Mikimoto A+ and Freshadama, side by side

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The pearls on the Mikimoto strand look much more evenly spaced to me. Does anyone else notice this or am I just seeing things?
It's probably just the angel, also pearl necklaces need to be restrung from time to time anyway, so even if the stringing is not that good it can be cured quite easily.
 
The knots on the Freshadama strand are evenly spaced, but the knots are a bit larger. It is the camera angle, as well as the way I placed the pearls. The Miki strand is flat against the base.

The Miki strand actually needs to be restrung. The knots are frayed and stretched.
 
Actually, the difference is less pronounced in real life. The camera really picks up the color difference and the luster difference.

I am not sure I could pick just one. The Freshadama pearls make a great everyday necklace. Because they are freshwater, there is no concern of nacre wearing thin because the entire pearl is nacre. Akoyas, of course, are bead nucleated and the nacre builds over the bead. Akoya pearls are not good for everyday, IMO, if you want to pass them down generation to generation.

I love the Miki's because they are Mikis. However, I would have a very hard time paying the retail price for Mikimoto when there are so many other (maybe better) options. The Miki's aren't mine, BTW. They are from a friend's jewelry store. I have temporary custody. :)

Ultimately, one strand of each would be perfect, plus a strand of white rice pearls for casual days. Plus, of course, Tahitians...south sea...colored...lol.

Oh I learn new stuff everyday! So Akoyas cannot last as long as FWPs? But Akoyas look so beautiful with their orient and luster, compared to FWPs.....then should I skip Akoyas and just get Freshadamas/Hanadamas? Or SSPs? But I read Hanadamas are Akoyas??? Pardon my ignorance and questions:p as I want to get a good strand which can be passed down in the years to come.
 
With constant wear, Akoya pearls (especially cheaper pearls with thin nacre) will eventually wear down. With proper care, Akoya pearls can be passed down. My grandmother passed down a strand to me that was pristine, but she always wiped them down after wearing them and stored them properly when not in use. You can still pass them down generation to generation, but there is always the chance that the pearl will lose a bit of its luster as the nacre thins.

Hanadama is Akoya, but it is the absolute top with the thickest nacre, most blemish free skin and highest luster. Mikimoto AAA pearls are Hanadama, but you can save thousands if you buy a non Miki Hanadama pearl. All Hanadama strands come with a certificate, FYI, which is a basic guarantee of minimum quality.

IMO the perfect pearl wardrobe is one of each! One Hanadama and one gem quality freshwater. I would wear the Hanadama on more special occasions and evenings out, and wear the freshwater on a daily basis.
 
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