Expert Advice Needed on Pearls!

[AGBF]

I started a thread on freshwater pearls in the jewelry section, but I find I want some expert advice.

My experience with freshwater pearls is limited and I have seen claims by vendors which I find hard to believe. Am I just a cynic?

One site in which I was interested said that their freshwater pearls were untreated in any way.

I have read that the mussels used to produce these pearls *can* create pearls in different colors. On the other hand, I know that all Akoya (saltwater pearls grown in oysters) are bleached.

What do you think of a vendor who claims his freshwater pearls are not treated?

I have also seem some huge price diescrepancies supposedly based on whether the pearls for sale were "gem quality" or not. I have found no objective criteria for what makes a pearl "gem quality". (I have not even found who grades these pearls as AAA or B or whatever. Who does it? The vendor?)

What is the difference between these sets of pearls that makes such a huge difference in their price?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2634106061&category=3844&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2632733867&category=3844&rd=1

 

[AGBF]

Leonid,

Am I doing something wrong that causes all the "links" I provide to require cutting and pasting instead of being "clickable"? I'd like to make it easier on the reader, but don't know how to do so!!!

 

[Iceman]

I would love to post a mile long lecture on pearls here, but most of my info is at work.

This is a good place to start

http://www.pearlinfo.com/consumer/buying.html


Pearls have there grading standards like diamonds do, except its more visual with out a scope.