As a hobby, I make jewelry -- don't sell it, which torques my husband's chain because he thinks I could sell my designs and make $$ from the effort.  However, I've told him that doing so would make my "hobby" a "JOB", and I don't need another one of those, thank you very much -- OOOOH, back to these pearls -- Lovely, Lovely, Lovely.  I ended up taking the whole strand apart and making 5 beautiful necklaces with really gorgeous focal beads on them!  I know, I know...but I couldn't resist.  I have worn my necklaces and gotten lots of compliments on them.  These beads look very sophisticated in the long strand, so you could wear them with a business suit or a nice professional dress.  Not cheap-looking pearls.