.
U.S. Airmail Shipping is FREE with orders of $500.00 or more, and includes tracking. Just use code: usairmail at checkout.
-$50.00: U.S. Global Priority Mail with 6-10 day delivery, anywhere in the world.
Global Priority Shipping is FREE with a purchase of $1,000.00 or more. Just use code: globalpriority at checkout. _________________________________________________________
-$75.00: FEDEX Global Priority Mail with 3-5 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance; not available in some countries)
FEDEX Global Priority Mail is FREE with orders of $1,500.00 or more. Just use code: fedexglobal at checkout.
-$95.00: UPS Global Expedited Mail with 3-5 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance)
-$110.00: UPS Worldwide Saver with 2-3 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance)
_________________________________________________________
OUR GUARANTEE
-If for any reason you are not completely delighted with your purchase of www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ jewelry, you may return it to us by mail within 90 days of the ship or purchase date for a full refund to one of the addresses listed below. TenderBeautyPearls.com merchandise returned for a refund must be returned in the same condition as received, and must include the original packing list or receipt, as well as the presentation box.
-We also will exchange your www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ purchase for another www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ product of the same cost within 90 days of purchase, on request. In addition, www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ will repair faulty clasps or workmanship on the jewelry we sell at no extra charge, within 90 days of purchase. Exchanges of the same cost, and repaired items, will be sent back to you free of charge as soon as the items are available, usually within 2-4 weeks.
Please note that our 90-day returns and warranty policies apply only to items purchased from TenderBeautyPearls.com.
(Exceptions: Purchases of resized rings, special orders, custom orders, and manufactured orders are final, and cannot be returned for a refund or exchanged. We will correct any factory defect or order error on these orders within 90 days of purchase. Please contact us with questions at 1-877-PEARL-01, 1-877-732-7501, or at the address or telephone numbers listed below.)
MORE ABOUT RETURNS AND CANCELLATIONS
-Orders may be cancelled in writing within 24 hours of placement, calculated on Eastern Time. Please us send email. Otherwise, your order may be processed and shipped.
-Should you wish to make an exchange for an item of greater value, the balance you owe must be received before shipping.
-Should you decide on an exchange of lesser value, we will process the balance we owe you when the order is shipped. Customers whose checks are returned for lack of funds or other issues will be charged a $25.00 processing fee.
-No refunds will be issued until we receive your returned www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ merchandise via authorized mail and delivery services.
-Please allow up to 4-8 weeks to receive any refund owed, or to see it post to your credit card account. Refunds are processed through appropriate PayPal and banking systems. Refunds of cash or currency are not available.
-Please note: We do not maintain a brick-and-mortar store, or showroom. Returns of www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ purchases are accepted via authorized US mail and commercial delivery services only.
-Please include a delivery confirmation receipt or other tracking receipt with your mailed return, and contact us to let us know the return is coming. We cannot be held responsible for lost or misdirected packages.
-Your shipping and insurance expenses (should you choose to buy insurance) are not refundable.
-A 20% restocking fee will be assessed on customer accounts that demonstrate the frequent and repeated purchase-and-return of items from our www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ inventory. We reserve the right to refuse purchases or returns when abuse of our generous, no-hassle returns policy is detected.
-We do not hold items pending receipt of payment. We do not offer rentals, consignment, buying on memo, store credit, financing, layaways, or deferred payment plans of any kind.
-All orders must be paid in full with your credit card, debit card, PayPal e-check, bank check, or money order before shipping. Please do not send cash or currency (cash and currency received will be returned to you).
MORE ABOUT CUSTOM AND SPECIAL ORDERS
-Purchases of resized rings, and other special, custom or manufactured orders are final, and cannot be returned for refund or exchange. Should we, or your local jeweler resize your ring, or create custom pieces from www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ stock, the ring or other item(s) will not be returnable for refund or exchange.
-We will correct any factory defect or order error on special, custom or manufactured orders orders within 90 days of purchase. Please notify us as soon as possible.
-Special, custom or manufactured orders may be cancelled in writing within 24 hours of placement, calculated on Eastern Time. Please us send email. Otherwise, your order will be processed and will be final.
-We do not offer rentals, consignment, buying on memo, store credit, financing, layaways, or deferred payment plans of any kind. All orders must be paid in full with your credit card, debit card, PayPal e-check, bank check, or money order before shipping. Please do not send cash or currency.
-Customers whose checks are returned for lack of funds or other issues will be charged a $25.00 processing fee.
TENDERBEAUTYPEARLS.COM PRODUCT RETURNS ADDRESSES
www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ product returns are accepted by mail only. For any Tender Beauty Pearls™ product, please send your return to one of the following addresses:
-tenderbeautypearls.com, Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, #203, Holden, MA 01520
-tenderbeautypearls.com, Johanna Lolax, President, 1087 Lewis River Rd #189 Woodland, WA 98674
(Please note: We do not maintain a brick-and-mortar store, or showroom. No refunds or exchanges will be issued until a return of merchandise is received. Please include a delivery confirmation receipt or tracking information with your mailed return, and contact us to let us know the return is coming. USPS Mail shipping options include a delivery confirmation number, but not insurance. We cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected returns.)
PLEASE CONTACT US BY MAIL, EMAIL OR PHONE
Customers who want to pay by phone, check, or money order, who have questions, or who need assistance, may contact Johanna at our customer service phone numbers, mail or email address, and fax numbers, which are open and listed below:
1-877-PEARL-01 (1-877-732-7501) - toll-free US & Canada
1-508-829-GEM2 - local calls and collect international calls
1-508-829-GEM5 - local and international 24/7 fax line
1-508-479-7116 - company cell Sun-Fri 9am to 6 pm Eastern Time.
johanna.lolax - free international calls through Skype
tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com - email
tenderbeautypearls.com, Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, #203, Holden, MA 01520
Tender Beauty Pearls™ is a registered, trademark, dba, and subsidiary of Best Consulting, LLC™, an independent company founded by Johanna Lolax in Massachusetts.
Our toll-free lines are for customer service only. Telemarketing sales professionals using these lines will be asked to call us back on our local and business cell phone numbers. Offers from off-shore lotteries, persons engaged in illegal activities, and fraudulent orders, will be reported to appropriate authorities.
PEARL QUALITY AND CARE
Cultured pearls are real pearls, and real gems. Please read more about pearls, our quality, and pearl care below, or contact our Pearl Expert and President, Johanna Lolax, GIA Pearls Diplomate, at tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com, and at 1-877-PEARL-01 with your questions.
Pearls are one of the softer gems, measuring 3.0-4.0 on the MOHS Scale of Hardness (diamonds are a 10). You may wear them every day with jeans, business clothes, and dress wear, but please put them on only after you have applied lotions, perfumes, aftershaves, and hair styling products.
