Hi, and sorry but I do not agree with trying both strands and sending one back, unless ofcourse you decide to keep both. It seems unfair to both sellers. Just not cricket.
I do realise it is an honest attempt at finding the strand or type of strand that suits you but I think research is the answer rather than, to my mind at least, in using both seller's good will. I do not believe this is why there is a return and a 100 percent guarantee on products and fail to see why a seller should wear the brunt of the staff's time, resouces, expertise etc and then that the company should have to do all the trusting.
If is is a matter of quality it is quite a different manner and one should be able to return less than advertising goods. But this is not the case as I see it. For the most part I am a consumer but I have also been on the other end and fair is fair.
Caitlin so old fashioned look (vintage) or modern, not try both and just bugger the seller. I don't see that as fair at all. I am sure Caitln would agree or think she would. Same generation, same or similiar values. Sorry about the language but the ideas that have been put forward smack of using up a seller's good will. I realise most people under 30 or so may not agree but ..... I still think I am right. I haven't even looked at the names with the other view points, no need too. We all look at these things differently.
If I was under 30 or around 30ish I would go for the Akoyas. Now I would go for the Freshadamas.
If you are buying knew that is. I am a bargain hunter and sometimes really win out. Overtimes I lose badly. Way it goes. Only thing I gamble on is Pearls
Bodecia - say it like I feel it at the moment.