Getting my 2nd piece from Mikimoto

[mimingkat]

Hi All, I’m new to this forum and very new to the world of pearls. I’m seeking advice/opinions from all you experts regarding my next pearl piece. I’ve recently dipped my toe by getting my first ever pearl jewelry from mikimoto. I got an akoya 8.25mm pendant with a tiny diamond on top (to get used to wearing a pearl piece) and I want to go back to the store to get a pair of studs. Trying to decide if should get the 9mm A+ for $7500 vs 8.5mm AAA for $6700. If you were me, which one would you choose and why?

Thank you!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Get the higher luster ones by all means!
I'm surprised they cost less than the A+ with only a 0.5mm difference in size.

 

[mimingkat]

Yea that’s why I’ve been having difficulty deciding. Also, I just purchased my pendant yesterday. I went for the pendant so I can get more wear out of them but I’m not sure if I made the right decision. I don’t know if I should exchange it with a 7-7.5mm strand in AA if they have it available. The website only has two options which is A or A+. I will have to call the store later when they open.

This is the pendant I got. Its A+ 8.25mm. My SA told me this particular pendant style only comes in A+. If I do end up getting AAA studs, it might not go well with this A+ pendant considering the difference in luster.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

You will not always want to wear the pendant and studs together, and higher luster is always preferable to lower luster!
I don't think the difference in luster will be a problem as there is distance between the earrings and the pendant-- they are not worn side by side.

 

[mimingkat]

You will not always want to wear the pendant and studs together, and higher luster is always preferable to lower luster!
I don't think the difference in luster will be a problem as there is distance between the earrings and the pendant-- they are not worn side by side.

That makes sense. This pendant was actually the most lustrous out of all the ones I tried on but I was so focused on the design and didn’t bother to ask my SA if they have a AA or AAA pendant available that I can try. I’m so new to pearls and don’t know what to look out for. I will be going back to the store to try them all on. Thank you so much for the insight.

 

[ennui]

I vote AAA for the studs -- they are near your face!
I find that I wear pendants more often than strands, but my lifestyle is casual. I prefer pendants in the summer, too, not as hot and sticky.