Pearls rings should be removed before hand-washing, and all pearl jewelry should be removed before showering, bathing, swimming, and sleeping. Please store them in their box or a satin pouch separately from other jewelry, to protect them from scratches.
Pearl jewelry may be gently wiped with a soft optical cloth after each use, and washed in clean, lukewarm water (or a gentle cleanser designed for pearls) as desired. Washed pearl strands should be allowed to air dry for 24 hours.
Harsh cleansers and sonic cleaners will damage your pearls, as will rolling them in salt or wood chips as a means of cleansing: If your pearls are heavily soiled, they should be taken to a reputable jeweler for professional cleaning.
Should you wish to purchase a gentle, all-natural pearl cleanser, please visit:
http://www.thepearldoctor.com/ at the link listed below.
Should you wish additional factual information about pearls, please visit The Pearl-Guide at http://www.pearl-guide.com/. A link can be found below (please scroll all the way down).
Yuu also can check out the www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ Facebook page at this address, or click on the link (please scroll all the way down):
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1410775914&ref=profile
Here at www.tenderbeautypearls.com™, a BBBOnline Accredited business, our President Johanna Lolax personally chooses authentic pearl jewelry with your needs and tastes in mind. She buys directly from leading pearl farmers and suppliers, many with GIA certification, to bring you real pearls cultured in the bodies of special pearl-bearing mollusks.
That's how she can offer you the quality and prices you expect. (All prices are set following extensive market research and consultation with GIA pearl experts. Prices may be subject to change.) An explanation of our quality grading system, and more information about pearls, is next.
A note about pricing: Tender Beauty Pearls sells fine pearl jewelry at up to 80% off most retail jewelry store prices for pearl jewelry of comparable quality. Retail values stated on this website were derived after extensive market research, and in consultation with GIA-certified experts in pearl jewelry appraisal.
PEARL QUALITY
Pearls are organic, aquatic gems that grow deep in the bodies of only 20 species of mollusks. Pearls are graded, valued, and sold according to seven value factors: size, shape, surface quality, nacre quality, color, luster, and matching. Nacre (NAY - kur) is the gem-quality material that forms a pearl, and it's thickness can determine the pearl's durability over time. Round traditionally is the most valued pearl shape, and a clean, highly lustrous surface is the most highly prized.
Tender Beauty™ BRAND QUALITY
Our premier freshwater pearl collection includes pure white Tender Beauty™ brand cultured pearls, our signature line of the finest in Asian freshwater pearl jewelry. The cream of the cultured freshwater pearl crop, Tender Beauty™ brand pearls rival the very best saltwater pearls in luster and quality, at a fraction of the cost.
This is the highest grade of freshwater pearl jewelry available today. It represents the top 0.01% of the harvest.
This grade offers rare freshwater pearls that are nearly 100% nacre because they are grown using tissue, not the usual mother-of-pearl bead, implants. Tender Beauty™ brand freshwater pearls are beautifully round, perfectly matched in strands and other jewelry sold here, and almost 100% flawless - even when magnified 10 times. Each pearl exhibits an extremely high, iridescent luster that rivals the very finest akoya saltwater pearls. The rainbow-like iridescent quality of these pearls, called "orient", rarely is seen in round pearls.
AAA QUALITY
This grade of freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the top 1% of the harvest. The pearls are round with thick nacre and excellent luster. Their surfaces are 96% or more blemish-free, and in strands and other jewelry sold here, they are excellently matched.
AA+ QUALITY
This grade of freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the top 5% of the harvest. The pearls are round with thick nacre and excellent luster. Their surfaces are 90-95% or more blemish-free, and in strands and other jewelry sold here, they are excellently matched.
AA QUALITY
This grade of freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the top 20% of the harvest. The pearls are oval or near-round, with medium to thick nacre and very good luster. Their surfaces are 80-90% or more blemish-free, and in strands and other jewelry sold here, they are very well matched.
A QUALITY
This grade of cultured freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the top 50% of the harvest, and are not sold at tenderbeautypearls.com. These pearls will be near-round, with nacre of medium thickness and good luster. Their surfaces will be lightly to moderately blemished, and their matching quality generally will be good.
B-C GRADE
This commercial grade of freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the lower 50% of the harvest, and never is sold here at tenderbeautypearls.com. The pearls are near-round to off-round with poor quality (often thin) nacre, and a poor or chalky luster. Their surfaces are moderately to heavily blemished, and their matching quality is poor.
REAL GEMS
Pearls are the only real gems that are born in the bodies of living creatures. These unique, organic, aquatic gems are made by special mollusks, and have been long-associated with female creativity, purity, and love.
Pearls have been the focus of human dreams, desire, and passion for centuries. Their luster once captured the attention of Egypt's Queen Cleopatra, as well as Persian, English, and Spanish royalty throughout the ages. The Greeks, and many Asian nations, believed that pearls inspire both love and marital happiness.
While almost any mollusk can produce some type of "pearl" bead, only 20 species in the world can create actual pearl gems. These special creatures make pearl gems with concentric layers of highly-prized nacre (NAY - kur), a substance that incorporates organic material with a crystalline form of calcium carbonate called aragonite (a-RAG-oh-nite).
Nacre gives pearls their special luster, and much of their value.
Natural gem-quality pearls once were found throughout the world's oceans and freshwater bodies of water, such as the Persian Gulf, the Caribbean, the Sea of Cortez off the coast of California, the Indian Ocean, Japanese and western Australian waters - even the lochs of Scotland! The quest for natural pearls, and the gleaming mother-of-pearl lined shells in which they were born, was so intense that by the late 19th century natural pearl beds were all but fished out, and pearl-bearing mollusks nearly extinct.
Pearl culturing pioneers came on the scene to save the pearl industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sophisticated methods of collecting and nurturing baby oysters and mussels until they could accept a mother-of-pearl bead with a donor mollusk tissue sample were developed. Round cultured pearls were created, and the stage was set for a new pearl farming industry to emerge.
The industry now flourishes in the waters of Asia, French Poynesia, Western Australia, and the South Seas. Soon, entrepreneurs from Australia and Dubai will test the cool, clear waters of Antarctica with new pearl farms for the 21st century.
Natural pearls today are extremely rare, but may still be found and are sold on the market. Most real pearls sold now are cultured pearls, grown on pearl farms from oysters and mollusks gently nurtured with care and patience. tenderbeautypearls.com sells real cultured pearls, grown from mollusks on pearls farms and purchased from reputable pearl farmers and suppliers.
