[dcsports413]

Hi,

I have been doing some research on pearls for a little while now and would like some advice on making my first pearl purchase. This purchase is going to be for my bride-to-be.

I want to buy a 7.0 - 8.0mm White Freshwater pearl set. I am trying to decide exactly where to buy them from.

Pearl Paradise has an AAA set for $334 + $7.50 shipping.
or
Pure Pearls has an AAA set for $354 free shipping.

Here is where it get confusing for me. In my understanding the true scale for grading pearls is only from A - AAA. So if Pearl Paradise sells Freshadama's as the top quality, the AAA at Pearl Paradise is NOT TOP quality. The Freshadama's are. In reality, Freshadama = AAA and the AAA = AA+??

Also, does that mean that the AAA grade at Pearl Paradise is not quite as good as the AAA grade that Pure Pearls gives?

I just want to make sure I get the best pearls possible for my money. I don't quite have the budget to go for the Freshadamas or Akoya.

One more question. I am going to need a necklace that is around 16 in. long. The necklaces in the set are 18in. or 17.5 in. Will these companies make this adjustment for me and either give me a discount for taking 2 in. of pearls off or make something else out of them (dangling earrings)? Same goes for the bracelet.

Thank you so much for your help! I am still learning! I know all about diamonds, time to learn about pearls!

[pattye]

Hi There, and Welcome!

Time to pick up the phone and talk to someone at these companies!

1. Ask how adjusting the length affects the return policy. And what addl costs might be incurred by your requests.

2. Both prices are so close and from respected companies that post here frequently, I think you will be pleased with whichever you choose.

3. Discuss with them what your fiancee's coloring is like, so they can select overtones that will be most complimentary.

4. I recall Pure Pearls has a line of freshwater called Elite, that is also similar to Freshadama.

I feel confident you will get personal service from either company. Let us know how it goes!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Raisondetre]

There is no universal grading for pearls in general, and both Pearl Paradise and Pure Pearls use a well-defined A-AAA scale. Pearl Paradise lists Freshadamas as gem quality, while Pure Pearls has Elite Pearls as gem quality. Both are reputable companies and I have no doubt their AAA are comparable. But it is erroneous to state that Freshadamas are AAA and AAA=AA+ when gem is loose quality grade. There is a wealth of information regarding pearl grading on this website, and it is time well-spent reading through the old threads to get a feel.

[GrannyZ]

Have you looked at the Pearl Paradise special for January? It is a 16" gem quality necklace, with a choice of color.

GrannyZ

[jerin]

Originally Posted by GrannyZ

Have you looked at the Pearl Paradise special for January? It is a 16" gem quality necklace, with a choice of color.

GrannyZ

Hi dzsports413
and welcome to the forum. To make it a little bit more complicated I want to give some more explanations as how to the grading for PP as well as for Pure Pearls:

As Raisondetre says there are no standard gradings but for our member vendors A - AAA is what is used, AAA is best amongst the "usual" freshwater pearls.

Gem- Quality: even better, no ready hanks but loose pearls.

Freshadama or Elite: the very best to be had when choosing freshwater pearls!

In terms of Pearl Paradise this means:

AAA very good quality, no loose pearls and mostly without orient (the "Rainbow-look").

Gem-quality as in this month´s special from PP:
Loose pearls are put together like for a Freshadama strand but without demands of visible orient. That does not mean that not a few of the pearls could show it though!

Gem-quality very often is used for earrings, those pearls must be of highest quality in terms of clean surface and luster at least. Of course shape is very important too but can differ when buying South Sea pearls.

Freshadama quality: top line, loose pearls, the pearls have orient (at least some of them do) and the best luster.

[dcsports413]

thank you all for your replies and comments!

that clears up the confusion on the grade of the pearls. I will be giving a call to one of the vendors after this weekend! Thank you so much!