AAA vs. Gem grade/Freshadama/Presidential

[Kelli]

Will I really see a difference between AAA and the "gem quality" ones? The price difference is pretty big. I''m more used to shopping for diamonds and I know I''d never pay for VVS clarity because that''s something I''ll never really see. Does anyone own both? I definitely want the prettiest, most lustrous pearls I can find, but I''d love to know how much of a difference there really is between AAA and the bestest of the best.

Thanks!

 

[elle_chris]

Hi Kelli-

According to this link http://pearlparadise.com/Freshwater-pearl-grading.htm i get the impression that freshadamas are better than AAA.
As far as gem quality vs freshadamas or presidetial, i have no idea. Am wondering if each vendor has their own definition. I''d call and ask.

 

[Skippy123]

I have bought both a AAA strand and Freshadama strand so I will come back a little later and tell you my personal thoughts on it.

 

[Kelli]

Date: 6/8/2009 11:52:51 AM
Author: Skippy123
I have bought both a AAA strand and Freshadama strand so I will come back a little later and tell you my personal thoughts on it.

GREAT! That''s exactly what i''m hoping for. Thank you!

 

[Skippy123]

Hi Kelli,

Okay, here are my thoughts; I bought my mom a beautiful grey/blue necklace. When it arrived it was perfectly round and a super size, consistent in size too and had orient that was amazing. There were 3 flaws (which were very small). I did count the pearls and divided by the flaws and they fell into the 95% category which matched their AAA grading. To me they were both gorgeous except there is a difference to my eagle eyes; they were not as smooth to the touch as the freshadamas. I do have to say that the Pearl Outlet did a fantastic job and for the price it was great. I guess if you want perfection then I would go with the Freshadamas but if you want to save a little money I would go with the AAA. The necklace looks beautiful on my mom and it would probably allow you to go up in size. I think AAA's are about 95% flawless?

not sure if you saw this thread by the way? https://www.pricescope.com/forum/who-s-who/kelli-you-re-next-t104187.html

 

[Kelli]

Thanks Skippy! Your post was, as always, very helpful.

I think that for an everyday white pearl strand, I''d go with the Freshadamas, but may experiment with some pretty colors in the AAAs. That is, when I can afford it... I''m SOOOOO wanting some pearls now, but I still want some small diamond studs. Decisions decisions... Someday hopefully soon though, I''ll be the proud owner of both!

And no, I had never even looked at that forum before. How nice! Thanks for pointing it out!

 

[Indylady]

Skippy- thank you so much for comparing the AAA and the Freshadama''s! I''ve always kind of wondered how much of a difference there would be between them.

And with orient?! That is awesome.

 

[Kelli]

Ok so I have a somewhat negative review for the "gem-grade" pearls at TPO. I got my lavender graduated strand today and there are flaws that are very easy to find, and many of the smaller pearls are out of round. From a normal viewing distance they still look good, and they''re a very pretty color with nice luster, but definitely not as perfect as the three different pairs of freshadama studs from PP I''ve gotten people as gifts. I think I might still keep them since the price was low and they''re pretty, but I doubt I''ll buy from TPO again, at least not the gem-grades. To me, they just don''t compare to the freshadamas.

 

[Indylady]

Thanks Kelli! I've been waiting for someone to comment on TPO's gem grades!

ETA: Do you think there's a chance that maybe that's why they put the strands on sale? Just a thought.

 

[glitterata]

It seems like a bad business decision for them to put less-than-desirable stuff in the sales, because that''s probably going to be many people''s introduction to their business & if the customers don''t like what they get, they won''t come back. Nor will anyone who reads about it here, say, or on other boards.

Kelli, I think you should call and tell them you''re not satisfied and see if they can send you a better strand.

 

[Kelli]

I''ve thought about it. I figure I''ll think about it until Monday, then decide what to do.

 

[jmtomaui]

Kelli, I''m sorry to hear this. I have a longer message in your daily deals post but I can''t blame you in rethinking your decision to not order from TPO in the future. If you are not happy, and it sounds like you have every reason to not be, I would agree with your decision.

 

[elle_chris]

Aww Kelli- Sorry you''re not loving them. I know how ya feel. It''s a good idea to wear them for a few days though and see if you change your mind.

I don''t own (yet) any freshwater pearls to compare but I''d also love to see pics of the difference in "AAA and the bestest of the best".