Pearls cannot be synthesized in a lab like diamonds and other mineral gems, but many imitation pearls are manufactured. Often they are glass beads dipped in an iridescent mixture of fish scales and glue, and they are not real pearls.
AKOYA PEARLS
Akoya pearls are saltwater pearls, born in the bodies of the small, delicate akoya oyster. These pearls are cultured, usually with a mother-of-pearl bead and a bit of tissue from a donor mollusk. The oyster deposits layers of pearls gem (called nacre and pronounced NAY-kur) over the bead to create a real cultured pearl.
Once grown primarily in Japanese waters, these pearls now are grown in Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese waters. Their natural colors tend to be white or cream with light pink or silver overtones, though natural bluish colors sometimes are seen. Some of the finest pearls in the world come from this oyster.
FRESHWATER PEARLS
Freshwater pearls primarily come from rivers, lakes, ponds and streams in Asia, but some are produced in America. They are seen in abundance in Chinese markets, and range in quality from the so-called "rice krispie" shaped pearl, to our rare, round, highly lustrous Tender Beauty™ brand freshwater pearls from the top 0.01% of the harvest. Freshwater pearls are grown in the bodies of mussels rather oysters, using only bits of tissue from a donor mollusk. This method forms a pearl that is almost solid nacre, the beautiful pearl gem material.
Freshwater pearls come in a range of tender, natural colors, such as white, cream, light yellow, peachy-pink, and lavender. tenderbeautypearls.com sells pearls with natural colors only, though other companies do sell strands that are treated. Treated strands are most often irradiated to create deep, iridescent rainbow colors, or dyed to produce strong colors such as "chocolate", deep blue, fuschia pink, bright red, dark green, and purple.
SOUTH SEA PEARLS
Many pearls today are grown in the South Seas from a great oyster called Pinctada Maxima, which can grow as big as a dinner plate. Mother-of-Pearl beads and bits of tissue are implanted in this oyster to produce large, rare, round pearls with a natural luster like fine satin, and natural colors such as pure white, pale gold, and deep gold. This is where we obtain the gorgeous AAA golden pearl pictured in The PearlTack™ on the tenderbeautypearls.com website, and in the magnificent AAA Light Golden Pearl Earrings we carry here.
The price of a quality South Seas pearl is higher than other fine pearls because each Pinctada Maxima oyster makes only one pearl at a time, and even producing that one pearl can take several years. In addition, not every South Sea pearl from every harvest is a fine round, lustrous pearl, so it may take many harvests to obtain South Sea pearls suitable for fine jewelry.
TAHITIAN PEARLS
Tahitian pearls don't really come from Tahiti, but from the many small islands and lagoons in French Polynesia to the south and west of Tahiti. They are rare pearls, grown using a bead and some tissue implanted into the large "black-lipped" oyster. This type of oyster has a strip of iridescent dark gray or black mother-of-pearl along the inner edge of its shell.
This oyster produces large, lustrous pearls in natural colors that range from black, to black with green, rose, purple, and blue highlights, to lighter silvery-green and azure hues. Since the black-lipped oyster can make only one pearl at a time, it can take several harvests to produce Tahitian pearls suitable for fine jewelry.
The natural colors of these pearls truly are special as well as rare. tenderbeautypearls.com carries several fine examples of jewelry made from naturally-colored Tahitian pearls, including earrings, pendants, and The PearlTack™.
PEARL CARE
Pearls are an important part of grooming for both women and men. They make a statement, and are meant to be worn and enjoyed for their beauty. www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ cultured pearl products are durable, and like all pearls, they are sensitive to harsh chemicals and perfumes. Put them on after using soaps, lotions, perfumes, and hair styling or drying products. This will protect their clean, bright surfaces from developing pits and blemishes.
Your cultured pearls may be worn every day for business, casual outings, and dress functions, and should be removed for showering, sleeping, and swimming and other exercise.
Please treat them well, never storing them in air-tight environments such as bank safe deposit boxes, or with hard jewelry items, which may scratch your pearls. Pearls are aquatic gems formed in living beings, and are made of organic as well as crystalline material. Everyday room temperatures and levels of humidity are just what they need to retain their beauty for years to come.
Simply keep your pearls in the FREE silk-and-velvet-lined gift box you will receive when you buy from us. (Whether traveling or at home, a velvet or silk-lined pouch or jewelry box works well, too.) If you wipe your pearls gently with a clean lint-free cloth after removal, you will clear them of skin oils and help them to retain their luster over generations.
Should you wish to purchase a gentle, all-natural pearl cleanser, please visit https://www.thepearldoctor.com/ at the link listed below.
You also may gently clean your pearls periodically with clean, room lukewarm water, if you choose. Detergents and soaps, sonic and standard liquid jewelry cleaners will damage your pearls, as will using salt or wood chips as a means of cleansing. Carefully blot excess water from your pearls with a clean lint-free cloth if you wash them, then allow them to air dry for 24 hours at room temperature before wearing. (A damp string of pearls may stretch if worn too soon after washing.)
If your pearls are heavily soiled, they should be taken to a reputable jeweler for professional cleaning.
If you wear your pearl jewelry daily, you may wish to invest in restringing at a fine jewelry store once a year, to help prevent breakage. All of our tenderbeautypearls.com strands are strung on silk with tiny knots between each pearl, to help prevent loss in case of breakage.
If you want extra protection for your beautiful pearl treasures, please visit http://www.jewelersmutual.com to insure your pearls and other fine jewelry. Thank you for visiting www.tenderbeautypearls.com™. Enjoy your purchase, and should you have questions, please call us at 1-877-PEARL-01 (toll-free in the US and Canada), or 508-479-7116 Sun-Fri 9-5 Eastern Time.
We are delighted to serve you. Thank you again for your business.
ABOUT TENDER BEAUTY™ FOUNDATION, INC.
Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. is the all-volunteer, charitable arm of TenderBeautyPearls.com™, a female-owned, internet-based business.
Johanna Lolax, President & Founder of TenderBeautyPearls.com™, established Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. in 2008. The Foundation is a 501 c 3 non-for-profit organization that provides grants and organizes volunteers to protect the world's oceans, freshwater resources, and wildlife, among other projects.
TenderBeautyPearls.com™ regularly donates a portion of sales to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. Mrs. Lolax and a dedicated Board of Trustees also donate funds, and their time, to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc.
PEARL INDUSTRY FACTS
Pearl-bearing oysters and mussels, and other life on earth, have been threatened to the point of extinction over the centuries owing to predation, over-fishing, water pollution, global warming, war, and disease. Today, governments and responsible pearl farmers work to protect vulnerable species, humanely breed mollusks once close to extinction, and keep local waters in pristine condition.
