Akoyas?

[lovetahitians]

Hi everyone. After lurking forever, and soaking in everything I could about pearls (thank you everyone), I took the plunge last year and bought my first tahitian baroque strand and silver/blue akoyas from PP.
So again, thanks for all your knowledge

Recently, I cam across an estate pearl necklace. The seller describes it as: "AAA quality 8mm Japanese pearl choker, 15 1/2"

I'm guessing they mean "akoya" when they say japanese? I did email them but no response yet.

Here's 2 pictures, I've noticed you guys can usually tell akoya's from freshwater pearls and am wondering what you think.

[jshepherd]

If they are genuine cultured pearls, I would definitely say akoya. It is difficult to tell with the photos exactly what you have there. The images seem a bit doctored.

[lovetahitians]

Yeah, I think the photos are a bit doctored too.
Not sure what to do..

[pattye]

Hi Lovetahitians,

Welcome!

If it is the listing at doverjewelry online that you are referring to, I would want to know:

1. What is the return policy.
2. They should reply to your inquiry.
3. The necklace is not described very well, they do not explain what AAA means. This possibly means the appraisal was not done by someone knowledgeable about pearls, because much of an accurate description could come directly from the written appraisal.
4. No info about body color and overtones. Nothing specific about nacre quality, which is so important when investing in akoyas.

Just my 2c-----

[lovetahitians]

Hi Pattye-
Thank you for the welcome.
The listing is DoverJewelry!! I've heard good things about them so thought maybe I could chance it.

But you're right, their return policy isn't mentioned anywhere. I would need to know it first, and the description doesn't tell you much. Will ask for more info.

Still waiting for a response.

[Kevin Canning]

something very funny going on with those pics - doesn't mean the pearls are going to be bad, just means they got carried away in photoshop. I'd get some more information before moving forward though.

[lovetahitians]

Kevin- The pics make me uncomfortable too.

They emailed me back last night. Said the pearls were akoya and had a very good luster.
Think I'm gonna pass. While the price is good, I still don't know their return policy.
I'd also rather wait a little longer and get a hanadama strand.
Thanks for help, guys. Much appreciated.