I'd say you'd be wasting your money shopping with Macy's for gemstones, especially pearls. Department stores are good for things like toasters and microwaves but I've never seen good quality pearls.
If you shop with a reputable pearl dealer then it is a pretty safe bet that no matter what you choose it will be a good value and of good quality. The best in the biz simply don't put their name to low quality goods - Macy's isn't so choosy