Pearl culturing now is a sustainable and environmentally-friendly practice, which provides an independent livelihood for many small business people the world over, incuding African women and families in rural China.
Successful pearl farming promotes and depends on clean water: It's in pearl farmers' best interest to protect oceans and waterways -- their livelihoods depend on it.
PLEASE JOIN US
Donations from concerned members of the public, including TenderBeautyPearls.com customers, may be made by credit card or checks payable to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., and are deductible to the extent allowed under U.S. tax law.
Donations may be sent to: Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, #203, Holden, Massachusetts 01520. PayPal e-check donations may be sent to tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com. Donations also may be made online at:
http://tenderbeautyfoundation.org/services
Please note that Tender Beauty Foundation, Inc. does not accept in-kind donations, or donations of goods, cars, land, and other tangible items, at this time.
GRANT GUIDELINES
Grant-making areas are:
1. Conservation and Preservation of the world’s oceans and waterways, freshwater resources, parks, and marine as well as land-based wildlife (the Foundation has a special interest in mollusks, coral, and feline animals);
2. Education for children, teens, and adults the world over, with a special focus on literacy for those with and without disabilities. Scholarships also are available to teens and adults, for secondary and higher education, and professional training programs, in the U.S. and abroad; and
3. Medical Research into the root causes and cures for asthmatic, allergic, and neurological disorders, skin cancer, mental illness and addiction, and heart disease - at research centers throughout the world.
Grants and scholarships are awarded at the end of the calendar year. Applications with an original signature are due by November 1.
CONTACT US
For application guidelines, please contact: Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, Suite 203, Holden, Massachusetts 01520, or tenderbeautyfoundation@yahoo.com
We appreciate your interest. Should you need help, please call Johanna Lolax, President, at Tender Beauty Foundation, Inc., as follows:
1-877-PEARL-01 (1-877-732-7501) - toll-free US & Canada
1-508-829-GEM2 - local calls and collect international calls
1-508-829-GEM5 - local and international 24/7 fax line
1-508-479-7116 - company cell Sun-Fri 9am to 6 pm Eastern Time.
johanna.lolax - free international calls through Skype
Messages normally are returned within 24-48 hours.
Email: tenderbeautyfoundation@yahoo.com
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRIVACY
www.tenderbeautyfoundation.org is an BBBOnline Accredited business, and fully owned by Best Consulting, LLC of Massachusetts. Your privacy and security are important to us. To better protect your privacy, and in accordance with Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00 the following notice explains the information we collect from customers, donors, and employees, how it is used, how it is safeguarded, and how to contact us if you have any concerns.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE SECURITY OF YOUR DATA
Your privacy and security are of the highest importance to Best Consulting, LLC and its subsidiaries, TenderBeautyPearls.com, TenderBeautyFoundation.com, and and TenderBeautySkincare.com.
Your information NEVER is sold or transferred to any third party for our profit, or the profit of any other party. We do not engage in data passing or in data sharing of any kind.
Best Consulting, LLC and its subsidiaries, including TenderBeautyPearls™.com, DO NOT keep, store, or maintain access to customer and employee credit/debit card information, financial account numbers, social security numbers, and driver's license or state-issued identification numbers in ANY digitized or hard copy business file after order or application processing.
Mailing information available through public records such as the telephone book and internet search sites, including customer name, mailing address, and email address, is collected ONLY for shipping, order fulfillment, purchase return or exchange, and the mailing of special offers to customers who wish to receive them.
Mailing information is encrypted and protected from spyware and other hacking softwares, stored in a secure facility, and is viewed or used only by Johanna Lolax, President & Founder of Best Consulting, LLC and its subsidiaries, TenderBeautyPearls™.com included.
Please Note: We do not maintain a brick-and mortar storefront or showroom. Our toll-free lines are for customer and donor service only. Telemarketing sales professionals using these lines will be asked to call us back on our local and business cell phone numbers. Offers from off-shore lotteries, persons engaged in illegal and fraudulent activities will be reported to appropriate authorities.
Thank you for your purchase today. FREE USPS Priority Mail is available on ANY order in the US and Canada.
Check out more of our free shipping options on international and domestic orders, listed below!
Please note the following shipping policies and procedures. Feel free to call us with questions at 1-877-PEARL-01 (1-877-732-7501) - toll-free US & Canada or at 508-479-7116:
-Most pearl jewelry sold at www.tenderbeautypearls.com™, unless marked as SOLD OUT, is shipped within 2-3 business days when full payment is received.
-Please include your complete name, address, daytime and evening phone numbers when ordering. When requesting shipping to a business address, please include your complete business name, too. We cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected deliveries.
-United States Postal Service (USPS) shipping options include a delivery confirmation number, but not insurance.
-Please allow 5-10 business days for resized rings from our Pearl Rings section to ship. Special, custom orders, or manufactured orders usually take 2-8 weeks to be produced and shipped.
-International orders must go through customs; please add 1-2 business days to delivery times for orders outside the US and Canada.
-Please note that orders are processed, shipped, and delivered only on business days, and not on holidays.
-Orders cannot be shipped unless paid in full. If you make any changes to your order at checkout, click the UPDATE button to see your new total.
-We do not hold items pending receipt of payment. We do not offer rentals, layaway, memo buying, consignment purchases, store credit, financing, or other deferred payment plans.
-All orders must be paid in full with your credit card, debit card, PayPal e-check, bank check or money order at the time of order, and funds must be received before shipping.
-We accept all major credit and debit cards online. We also accept credit and debit cards by phone, as well as PayPal e-checks, personal or corporate checks, and money orders drawn on US financial institutions. (Items will not be shipped until funds are received. Returned checks will be charged a $25.00 processing fee.)
-Orders may be cancelled in writing within 24 hours of placement, calculated on Eastern Time. Please us send email. Otherwise, your order may be processed and shipped.
-Orders of more than 25 pieces include one set of care instructions and one appraisal for each type of jewelry ordered. Boxes are priced separately for orders of 25 pieces or more. Please call or send email for pricing when ordering in quantity.
-Sales taxes for U.S. buyers outside Massachusetts are the buyers' responsibility. Applicable taxes and import duties for Canadian and other International orders also are the responsibility of the buyer. Any paperwork associated with an International order, such as Appraisals, will be shipped separately to ensure secure delivery.
-Note that our software is programmed to detect and track fraudulent "purchases". Fraudulent orders cannot be shipped, and will be reported to the proper authorities.
UNITED STATES AND CANADA - SHIPPING
Please note that packages are processed, shipped, and delivered only on business days, and not on holidays.
