American Pearl

8.5x9mm Collection Quality Japanese Akoya cultured pearl necklace 17"

Product Description

American Pearl's absolute finest quality cultured pearl strand. Collection quality pearls are the rarest cultured pearls available in the worldÑrepresenting the finest 1% of pearls from Japan's pearl harvest. Simply regal -- and extremely rare. For a refined, discriminating woman who is serious about her pearls and won't settle for anything but the best. Collection quality pearls will hold their value and appreciate in time. The pearls on this necklace are evenly graduated and are affixed with American Pearl's signature 18K yellow gold clasp. These are the finest quality pearls that are available. It is the maximum luster that the oyster can produce. Although AAA quality is very fine, Collection quality pearls have the thickest nacre (or skin of the pearl). There is a direct relationship between nacre thickness and luster (the mirror-like quality of the pearl). Thicker skinned pearls have higher luster. Also, pearls that have a thicker nacre also weigh more. So a Collection quality strand is actually heavier than a AAA quality. When American Pearl purchases pearls in volume, we buy by the weight. So the weight of the Collection quality pearls is reflected within the price. Collection quality is for someone who is looking for the absolute best quality available. This means that the pearls, if properly cared for, will truly hold their value and appreciate over time.

Product Details

• ASIN: B0000VM5OS
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite strand; excellent service., June 12, 2004

By 

exiledcal (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 8.5x9mm Collection Quality Japanese Akoya cultured pearl necklace 17" (Jewelry)

I discovered American Pearl as a result of researching Mikimotos, which I understood to be the finest pearls available. Little did I realize that I was embarking on a lengthy process of education and decision-making that would result in me finding the pearl strand perfectly suited to me at this time. Mr. Edward Bakhash, who runs American Pearl and whose father founded the company decades ago, was exceptionally kind, helpful, and inceasingly patient as I examined several options ranging from Tahitian to South Sea to Japanese Akoya pearls of various sizes. I ultimately chose this 8.5-9mm Japanese Akoya strand, and it is beautiful. It clearly surpasses the pearl strands I have seen in the finest(and most well-known)jewelry stores. (In fact, I found some prestigious stores offering low-quality pearl at double or triple the price.) The high-luster of my strand, coupled with the rarer size, elicits stares. I was delighted when I wore my strand to a party, and my very worldly aunt approached me and immediately complimented my "gorgeous" pearls and asked me if they were "Mikis." I will be forever grateful to Mr. Bakhash for helping me gain the knowledge I needed to make an informed and intelligent decision. His father must be very proud of him. I love my necklace, and it was the perfect choice for me. Additionally, I now enjoy being able to identify the type and quality of different pearl strands I see when I'm out and about, and I earnestly look forward to the future date when I will buy a Tahitian strand from him.