Advice on Takahashi set

[tnguyen4489]

Hello all!

I would like to purchase my first pearl necklace and stud set. I've researched a lot on this forum and reached out to Takahashi as they are so highly recommended. I asked for 7.5-8mm mid-high quality as I don’t think I am discerning enough to appreciate and pay for gem quality. Kan sent me these two options:



Upper strand is AAA luster with small-middle wrinkle.
Lower strand is AAA luster with small-small wrinkle.

The difference between the two is very obvious to me in the close up shots, and the nicer strand is almost double the cost. Would they look significantly different when worn? I don’t plan to look at them too closely as I like to wear 16-17” necklaces, but I do want them to be eye catching from a short distance.

I’ve seen on many of the Takahashi threads that the best value is to go for top quality luster but with flaws or blemishes. Are wrinkles the same as blemishes?

Are either of these strands worth considering or should I up my budget for better quality? I would be willing to go down in size to 7-7.5mm if it got me more bang for the buck as well.

Is there anything else I should consider to ask Kan for?

Thanks so much for all your advice!

 

[Ann]

I wish I could offer you some advice, but I truly don't know. Both strands look gorgeous to me.

 

[NY_Resonant]

I have no experience with Small-small wrinkle vs small-middle wrinkle. I did buy a Gem Luster with minor flaws necklace but no idea if it was small-small or small-middle.

The one I bought had flaws (mainly sharkskin type) that were certainly noticeable to a review in the hand BUT not noticeable on the neck From a normal distance. It certainly provided what I’d call a very good bang for the buck.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I’d go for the higher luster strand. I don’t think the small blemishes will be noticeable when worn. I have many wonky blemished baroque akoya and even they look smooth and lustrous when I wear them.
So personally I put my money towards maximum luster and the size/shape you’d want since those factors have the most visual impact for most viewers.

 

[mayaINaU]

I’d go for the higher luster strand. I don’t think the small blemishes will be noticeable when worn. I have many wonky blemished baroque akoya and even they look smooth and lustrous when I wear them.
So personally I put my money towards maximum luster and the size/shape you’d want since those factors have the most visual impact for most viewers.

I would select for luster first as well.