-FREE: U.S. Ground Mail - 5-7 business days, free delivery with any order
-FREE: U.S. Priority Mail - 3-5 business days, free delivery with any order
-Corporate and bulk orders: Please call us for the special rates and offers that come with large orders! ________________________________________________________
-$21.00: U.S. Express Mail (for fast, 2nd Day delivery to PO boxes and other addresses)
U.S. Express Mail Shipping is FREE with orders of $500.00 or more, and includes tracking. Just use code: usexpress at checkout. ________________________________________________________
-$25.00: FEDEX Second-Day Air (includes tracking and insurance)
FREE with orders of $500.00 or more. Just use code: fedexsecond at checkout. ________________________________________________________
-$45.00: FEDEX U.S. Overnight with 1 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance)
FEDEX U.S. Overnight Shipping is FREE with orders of $750.00 or more. Just use code: fedexovernite at checkout. ________________________________________________________
-$45.00: UPS U.S. Next Day Air with 1 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance)
UPS U.S. Next Day Air Shipping is FREE with orders of $750.00 or more. Just use code: fedexovernite at checkout. _________________________________________________________
APO SHIPPING
-FREE: U.S. Priority Mail with 3-10 day delivery
_________________________________________________________
GLOBAL SHIPPING
International shipments must go through customs; please add 1-2 days to delivery times for orders outside the US and Canada. Paperwork for international orders may ship separately. Please note that packages are processed, shipped, and delivered only on business days, and not on holidays.
-Corporate and bulk orders: Please call for rates.
-$19.00: U.S. Airmail with 14-21 day delivery, anywhere in the world.
U.S. Airmail Shipping is FREE with orders of $500.00 or more, and includes tracking. Just use code: usairmail at checkout.
-$50.00: U.S. Global Priority Mail with 6-10 day delivery, anywhere in the world.
Global Priority Shipping is FREE with a purchase of $1,000.00 or more. Just use code: globalpriority at checkout. _________________________________________________________
-$75.00: FEDEX Global Priority Mail with 3-5 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance; not available in some countries)
FEDEX Global Priority Mail is FREE with orders of $1,500.00 or more. Just use code: fedexglobal at checkout.
-$95.00: UPS Global Expedited Mail with 3-5 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance)
-$110.00: UPS Worldwide Saver with 2-3 day delivery (includes tracking and insurance)
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OUR GUARANTEE
-If for any reason you are not completely delighted with your purchase of www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ jewelry, you may return it to us by mail within 90 days of the ship or purchase date for a full refund to one of the addresses listed below. TenderBeautyPearls.com merchandise returned for a refund must be returned in the same condition as received, and must include the original packing list or receipt, as well as the presentation box.
-We also will exchange your www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ purchase for another www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ product of the same cost within 90 days of purchase, on request. In addition, www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ will repair faulty clasps or workmanship on the jewelry we sell at no extra charge, within 90 days of purchase. Exchanges of the same cost, and repaired items, will be sent back to you free of charge as soon as the items are available, usually within 2-4 weeks.
Please note that our 90-day returns and warranty policies apply only to items purchased from TenderBeautyPearls.com.
(Exceptions: Purchases of resized rings, special orders, custom orders, and manufactured orders are final, and cannot be returned for a refund or exchanged. We will correct any factory defect or order error on these orders within 90 days of purchase. Please contact us with questions at 1-877-PEARL-01, 1-877-732-7501, or at the address or telephone numbers listed below.)
MORE ABOUT RETURNS AND CANCELLATIONS
-Orders may be cancelled in writing within 24 hours of placement, calculated on Eastern Time. Please us send email. Otherwise, your order may be processed and shipped.
-Should you wish to make an exchange for an item of greater value, the balance you owe must be received before shipping.
-Should you decide on an exchange of lesser value, we will process the balance we owe you when the order is shipped. Customers whose checks are returned for lack of funds or other issues will be charged a $25.00 processing fee.
-No refunds will be issued until we receive your returned www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ merchandise via authorized mail and delivery services.
-Please allow up to 4-8 weeks to receive any refund owed, or to see it post to your credit card account. Refunds are processed through appropriate PayPal and banking systems. Refunds of cash or currency are not available.
-Please note: We do not maintain a brick-and-mortar store, or showroom. Returns of www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ purchases are accepted via authorized US mail and commercial delivery services only.
-Please include a delivery confirmation receipt or other tracking receipt with your mailed return, and contact us to let us know the return is coming. We cannot be held responsible for lost or misdirected packages.
-Your shipping and insurance expenses (should you choose to buy insurance) are not refundable.
-A 20% restocking fee will be assessed on customer accounts that demonstrate the frequent and repeated purchase-and-return of items from our www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ inventory. We reserve the right to refuse purchases or returns when abuse of our generous, no-hassle returns policy is detected.
-We do not hold items pending receipt of payment. We do not offer rentals, consignment, buying on memo, store credit, financing, layaways, or deferred payment plans of any kind.
-All orders must be paid in full with your credit card, debit card, PayPal e-check, bank check, or money order before shipping. Please do not send cash or currency (cash and currency received will be returned to you).
MORE ABOUT CUSTOM AND SPECIAL ORDERS
-Purchases of resized rings, and other special, custom or manufactured orders are final, and cannot be returned for refund or exchange. Should we, or your local jeweler resize your ring, or create custom pieces from www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ stock, the ring or other item(s) will not be returnable for refund or exchange.
-We will correct any factory defect or order error on special, custom or manufactured orders orders within 90 days of purchase. Please notify us as soon as possible.
-Special, custom or manufactured orders may be cancelled in writing within 24 hours of placement, calculated on Eastern Time. Please us send email. Otherwise, your order will be processed and will be final.
-We do not offer rentals, consignment, buying on memo, store credit, financing, layaways, or deferred payment plans of any kind. All orders must be paid in full with your credit card, debit card, PayPal e-check, bank check, or money order before shipping. Please do not send cash or currency.
-Customers whose checks are returned for lack of funds or other issues will be charged a $25.00 processing fee.
TENDERBEAUTYPEARLS.COM PRODUCT RETURNS ADDRESSES
www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ product returns are accepted by mail only. For any Tender Beauty Pearls™ product, please send your return to one of the following addresses:
-tenderbeautypearls.com, Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, #203, Holden, MA 01520
-tenderbeautypearls.com, Johanna Lolax, President, 1087 Lewis River Rd #189 Woodland, WA 98674
(Please note: We do not maintain a brick-and-mortar store, or showroom. No refunds or exchanges will be issued until a return of merchandise is received. Please include a delivery confirmation receipt or tracking information with your mailed return, and contact us to let us know the return is coming. USPS Mail shipping options include a delivery confirmation number, but not insurance. We cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected returns.)
