[barbie biggs]

Don't forget. If you decide to have her necklace shortened, ask
Pearl Paradise to please include the extra pearls which were removed in the box so your girl friend can add them back later if she ever wants to.
Best of luck.
barbie

[xeresana]

Hmmm...a little late, but what the heck. I love, love, love my freshadamas. Compared to mikimotos that I bought in less-enlightened days, there is *very* little difference. The mikis do have a *slightly* more metallic shine. But, the freshwaters will last so much longer and wear so much better. *And* to even notice the difference, you have to hold the strands side by side and really scrutinize.

Where's that picture where Jeremy posted the freshadama with the akoya? Shoot...I'd never be able to find that in these threads.

I think freshwaters have gotten a bad rap over the years, but they are absolutely gorgeous when they are of quality. I would definitely go for a strand with orient.

[Caitlin]

Here you go.

[xeresana]

My hero! Caitlin, you are the best!

[pktshc]

Thanks for the continued feedback. I love the picture that Caitlin posted....my only question is, "Which one is which?" They are both beautiful. I feel very good about getting the freshadamas. I plan to order them this weekend and I will post pics as soon as I have them.

Ya'll rock!

Jeff

[lisamla]

They look so similar to me. I remember looking at the poll and I believe the bottom strand is the Freshadama. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

[Pearl_dreams]

That photo is amazing (the lower strand is one of the original Freshadamas, I believe, and wasn't the top strand Hanadama-- top grade Akoya?)

I think the photo gives one the impression that there is no difference in appearance between a top grade Akoya and Freshadama strand. But none of us would say that. The Akoyas do have a harder luster or shine when they are top grade; the overtones are more pronounced. The Freshadamas have more of a glow from within but not as hard a shine.

There are many who still prefer high-end Akoyas for their distinctive luster. There is a big price differential, however, and in the end with an Akoya one has a strand that will eventually wear out. Freshwaters won't.

[jerin]

Originally Posted by lisamla

They look so similar to me. I remember looking at the poll and I believe the bottom strand is the Freshadama. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

You are quite right: The Freshadamas are in the bottom row and the Hanadama quality Akoyas are above.

[Caitlin]

I think the photo gives one the impression that there is no difference in appearance between a top grade Akoya and Freshadama strand.

My hint usually is: The difference is that the Freshadama is the one with orient.

[Pearl_dreams]

One more thought: when you get your Freshadamas, take them out of the box and look at them against a white surface, and then against skin.

PP sends them in an elegant black box, but the black background mutes the overtones and reduces the "wow" factor of the pearls when the box is first opened. At least, I have found this.

[pandaexpress]

pktshc-
Clinton wore Akoya's on tonight's debate in Ohio. If you watched it or saw it on the news you can see how those Akoya's have the hard luster shine that the earlier poster mentioned. Seeing those on her, reinforced that Freshwaters were the better choice for me - they are just warmer feeling/looking to me. Clinton's strand looked like 7-8mm to me - anyone else have an opinion?

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by pandaexpress

Clinton's strand looked like 7-8mm to me - anyone else have an opinion?

Your post made me curious... but couldn't find any picture with her in Ohio (or anywhere) wearing small white pearls. Anyway, it isn't easy to guess the size of pearls exactly from pictures - you need to know how petite (or not) the wearer is! Then, the length of the strand and the number of pearls showing make the best hint for me In person is much easier then in pictures because there is always a good reference for scale around

[lisamla]

Here is a link to last night's debate provided by CNN.com. About 15 seconds and 1:35 in there is a shot of Hillary and her pearls. Its not the clearest of shots, but that may just be my connection. You can see the individual pearls though.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/pol...ate.iraq.msnbc

[Hanaleimom]

Originally Posted by lisamla

Here is a link to last night's debate provided by CNN.com. About 15 seconds and 1:35 in there is a shot of Hillary and her pearls. Its not the clearest of shots, but that may just be my connection. You can see the individual pearls though.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/pol...ate.iraq.msnbc

Thanks, Lisalam for the link. They look slightly golden to me, ...South Seas? but SS don't come that small, do they? Her earrrings are huge. What do you all think about the proportionality of the earrings and the necklace? I am asking this for personal advice...me wearing pearls in general. Are they too far off as size is concern? Do they have to match closer in size? Thanks.

[Valeria101]

IHT's cover shot showing the thing... It is this strand, right? This lady wears lots and lots of pearls!

there are ~30 pearls infront, and the strand must be around 20 inches. Makes me think... about 9mm. A graduated strand with pearls between 8-11 would look about the same. I would assume that the pearls were white, as the whole picture has a yellowish tint, not just the pearls.





A digression: could these below be smaller 'petal' pearls or something else entirely? The collar looks like snow...