[barbie biggs]

I think photo one could be the akoya.
barbie

[Mikeyy]

All I can say is that it seems #1 has a better luster. That isn't going to help me choose which is which. But that's what I see. I see a clearer reflection in #1. There is a dark reflection on the bottom. And the lights are more definable.

[Nerida]

I am liking #1 more, but my guess it's the FW....

[Kaywal]

The photo of #1 looks bigger and more profound than #2--scale? So, to me #1 looks better, but that's only because the size is jumping out at me. As for which is which? Point taken!

[Pearl_dreams]

What size are the pearls in #1?

[The Pearl Outlet]

The pearls in photo #1 are 9mm. The pearls in photo #2 are 7.8mm

[The Pearl Outlet]

The pearls in both photos are AAA quality pearls.

[jerin]

The pairs are both beautiful but my guess is that #2 are the Akoyas. Why? Just because 9 mm AAA Akoyas are quite rare reg size and I don´t think Terry would miss such a thing with regard to the difference in price for a pair of 9 mm Freshwater and the same size and grade for Akoyas.

[Sheila]

I think #2 are the akoya pearls.
To me they look a little more pinkish than the pearls in #1.

Sheila

[gemologist]

I would guess they are AA from saltwater grading, but it's been years since I did any any of that, plus I don't know what physical objects are surrounding it, so it's pretty much impossible for me to tell the grade. and I think #1 is the FW pearls (pm me, I just gotta know)!

I have been saying for years that there is alot of room for FW/saltwater pearls to be the same grade, same luster and everything, for my money I am always on the side of the FW tissue nucliated pearl.

[barbie biggs]

The only reason I think photo 1 could be the akoya is that when I stand back about six feet they look/feel rounder to be. But, I have to be the first to say I don't have calibrated eyeballs. And, I do have black pearls so what I think I see can be very misleading.
Terry, this is killing me. Are you ever going to tell or are we just going to explode?
Really, I must know.

[The Pearl Outlet]

You know, the top one looks rounder in the picture to me as well, but I'm not certain why, because they are both round.

Ok, here's the answer...

The top one is FW, the bottom is Akoya.

[Nerida]

Yay, it's nice to guess correctly, but even better to be put out of our misery!! Thanks for letting us know, Terry! They are gorgeous pearls!

[barbie biggs]

Thanks Terry:
As soon as Sheila said the 2nd pair was pinkish I figured my neck was in danger. It's good to compare that freshwater can be so beautiful even next to the akoya. That first pair is really nice looking!
Oddly enough, even though I am completely in the thrall of gem grade FW and Freshadama I find myself looking at the akoya and Hanadama often.
Having two pairs side by side like that really underscores the value of getting the best quality you can no matter what your preference is.
barbie

[Caitlin]

That was a fun game, Terry. Do it again.