Please Help me choose: Tahitian Pearls

[HauteMama]

I've ordered and received two different strands of Tahitian pearls. Strand one is the one on the left (or on the top) and it is an 8.5-11.5 circle baroque strand, C quality. It is overall darker and larger than strand two, and the circling is more pronounced. But there are obvious flaws on many of the pearls (mostly unseen or not obvious when wearing). The knots are slightly smaller and less obvious than on strand two.

Strand two is on the right (or on the bottom) and is 8.0-9.5 circle baroque strand, B quality. It is overall lighter and more silvery than strand one, and the circling is less obvious. Few of the pearls have obvious flaws, although they do fade to whitish near the knots, and they are smaller than strand one. The knots seem slightly larger/less well done, although they may seem that way because the pearls are smaller. Although they are lighter and it seems obvious that they are lighter when I look at them, when I have them on they don't seem appreciably lighter and the photos don't display the color difference as well.

I don't know which to choose. Strand one is bigger and I like the circling, but strand two is clearly better quality (although smaller). But the quality difference is hard to see when worn. There is a slight price difference between the two in that strand two is about 12% more expensive (neither is a King's ransom, obviously, as my budget won't allow that).

Which would you choose?

 

[Kitsunegrl]

I prefer a darker pearl in the Tahitian so strand 1 for me. Also, since they are baroque pearls, I think the more pronounced circling looks better and more like what you intended.

 

[Ascella]

I like No. 2 better since the size of the pearls looks more even, also I like the shapes of the pearls in No. 2 more, you can always get the strand restrung so knots won't pose any real problem.

 

[HauteMama]

I should note that while I have them laying unevenly in one of the pictures, both of them do have the larger pearls in the center when the clasp is at the back, so both are slightly graduated. In the first picture it looks like the largest pearls are off-center to the left!

 

[Ascella]

I should note that while I have them laying unevenly in one of the pictures, both of them do have the larger pearls in the center when the clasp is at the back, so both are slightly graduated. In the first picture it looks like the largest pearls are off-center to the left!

I see, that was what I found strange before.

 

[HauteMama]

I should have included these before, as skin tone might make a difference. This is strand one on (the first photo is in natural light, but slightly out of focus):

This is strand two (I am not sure I like the wonky shaped pearl front and center):

 

[Ascella]

This is strand two (I am not sure I like the wonky shaped pearl front and center):

I agree, the center pearl looks a bit weird, maybe the person who made this thought it gave a bit of character ?

 

[pazt]

1st strand - just because i like them bigger...

 

[Pearl-Professor]

Strand on right has better color (more prominent peacock), better luster, and as you've described, a cleaner surface. It is the more valuable strand. Which you choose, that is a matter of taste.

 

[liz4382]

I like strand one, it seems to have really vibrant color. I also like the shape of the pearls a bit better. But you can't go wrong with either one!

 

[Candice0985]

I'm by no means a pearl expert, but I prefer strand one due to the wonky front pearl on strand two.

 

[lovehermes]

I love strand one...larger pearls and more consistency in color and shape.

 

[jayjay77]

I like strand #1 as more dramatic.

 

[greenpixie]

I prefer strand 1 as well.

 

[pearlbaby]

Both strands look fine on your neck but that center pearl on strand #2 is definitely an eye sore, in my opinion. If you do choose #2, perhaps you could have the strand re-strung without the center pearl and have a jeweler put a cap and bail on it and use it as a pendant.