[The Pearl Outlet]

Two points I'd like to make, though they somewhat reiterate what others have posted above.

1.) The country of origin has absolutely nothing to do with the value of an Akoya pearl. Akoya pearls are graded and valued without regard to the country of origin.

2.) Thus far, there's only one site I can find that may include Chinese Akoya pearls in Hanadama certified strands, since they are the only company (so far as I can tell), that are selling Hanadama strands in sizes less than 7.5-8mm.

The bottom line is that you can get Hanadama certified strands for less. They are the same in every aspect including certification, quality, nacre thickness, value, and country of origin (though country of origin doesn't matter), but cost less. We sell them, and so do a variety of other wholesalers.