After about 12 months of research on the Pearl-Guide and the various on-line vendors, I have finally ordered my dream akoya pearl set. I ordered an 18 in. 9-9.5mm Hanadama strand , 9-9.5mm AAA bracelet, and AAA 9-9.5mm earrings. I want to thank the members of Pearl-Guide for all the useful information and advice. I just wish I had found this site last March. This set is actually a do-over for a set I purchased from American Pearl in March 2006 for my 10th wedding anniversary. I bought a full set of AP's 8-8.5mm AAA pearls (necklace, bracelet, and earrings) along with other items. I bought them because AP stated on its website that its AAA was same as Mikimoto's AAA at about 1/10th of the price. However, after reading Pearl-Guide, I learned that Mikimoto's AAA pearls are Hanadamas. I was heart-broken and regretted not purchasing the Hanadamas.
Fortunately for me, my husband is giving me this new set for Christmas, so my story has a happy ending.
(Just the story ends as I see in my future many more pearl purchases.
)
On a side note, I found some confusing information on the AP website regarding Hanadamas. It states, "In order for a Japanese Akoya cultured pearl necklace to be graded as a Hanadama necklace it must have a strong rose color..." and "American Pearl's Hanadama pearls are similar in all characteristics to a AAA quality pearl except for the strong pink bodycolor of the pearl." I know that the first statement is incorrect, but does anyone have any comments about the second statement. Are Mikimoto's AAA pearls Hanadamas with pink body color???
Thanks again,
pearllove