First pearl studs- what type to get?

[Green with Envy]

I want a good pair of white pearl studs- size around 9-10mm. I have been doing some online research and still can't figure out if it is best to get white South Sea pearls, Akoya, or the freshadamas. I think I prefer pearls with silver/rose overtones rather than very pink or ivory.

If all high quality and similar size... what makes the difference? Cost? or appearance?

Are the earrings at Pearl Paradise the same quality as the best ones in the Mikimoto stores?

 

[cushioncutnut]

From what I have read on here, the look of the Freshdamas are every bit as nice, if not nicer than Akoyas or SS pearls without the price. I do know that the larger sizes tend to be harder to get. PP does have them ...........

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

If budget wasn''t an issue, I would get Hanadama Akoyas from PP. If budget IS an issue then Freshadamas. I have the latter and they are truly beautiful though I still lust after Hanadamas!

 

[Green with Envy]

I a not clear how the hanadamas are so different looking than the freshadamas. More luster?

I understand that the hanadamas are the best Akoya... but if I can find large ones (9-10mm)... how will the Hanadamas look different than a good white south sea pearl?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Sorry. Just ignore. I didn't read the post closely enough to see that PP means pearl paradise.

 

[Christiana]

Date: 12/14/2009 11:10:00 PM
Author: Brown.Eyed.Girl
If budget wasn''t an issue, I would get Hanadama Akoyas from PP. If budget IS an issue then Freshadamas. I have the latter and they are truly beautiful though I still lust after Hanadamas!

I''m with you here. Either Hanadama Akoyas or SS pearls. The highest quality for sure

What do you think about their shape? Round pearl earrings are an all time classic, but I would also recommend button-shaped. They fit better.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Hmm for larger ones, I think I would lean towards SS then. I wish I could provide more info on the differences in looks (i.e. provide first-hand info

) but sigh, can''t

I think Hanadamas have higher lustre than Freshadamas...ummm oh wait CCN had a thread a while ago with some good comparison shots: here. Maybe that will help.

 

[winternight]

I recently purchased a pair of PP freshdama studs for my sister and before they went to her I compared them to my Tiffany studs, which are akoya and my south sea studs from Elana, future fashionista. The PP studs were much whiter, the other two had richer undertones. Honestly I have a hard time telling my Tiffany and South Sea pearls apart, except for the size. The PP pair is very nice, but maybe its good to have less "white" in the pearl, it gives a richer look? Then again my DH prefered the PP pair to the other two. HTH.