[Dinosaurus]

I want to buy my Mum some pearls.

Terrific, I have no idea where to start - they seem to range in price from around $100 to $1000 for a necklace based on being A rated or AAAA rated.

Is there only 4 x A's?

What is the difference (especially to us uneducated types)?

Do I want cultured or fresh water or Japanese or are they all legit?

What else should I know?

I want to buy a necklace and bracelet. I would LOVE a brooch too but I have only found very unsatisfactory ones surrounded by crystals which I do not like

Thanks for your help (Country Mel and any other jewelers!)

[SeaPrincess]

I found this table on a Japanese manufacturer's website, but the grading system doesn't seem to be as uniform as that for diamonds. Other websites had similar tables, but not exactly the same.
AAA Exceptional, Mirror-Like Reflection Blemish-Free Surface*
AA Superb, Clear Reflection Very Slightly Blemished
A+ Very Good, Clear Reflection Very Slightly Blemished
A Good, Clear Reflection Very Slightly Blemished
A1 Good, Clear Reflection Slightly Blemished

Cultured pearls, freshwater pearls, Japanese pearls, South Sea pearls are all real, so it's really just a matter of what you like. Cultured pearls have a seed put into the shell, so the pearl is formed around it. They are generally the most regular-shaped.

Some people can tell the difference - I have a lovely Japanese Akoya pearl necklace and I wore it out to dinner once and one of DH's colleagues asked me why I wasn't wearing Australian pearls (we were living in Darwin at the time). I don't know how he could tell though.

Are you shopping online? Can we help you choose?

[Dinosaurus]

Yes, I can't be bothered dealing with jewelers in real life with a toddler (plus on line seems much easier and cheaper!)

I am looking at pearls only (seems like a good place to start?!)

I am probably going to buy a set of white single strand AA (the A are irregularly shaped which mum wont like) but got a bit distracted looking at the chunky/fashion jewelry for myself

[Guest_3Keiki_*]

I found this table on a Japanese manufacturer's website, but the grading system doesn't seem to be as uniform as that for diamonds. Other websites had similar tables, but not exactly the same.
AAA Exceptional, Mirror-Like Reflection Blemish-Free Surface*
AA Superb, Clear Reflection Very Slightly Blemished
A+ Very Good, Clear Reflection Very Slightly Blemished
A Good, Clear Reflection Very Slightly Blemished
A1 Good, Clear Reflection Slightly Blemished

Cultured pearls, freshwater pearls, Japanese pearls, South Sea pearls are all real, so it's really just a matter of what you like. Cultured pearls have a seed put into the shell, so the pearl is formed around it. They are generally the most regular-shaped.

Some people can tell the difference - I have a lovely Japanese Akoya pearl necklace and I wore it out to dinner once and one of DH's colleagues asked me why I wasn't wearing Australian pearls (we were living in Darwin at the time). I don't know how he could tell though.

Are you shopping online? Can we help you choose?

Did you tell him because australian pearls and massively overpriced and the conditions that pearl divers work in are criminal?

Op nothing to add from PPs comment - other than as long as they have a good rating and are pleasing to your eye don't worry where they come from just get the best price.

[Dinosaurus]

Meh - Just spoke to my sister who doesn't like the idea of pearls. She already has a pearl necklace (but it is old, fine and she never wears it).

Anyway, we're moving on to other jewels apparently.

Also my sister now wants to look at what I am looking at which is very annoying as I wont be able to lie to her

[SeaPrincess]

Did you tell him because australian pearls and massively overpriced and the conditions that pearl divers work in are criminal?

No, I told him my mother bought me this lovely strand of pearls and I didn't need another one, Australian or not.

R

[Quack Quack]

I have nothing of any value to add, except that my beautiful MIL gave me a strand of 1920's vintage Pearls that belonged to her Grandmother, I absolutely adore them!