Originally Posted by Pearls_by_Angela_Carol

Tammi, it depends on what you mean by "as good". In terms of makeup - yes, they are both 100% nacre (as are all Freshwater pearls). However, the AAA grade will be round where the AA+ grade will not be as round. Also, the AAA grade will only have about 5% or less of the pearl with inclusions on the surface and the AA+ grade will have up to 10% of the surface with inclusions.

This is not to say that AA+ pearls are not good - they are. But there is a difference between the two. One that is noticeable. Personally I agree with Caitlin and would go for AAA Freshwater pearls. She is correct in that the prices are good right now and that they will do noting but increase in value over time.

As a business owner I have made a "personal" choice not to carry any Freshwater pearls other than AAA quality. The only exception to this is dyed black Freshwater. We have some AAA quality blacks, but most of the blacks are AA+ quality. In white, peach and lavender we only carry AAA grade.