Pearl question

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Blossy

Blossy

O.G.
Dec 30, 2012
441
0
#1
Just wondering what you all think...

How different will AAA quality freshwater pearls vs AA quality Akoyas look? Which is likely to have a better lustre?

I'm thinking seriously of upgrading my rather small, cheap set (5mm freshwater, just from a shopping mall chain jeweller and not much lustre) to a decent set that would be considered quality and basically be really pretty! I also want to look at about the 8mm size, thinking I can wear that even when I'm 60 without looking silly.

Any thoughts?
 
#2
Often the lustre on pearls of different grades will be quite similar, and it is the number of flaws on the pearls or the shape that will determine grade. If you go through a place like Pearl Paradise, they will tell you how good the lustre is and the flaws to expect in addition to the letter gradings, which might be helpful. Here is a basic guide to grading of Akoyas:

http://www.pearlparadise.com/Akoya-pearl-grading.htm
 
#3
Hmmm. It seems freshwater might be better as they are solid nacre, no bead. I'm now looking at Pearl Paradise "Freshadama", looks like they might be the best quality freshwater pearls available.
 
#6
Pearls are beautiful aren't they...I have freshwater pearls in a necklace and bracelet and pearl and diamond ear rings I LOVE them all.

I've been looking at Akoya Pearls, they are supposed to be very good :smile1:
 
#7
I was too but now I'm concerned that I'll be paying a fortune for less nacre - have you looked at Freshadama?

What size do you all think? I was thinking 8mm but 7.5 is half the price.... but will they look too silly? I'm 36, and I want this to be an investment piece.
 
#8
There is no question, IMO, that the lustre between a freshwater (yes, even the freshadamas) and an akoya is inherently different. It is rare to get that metallic sheen on a freshwater, even those of the very highest quality. That doesn't make freshwater pearls a bad choice, but there is a reason akoya pearls of comparable quality will cost more. Then again, some people prefer freshwaters, too; it is a matter of taste, but don't automatically assume that the quantity of nacre determines the quality or value of the pearl.

As for size, that is also personal preference, but I prefer them on the smaller side myself. I like larger pearls for station necklaces or pendants, but smaller for strands.
 
#9
I'm really curious about pearls, too. I know very little about what makes them good quality, bad quality, etc. I'm also curious about bigger pearls vs smaller pearls. Are smaller pearls only suitable for younger women? Or is it that bigger pearls are considered more formal than smaller pearls? I'm confused.
 
#10
I think big pearls on a girl or young woman look a bit like a child raiding mum's jewellery box. I'm going to have to think long and hard about size because it seems prices jump quite a lot between 7.5mm and 8mm.
 
#12
Blossy said:
But it affects durability, yes? I'm thinking I can afford top quality freshwater or low-medium Akoya, so durability plus quality wise, do you think Freshadama is a wise choice?
Click to expand...

I think you should get the pearls that have the best lustre, if you're budget allows for low to medium quality akoyas I would get the top quality freshwater pearls :smile1:
 
#13
IMHO, akoyas and freshwater are not interchangeable. They have a different look, which is not to say that one is preferable. They are just different.

There are so many variables to choosing a pearls, and mostly it comes down to personal preference. For example, pearls with a slight pink tinge are considered somewhat more desirable, but in the same breath, if it doesn't look as good on you as an ivory tinge, then there really isn't any point. Also, pearls tend to look different on different people--skin tone really affects the overall appearance. Size is another subjective consideration. Like any jewelry, choose what best compliments your frame and taste.

Because I think the overall look is the most important, one needs to look at all the qualities, and nacre is only one. Orient and color and size are equally important.

To "save" money on akoyas, one could get a chocker sized necklace or (my favorite) is to get a graduated one. That REALLY saves money, and if done properly one doesn't notice that they range in size from say, 7 to 8.5 mm. (3 to 7 mm, yes.)

Pearls are, alas, not durable. At all. Oh well. Just take care of them and they will last for centuries, like La Pelagrina.

My qualifications for the above is that I have a serious and permanent case of pearlitis.
 
#14
Akoya is going to have more luster than Freshwater, hands down. I would go for the pearl size that you would be happy with longterm. So, if it means paying a bit more for the 8mm, I think it is worth it as you don't want to have regrets later down the road.

I have a set of Mikimoto 8mm Akoya pearl studs and a matching 18 inch 8mm Akoya pearl necklace and I adore this set. I wear my pearl studs everyday (to the gym, to dinner, etc,) and I love them. My advice is to go for the set that you know you will be happy with longterm.
 
#15
Just curious sry if its a stupid question why do Akoya pearls have more lustre when the freshwater from the pearl paradise link it seems to say that the akoya pearl has a bead implanted while the freshwater does not. Wouldnt the freshwater have more lustre since its all nacre?

Didn't realize pearls could be so different! I'm super happy with my the freshwater pearls I have from Tiffany, but I kind of wish now I knew all this beforehand!
 
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