About

Hi there—I’m George Alvarez, and I’m glad you found your way to CherishPearls.com. I’ve always believed that smart buying isn’t just about finding the best deal—it’s about knowing what you’re really getting, how it works for you, and whether you’ll still be happy with it in six months. That’s exactly the journey this blog is built for.

My Background

Before launching this review site in early 2025, I spent nearly a decade working in the fine-jewelry industry—first as an associate buyer for a boutique that specialized in pearls and other natural gemstones, then moving into product sourcing for a small design house. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in retail merchandising and product development. During that time I learned a lot—how pearls are graded, what kinds of quality issues are common, how vendor claims match up with what customers actually receive. I also travelled a lot: I lived for two years in Charleston, South Carolina, then moved back to the Pacific Northwest, where I now call the Portland area home.

George Alvarez
George Alvarez

Why This Blog

You might wonder: if I worked in jewelry, why am I writing product reviews now instead of designing pieces? The truth is, as the industry changed, I saw more and more people making purchases online without trustworthy guidance—not just for pearls or jewelry, but really across many categories: home goods, tech accessories, fitness gear. Early in 2025 I pivoted my focus. I created CherishPearls.com not because I still wanted to sell jewelry, but because I wanted to help people buy well. I chose the “pearls” name both as a nod to my earlier specialty and as a metaphor—pearls are timeless, but only if the quality and care behind them hold up. To me that mirrors all good purchases.

What You’ll Find Here

On this blog I share honest reviews and real-world usage insights. I don’t just list specs—I actually buy the products (or try them) when feasible, test them in daily life, compare them with alternatives. I’ll tell you where something surprises me (good or bad), whether the claims hold up, how it fits into everyday use. If I recommend something, I believe you’ll be able to trust it—because I’ve thought about not only “can I sell this,” but “would I buy this (and keep using it)?” My tagline is simple: “Buy smart. Use well. Cherish results.”

My Promise to You

I value transparency. I’ll always disclose if a product is affiliate-linked (yes—it’s how this site sustains itself) and will never let that bias my judgment. My focus is on clarity: what this item does, what it doesn’t do, how it performed in my testing or what I learned from other users. I also invite you to ask questions, tell me your experience, and stay connected—I believe we learn best together.

Life Outside the Blog

When I’m off-screen, you’ll often find me hiking the trails around the Columbia River Gorge, experimenting in the kitchen (I love trying new recipes served on hand-picked dinnerware), or planning a weekend getaway somewhere the Wi-Fi is slim and the air is fresh. I live with my partner and our golden retriever, Luna, and yes—we’re a bit obsessed with good coffee and a simple, clutter-free home.

Thanks for stopping by—and I hope CherishPearls.com helps you feel confident about your next purchase, whatever it is.

Author Profile

George Alvarez
George Alvarez
George Alvarez is a former jewelry buyer turned product enthusiast who founded CherishPearls.com to bring honest, experience-based reviews to everyday shoppers. After nearly a decade working with fine pearls and gemstones, he developed a sharp eye for quality, craftsmanship, and real-world durability—skills he now applies to a wider range of consumer products.

From his home in Portland, Oregon, George spends his days testing gadgets, home essentials, and accessories, always focusing on how products truly perform over time. His mission is simple: to help readers make smarter purchasing decisions by sharing the kind of practical, trustworthy insights he wishes every buyer had access to before clicking “add to cart.”
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