BWise
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2004
- Messages
- 1,432
Hi all, I have been visiting PS for many years but am new to the pearl forum. Naturally this is the place I visit when I need expert help on gem stones.
I have decided to treat myself with a nice pair of earrings using this little award money I got at work. I narrow the list down to white saltwater since I have a pair of Tahiti pearls already (and love it). That translates to Akoya or South Sea.
When it comes to pearl quality, I learned that there is no strict pearl grading system as in the diamond industry. Vendors pretty much come up with their own grading standards that are somewhat comparable (true?) I like the idea of the Hanadama certificate, but wonder if that’s something worth the extra premium?
Then it comes to vendor choices. I found the following vendors recommended on a few forums, but wonder if any one of them stands out as the best source to go, or they are pretty much the same?
Please help me to narrow down the vendor and pearl type. Thanks very much!
I have decided to treat myself with a nice pair of earrings using this little award money I got at work. I narrow the list down to white saltwater since I have a pair of Tahiti pearls already (and love it). That translates to Akoya or South Sea.
When it comes to pearl quality, I learned that there is no strict pearl grading system as in the diamond industry. Vendors pretty much come up with their own grading standards that are somewhat comparable (true?) I like the idea of the Hanadama certificate, but wonder if that’s something worth the extra premium?
Then it comes to vendor choices. I found the following vendors recommended on a few forums, but wonder if any one of them stands out as the best source to go, or they are pretty much the same?
- Laguna Pearl & Pearl Source, (I called both and learned Laguna bought PS). Inventory and pricing seems reasonable.
- American Pearl, nice web page but pictures are too bright to judge true quality
- Pearl Paradise, price seems the highest among the list.
Please help me to narrow down the vendor and pearl type. Thanks very much!