PLEASE CONTACT US BY MAIL, EMAIL OR PHONE
Customers who want to pay by phone, check, or money order, who have questions, or who need assistance, may contact Johanna at our customer service phone numbers, mail or email address, and fax numbers, which are open and listed below:
1-877-PEARL-01 (1-877-732-7501) - toll-free US & Canada
1-508-829-GEM2 - local calls and collect international calls
1-508-829-GEM5 - local and international 24/7 fax line
1-508-479-7116 - company cell Sun-Fri 9am to 6 pm Eastern Time.
johanna.lolax - free international calls through Skype
tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com - email
tenderbeautypearls.com, Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, #203, Holden, MA 01520
Tender Beauty Pearls™ is a registered, trademark, dba, and subsidiary of Best Consulting, LLC™, an independent company founded by Johanna Lolax in Massachusetts.
Our toll-free lines are for customer service only. Telemarketing sales professionals using these lines will be asked to call us back on our local and business cell phone numbers. Offers from off-shore lotteries, persons engaged in illegal activities, and fraudulent orders, will be reported to appropriate authorities.
PEARL QUALITY AND CARE
Cultured pearls are real pearls, and real gems. Please read more about pearls, our quality, and pearl care below, or contact our Pearl Expert and President, Johanna Lolax, GIA Pearls Diplomate, at tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com, and at 1-877-PEARL-01 with your questions.
Pearls are one of the softer gems, measuring 3.0-4.0 on the MOHS Scale of Hardness (diamonds are a 10). You may wear them every day with jeans, business clothes, and dress wear, but please put them on only after you have applied lotions, perfumes, aftershaves, and hair styling products.
Pearls rings should be removed before hand-washing, and all pearl jewelry should be removed before showering, bathing, swimming, and sleeping. Please store them in their box or a satin pouch separately from other jewelry, to protect them from scratches.
Pearl jewelry may be gently wiped with a soft optical cloth after each use, and washed in clean, lukewarm water (or a gentle cleanser designed for pearls) as desired. Washed pearl strands should be allowed to air dry for 24 hours.
Harsh cleansers and sonic cleaners will damage your pearls, as will rolling them in salt or wood chips as a means of cleansing: If your pearls are heavily soiled, they should be taken to a reputable jeweler for professional cleaning.
Should you wish to purchase a gentle, all-natural pearl cleanser, please visit:
http://www.thepearldoctor.com/ at the link listed below.
Should you wish additional factual information about pearls, please visit The Pearl-Guide at http://www.pearl-guide.com/. A link can be found below (please scroll all the way down).
Yuu also can check out the www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ Facebook page at this address, or click on the link (please scroll all the way down):
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1410775914&ref=profile
Here at www.tenderbeautypearls.com™, a BBBOnline Accredited business, our President Johanna Lolax personally chooses authentic pearl jewelry with your needs and tastes in mind. She buys directly from leading pearl farmers and suppliers, many with GIA certification, to bring you real pearls cultured in the bodies of special pearl-bearing mollusks.
That's how she can offer you the quality and prices you expect. (All prices are set following extensive market research and consultation with GIA pearl experts. Prices may be subject to change.) An explanation of our quality grading system, and more information about pearls, is next.
A note about pricing: Tender Beauty Pearls sells fine pearl jewelry at up to 80% off most retail jewelry store prices for pearl jewelry of comparable quality. Retail values stated on this website were derived after extensive market research, and in consultation with GIA-certified experts in pearl jewelry appraisal.
PEARL QUALITY
Pearls are organic, aquatic gems that grow deep in the bodies of only 20 species of mollusks. Pearls are graded, valued, and sold according to seven value factors: size, shape, surface quality, nacre quality, color, luster, and matching. Nacre (NAY - kur) is the gem-quality material that forms a pearl, and it's thickness can determine the pearl's durability over time. Round traditionally is the most valued pearl shape, and a clean, highly lustrous surface is the most highly prized.
Tender Beauty™ BRAND QUALITY
Our premier freshwater pearl collection includes pure white Tender Beauty™ brand cultured pearls, our signature line of the finest in Asian freshwater pearl jewelry. The cream of the cultured freshwater pearl crop, Tender Beauty™ brand pearls rival the very best saltwater pearls in luster and quality, at a fraction of the cost.
This is the highest grade of freshwater pearl jewelry available today. It represents the top 0.01% of the harvest.
This grade offers rare freshwater pearls that are nearly 100% nacre because they are grown using tissue, not the usual mother-of-pearl bead, implants. Tender Beauty™ brand freshwater pearls are beautifully round, perfectly matched in strands and other jewelry sold here, and almost 100% flawless - even when magnified 10 times. Each pearl exhibits an extremely high, iridescent luster that rivals the very finest akoya saltwater pearls. The rainbow-like iridescent quality of these pearls, called "orient", rarely is seen in round pearls.
AAA QUALITY
This grade of freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the top 1% of the harvest. The pearls are round with thick nacre and excellent luster. Their surfaces are 96% or more blemish-free, and in strands and other jewelry sold here, they are excellently matched.
AA+ QUALITY
This grade of freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the top 5% of the harvest. The pearls are round with thick nacre and excellent luster. Their surfaces are 90-95% or more blemish-free, and in strands and other jewelry sold here, they are excellently matched.
AA QUALITY
This grade of freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the top 20% of the harvest. The pearls are oval or near-round, with medium to thick nacre and very good luster. Their surfaces are 80-90% or more blemish-free, and in strands and other jewelry sold here, they are very well matched.
A QUALITY
This grade of cultured freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the top 50% of the harvest, and are not sold at tenderbeautypearls.com. These pearls will be near-round, with nacre of medium thickness and good luster. Their surfaces will be lightly to moderately blemished, and their matching quality generally will be good.
B-C GRADE
This commercial grade of freshwater and saltwater pearl jewelry represents the lower 50% of the harvest, and never is sold here at tenderbeautypearls.com. The pearls are near-round to off-round with poor quality (often thin) nacre, and a poor or chalky luster. Their surfaces are moderately to heavily blemished, and their matching quality is poor.
REAL GEMS
Pearls are the only real gems that are born in the bodies of living creatures. These unique, organic, aquatic gems are made by special mollusks, and have been long-associated with female creativity, purity, and love.
Pearls have been the focus of human dreams, desire, and passion for centuries. Their luster once captured the attention of Egypt's Queen Cleopatra, as well as Persian, English, and Spanish royalty throughout the ages. The Greeks, and many Asian nations, believed that pearls inspire both love and marital happiness.
