Caitlin
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2004
- Messages
- 8,502
We have a photo comparing a freshie to a hanadama posted lots of places. The luster is very high on both. Most akoyas have a really shiny luster. The natural, untreated can have orient (look for Gemgeek's strand), but they are not cheap. The freshies can be as shiny as typical akoyas, but the shine is a bit deeper, not a mirror shine- though you can see your own reflection in both kinds.
One more thing, the iridescence on the surface of freshadamas can vary. It is a matter of eyesight and the amount of iridescence. To a sharp eye, they all have an iridescent play of color. I know a pearl guy who could not see orient with or without his glasses, whereas I could see it on a lot of pearls. My daughter picked up a part of a strand that I saw no orient on and described the orient she saw. That was an eyeopener to me!
Please do not worry about a Tahitian wearing out in 40 years, even if you wear it every day. My mother-in-law wore out some akoya ropes from the 30's in 60 years, but she did wear them every single day.
My personal favorite is still the freshadama quality, esp. my white metallic strand That one is more shiny than an akoya, with rose gold overtones.
One more thing, the iridescence on the surface of freshadamas can vary. It is a matter of eyesight and the amount of iridescence. To a sharp eye, they all have an iridescent play of color. I know a pearl guy who could not see orient with or without his glasses, whereas I could see it on a lot of pearls. My daughter picked up a part of a strand that I saw no orient on and described the orient she saw. That was an eyeopener to me!
Please do not worry about a Tahitian wearing out in 40 years, even if you wear it every day. My mother-in-law wore out some akoya ropes from the 30's in 60 years, but she did wear them every single day.
My personal favorite is still the freshadama quality, esp. my white metallic strand That one is more shiny than an akoya, with rose gold overtones.