Which of these 3 is highest quality?

[jushean]

Hi pearl pros! I inherited 3 strands of pearls, 2 @ 18", 1 @ 16". We want to give a good set to my future sister-in-law for the wedding. Can you tell us which of these three seems to be *highest quality? Also my brother recalls buying a set of Mikimoto's. Are any of these possibly those? I appreciate your expert eyes.
Thanks,
Julie

 

[jshepherd]

#2 looks to be the nicest strand. I don't see a Mikimoto logo, so I don't think any of them are.

 

[jushean]

#2 looks to be the nicest strand. I don't see a Mikimoto logo, so I don't think any of them are.

Thanks for the speedy reply! I see, yes... I guess I'll have to let him know re:Mikimoto. Maybe it's common to buy pearls called "Mikimoto" that really turn out not to be (maybe that's just the most famous name)?

Anything else you could tell us in terms of origin/type of pearls? Are the clasp markings specific to the maker of the necklace or the clasp?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

@jushean wrote:
"Thanks for the speedy reply! I see, yes... I guess I'll have to let him know re:Mikimoto. Maybe it's common to buy pearls called "Mikimoto" that really turn out not to be (maybe that's just the most famous name)?

"Anything else you could tell us in terms of origin/type of pearls? Are the clasp markings specific to the maker of the necklace or the clasp?"


The pearls and clasps appear to be generic.

 

[KarinK]

I would compare the luster first. The sharper luster generally means the better the strand. If two are almost the same, then look for the one with larger pearls but also consider imperfections.

 

[jushean]

Oh, yes. I definitely now see what you mean about "sharper luster". Especially when you have them all next to each other. #3 has the bigger pearls, but they look fuzzier.

 

[2thdktr]

These all appear to be Japanese saltwater akoya pearls. #2 appears to have the sharpest luster. #1 possibly appears to have more pink overtones, at least in one photo. It also depends on her skin tone-- I personally don't look good in metallic, silver or very white overtones, I tend to do better with more pink overtones. So, even though #2 appears to have the best luster--which usually show the best quality, it would help to put them against her skin/neck to see which one suits her best.