While almost any mollusk can produce some type of "pearl" bead, only 20 species in the world can create actual pearl gems. These special creatures make pearl gems with concentric layers of highly-prized nacre (NAY - kur), a substance that incorporates organic material with a crystalline form of calcium carbonate called aragonite (a-RAG-oh-nite).
Nacre gives pearls their special luster, and much of their value.
Natural gem-quality pearls once were found throughout the world's oceans and freshwater bodies of water, such as the Persian Gulf, the Caribbean, the Sea of Cortez off the coast of California, the Indian Ocean, Japanese and western Australian waters - even the lochs of Scotland! The quest for natural pearls, and the gleaming mother-of-pearl lined shells in which they were born, was so intense that by the late 19th century natural pearl beds were all but fished out, and pearl-bearing mollusks nearly extinct.
Pearl culturing pioneers came on the scene to save the pearl industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sophisticated methods of collecting and nurturing baby oysters and mussels until they could accept a mother-of-pearl bead with a donor mollusk tissue sample were developed. Round cultured pearls were created, and the stage was set for a new pearl farming industry to emerge.
The industry now flourishes in the waters of Asia, French Poynesia, Western Australia, and the South Seas. Soon, entrepreneurs from Australia and Dubai will test the cool, clear waters of Antarctica with new pearl farms for the 21st century.
Natural pearls today are extremely rare, but may still be found and are sold on the market. Most real pearls sold now are cultured pearls, grown on pearl farms from oysters and mollusks gently nurtured with care and patience. tenderbeautypearls.com sells real cultured pearls, grown from mollusks on pearls farms and purchased from reputable pearl farmers and suppliers.
Pearls cannot be synthesized in a lab like diamonds and other mineral gems, but many imitation pearls are manufactured. Often they are glass beads dipped in an iridescent mixture of fish scales and glue, and they are not real pearls.
AKOYA PEARLS
Akoya pearls are saltwater pearls, born in the bodies of the small, delicate akoya oyster. These pearls are cultured, usually with a mother-of-pearl bead and a bit of tissue from a donor mollusk. The oyster deposits layers of pearls gem (called nacre and pronounced NAY-kur) over the bead to create a real cultured pearl.
Once grown primarily in Japanese waters, these pearls now are grown in Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese waters. Their natural colors tend to be white or cream with light pink or silver overtones, though natural bluish colors sometimes are seen. Some of the finest pearls in the world come from this oyster.
FRESHWATER PEARLS
Freshwater pearls primarily come from rivers, lakes, ponds and streams in Asia, but some are produced in America. They are seen in abundance in Chinese markets, and range in quality from the so-called "rice krispie" shaped pearl, to our rare, round, highly lustrous Tender Beauty™ brand freshwater pearls from the top 0.01% of the harvest. Freshwater pearls are grown in the bodies of mussels rather oysters, using only bits of tissue from a donor mollusk. This method forms a pearl that is almost solid nacre, the beautiful pearl gem material.
Freshwater pearls come in a range of tender, natural colors, such as white, cream, light yellow, peachy-pink, and lavender. tenderbeautypearls.com sells pearls with natural colors only, though other companies do sell strands that are treated. Treated strands are most often irradiated to create deep, iridescent rainbow colors, or dyed to produce strong colors such as "chocolate", deep blue, fuschia pink, bright red, dark green, and purple.
SOUTH SEA PEARLS
Many pearls today are grown in the South Seas from a great oyster called Pinctada Maxima, which can grow as big as a dinner plate. Mother-of-Pearl beads and bits of tissue are implanted in this oyster to produce large, rare, round pearls with a natural luster like fine satin, and natural colors such as pure white, pale gold, and deep gold. This is where we obtain the gorgeous AAA golden pearl pictured in The PearlTack™ on the tenderbeautypearls.com website, and in the magnificent AAA Light Golden Pearl Earrings we carry here.
The price of a quality South Seas pearl is higher than other fine pearls because each Pinctada Maxima oyster makes only one pearl at a time, and even producing that one pearl can take several years. In addition, not every South Sea pearl from every harvest is a fine round, lustrous pearl, so it may take many harvests to obtain South Sea pearls suitable for fine jewelry.
TAHITIAN PEARLS
Tahitian pearls don't really come from Tahiti, but from the many small islands and lagoons in French Polynesia to the south and west of Tahiti. They are rare pearls, grown using a bead and some tissue implanted into the large "black-lipped" oyster. This type of oyster has a strip of iridescent dark gray or black mother-of-pearl along the inner edge of its shell.
This oyster produces large, lustrous pearls in natural colors that range from black, to black with green, rose, purple, and blue highlights, to lighter silvery-green and azure hues. Since the black-lipped oyster can make only one pearl at a time, it can take several harvests to produce Tahitian pearls suitable for fine jewelry.
The natural colors of these pearls truly are special as well as rare. tenderbeautypearls.com carries several fine examples of jewelry made from naturally-colored Tahitian pearls, including earrings, pendants, and The PearlTack™.
PEARL CARE
Pearls are an important part of grooming for both women and men. They make a statement, and are meant to be worn and enjoyed for their beauty. www.tenderbeautypearls.com™ cultured pearl products are durable, and like all pearls, they are sensitive to harsh chemicals and perfumes. Put them on after using soaps, lotions, perfumes, and hair styling or drying products. This will protect their clean, bright surfaces from developing pits and blemishes.
Your cultured pearls may be worn every day for business, casual outings, and dress functions, and should be removed for showering, sleeping, and swimming and other exercise.
Please treat them well, never storing them in air-tight environments such as bank safe deposit boxes, or with hard jewelry items, which may scratch your pearls. Pearls are aquatic gems formed in living beings, and are made of organic as well as crystalline material. Everyday room temperatures and levels of humidity are just what they need to retain their beauty for years to come.
Simply keep your pearls in the FREE silk-and-velvet-lined gift box you will receive when you buy from us. (Whether traveling or at home, a velvet or silk-lined pouch or jewelry box works well, too.) If you wipe your pearls gently with a clean lint-free cloth after removal, you will clear them of skin oils and help them to retain their luster over generations.
Should you wish to purchase a gentle, all-natural pearl cleanser, please visit https://www.thepearldoctor.com/ at the link listed below.
You also may gently clean your pearls periodically with clean, room lukewarm water, if you choose. Detergents and soaps, sonic and standard liquid jewelry cleaners will damage your pearls, as will using salt or wood chips as a means of cleansing. Carefully blot excess water from your pearls with a clean lint-free cloth if you wash them, then allow them to air dry for 24 hours at room temperature before wearing. (A damp string of pearls may stretch if worn too soon after washing.)
If your pearls are heavily soiled, they should be taken to a reputable jeweler for professional cleaning.
