| Tami - I would like to comment on the question about AA quality vs AAA quality. First, be aware of the different grading scales of where you are buying. If the company uses A, AA, AA+ and AAA grades then you are getting the next to the lowest grade in Freshwater with an AA quality. IF the company also has an AAAA grade be wary. You will most likely be getting a lower grade than what other companies have at the same level. In other words their AAAA grade would be the same as everyone elses AAA grade (therefore you can not even compare their AAA grade to everyone elses AAA grade).
If the company uses the universally accepted AAA (three A) grading scale, the AA quality is still low. Look for AA+ or above. One large difference between AA, AA+ and AAA is the surface quality. AA grades will have about 85% of the surface that is inclusion free. AA+ will have about 90% of the surface that is inclusion free and AAA grades will have about 95% of the surface inclusion free. Also, there is a difference in roundness between the grades. While all of the freshwater pearls are all 100% nacre, they will all be as durable, it is only a question of surface quality, luster and roundness.
Personally I would not look for anything other than AA+ or AAA grades. |