| Hi Joel,
Most first-time pearl shoppers tend to go rather for size than quality. Since you are buying a larger quantity, i.e. a whole set for your future wife plus earrings for the bridesmaids, you may be able to negotiate a better deal. Shop around until you have a good idea of prices and qualities. We pearly people would, of course, always put quality first but size is a consideration too. You may also want to look at semi-baroques that would allow you to get the size or better that you want without compromizing on luster and color not to mention that you mostly get thicker nacre and thus durability just by compromizing on roundness. The forum head-honcho J. Shepheard mentioned in another post today that he just bought top-grade freshwater pearls in 9-10mm size at the price of 7-7.5mm akoyas. That would probably be the best and smartest choice and make your future wife happiest upon box opening. Not to mention that they will last for generations to come while even fine akoyas are not likely to be around to see her first grey hair.
Zeide G. Erskine  |