If you wear your pearl jewelry daily, you may wish to invest in restringing at a fine jewelry store once a year, to help prevent breakage. All of our tenderbeautypearls.com strands are strung on silk with tiny knots between each pearl, to help prevent loss in case of breakage.
If you want extra protection for your beautiful pearl treasures, please visit http://www.jewelersmutual.com to insure your pearls and other fine jewelry. Thank you for visiting www.tenderbeautypearls.com™. Enjoy your purchase, and should you have questions, please call us at 1-877-PEARL-01 (toll-free in the US and Canada), or 508-479-7116 Sun-Fri 9-5 Eastern Time.
We are delighted to serve you. Thank you again for your business.
ABOUT TENDER BEAUTY™ FOUNDATION, INC.
Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. is the all-volunteer, charitable arm of TenderBeautyPearls.com™, a female-owned, internet-based business.
Johanna Lolax, President & Founder of TenderBeautyPearls.com™, established Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. in 2008. The Foundation is a 501 c 3 non-for-profit organization that provides grants and organizes volunteers to protect the world's oceans, freshwater resources, and wildlife, among other projects.
TenderBeautyPearls.com™ regularly donates a portion of sales to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc. Mrs. Lolax and a dedicated Board of Trustees also donate funds, and their time, to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc.
PEARL INDUSTRY FACTS
Pearl-bearing oysters and mussels, and other life on earth, have been threatened to the point of extinction over the centuries owing to predation, over-fishing, water pollution, global warming, war, and disease. Today, governments and responsible pearl farmers work to protect vulnerable species, humanely breed mollusks once close to extinction, and keep local waters in pristine condition.
Pearl culturing now is a sustainable and environmentally-friendly practice, which provides an independent livelihood for many small business people the world over, incuding African women and families in rural China.
Successful pearl farming promotes and depends on clean water: It's in pearl farmers' best interest to protect oceans and waterways -- their livelihoods depend on it.
PLEASE JOIN US
Donations from concerned members of the public, including TenderBeautyPearls.com customers, may be made by credit card or checks payable to Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., and are deductible to the extent allowed under U.S. tax law.
Donations may be sent to: Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, #203, Holden, Massachusetts 01520. PayPal e-check donations may be sent to tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com. Donations also may be made online at:
http://tenderbeautyfoundation.org/services
Please note that Tender Beauty Foundation, Inc. does not accept in-kind donations, or donations of goods, cars, land, and other tangible items, at this time.
GRANT GUIDELINES
Grant-making areas are:
1. Conservation and Preservation of the world’s oceans and waterways, freshwater resources, parks, and marine as well as land-based wildlife (the Foundation has a special interest in mollusks, coral, and feline animals);
2. Education for children, teens, and adults the world over, with a special focus on literacy for those with and without disabilities. Scholarships also are available to teens and adults, for secondary and higher education, and professional training programs, in the U.S. and abroad; and
3. Medical Research into the root causes and cures for asthmatic, allergic, and neurological disorders, skin cancer, mental illness and addiction, and heart disease - at research centers throughout the world.
Grants and scholarships are awarded at the end of the calendar year. Applications with an original signature are due by November 1.
CONTACT US
For application guidelines, please contact: Tender Beauty™ Foundation, Inc., Johanna Lolax, President, 800 Main Street, Suite 203, Holden, Massachusetts 01520, or tenderbeautyfoundation@yahoo.com
We appreciate your interest. Should you need help, please call Johanna Lolax, President, at Tender Beauty Foundation, Inc., as follows:
1-877-PEARL-01 (1-877-732-7501) - toll-free US & Canada
1-508-829-GEM2 - local calls and collect international calls
1-508-829-GEM5 - local and international 24/7 fax line
1-508-479-7116 - company cell Sun-Fri 9am to 6 pm Eastern Time.
johanna.lolax - free international calls through Skype
Messages normally are returned within 24-48 hours.
Email: tenderbeautyfoundation@yahoo.com
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRIVACY
www.tenderbeautyfoundation.org is an BBBOnline Accredited business, and fully owned by Best Consulting, LLC of Massachusetts. Your privacy and security are important to us. To better protect your privacy, and in accordance with Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00 the following notice explains the information we collect from customers, donors, and employees, how it is used, how it is safeguarded, and how to contact us if you have any concerns.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE SECURITY OF YOUR DATA
Your privacy and security are of the highest importance to Best Consulting, LLC and its subsidiaries, TenderBeautyPearls.com, TenderBeautyFoundation.com, and and TenderBeautySkincare.com.
Your information NEVER is sold or transferred to any third party for our profit, or the profit of any other party. We do not engage in data passing or in data sharing of any kind.
Best Consulting, LLC and its subsidiaries, including TenderBeautyPearls™.com, DO NOT keep, store, or maintain access to customer and employee credit/debit card information, financial account numbers, social security numbers, and driver's license or state-issued identification numbers in ANY digitized or hard copy business file after order or application processing.
Mailing information available through public records such as the telephone book and internet search sites, including customer name, mailing address, and email address, is collected ONLY for shipping, order fulfillment, purchase return or exchange, and the mailing of special offers to customers who wish to receive them.
Mailing information is encrypted and protected from spyware and other hacking softwares, stored in a secure facility, and is viewed or used only by Johanna Lolax, President & Founder of Best Consulting, LLC and its subsidiaries, TenderBeautyPearls™.com included.
Please Note: We do not maintain a brick-and mortar storefront or showroom. Our toll-free lines are for customer and donor service only. Telemarketing sales professionals using these lines will be asked to call us back on our local and business cell phone numbers. Offers from off-shore lotteries, persons engaged in illegal and fraudulent activities will be reported to appropriate authorities.
Contact Johanna at tenderbeautypearls@yahoo.com.
Copyright © 2008-2010 Best Consulting, LLC and Tender Beauty™ Pearls. All Rights Reserved. Trademarks Pending. All photographs on the Tender Beauty Pearls site are used with the permission of our photographers, suppliers, and other business partners. We proudly serve pearl buyers worldwide in Las Vegas, Paris, Savannah - Georgia, Miami Dade, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Walton County - Florida, Nassua County - Florida, Naples - Florida, Greene County -Georgia, Athens - Greece, St. Paul, Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Stockholm, Moscow, Berlin, Monaco Ville, Milan, Rome - Italy Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Bismarck, Savannah - Georgia , Dallas, Madison - Wisconsin, Chicago, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Nashville, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Oakland, Toronto, Des Moines, Provo, Austin - Texas, Llano County - Texas, Raleigh - North Caolina, Fort Collins, Lincoln, Denver, Omaha, Huntsville, Lexington, and Seattle, the United States, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Sydney, Australia, Adelaide, Australia.