[humble99]

I just bought my first pearl necklace from pearlparadise.com today morning.

My question is : Is there a very visible difference between a AA+ and AAA Akoya pearl necklace. I recall the price premium was 50% for the AAA. Your thoughts shall be appreciated.

Thank you,

AM

[Kevin Canning]

If they were side by side most people could pick out the AAA strand, but if I showed a AA+ today and a AAA tomorrow, I'm not so sure the average novice could tell me which is which.

That being said the AAA will have a thicker total nacre and because of this will last longer then the AA+.

Of course this is just my experience, I can't comment on another companies products - mileage may vary.

[The Pearl Outlet]

There would definately be a visual difference between the two qualities. Typically, luster and blemishing both affect the grade. There wouldn't be a 50% price difference if there wasn't.

[purepearls]

For our company, AAA pearls are going to be slightly cleaner than the AA+ strand. The overall difference is minimal, however, AAA is the higher quality. From 2 feet away, it will be difficult to tell the two apart. You can see the difference when examining them closely. AA+ are very high quality pearls and are a great value! Happy shopping!!

[Kevin Canning]

I'm not saying there isn't much of a difference, I'm saying that the average person wouldn't notice unless they were side by side and they new what value factors to look at.

[purepearls]

Kevin is right. It is difficult to tell the difference for a novice pearl buyer because the differences are subtle. However, there are differences.

[humble99]

Thank you for your clarifications. I am beginning to understand now. This site has created an interest in pearls in me.

I had bought a pearl necklace from Bluenile before I bought the AA+ from pearlparadise. The prices were not very different - around $300.On holding in front of natural light I could not find a huge difference between them, but in the Bluenile pearls I could see non-sphericallness more clearly. I am returning the Bluenile necllace. My next purchase is going to be a AAA.