Freshadama or Akoya

Q: Hi I am interested in buying a 16" necklace. Either Acoya or Freshadama. I am interested in the 7-7.5MM size. (I would select the AAA in the Akoya if I purchased that one) I am just unclear what the difference would look like. If I understand correctly, the Freshadama would wear better over time due to the increased nacre. Am I correct on that? I can also see that within the Akoya I can select my overtone. But it appears that with the Freshadama, I cannot. Is this correct? I am also aware that there is a good bit of difference between the price of the two. But either is within my budget. I am new to pearls, so I am sorry if these are silly questions. But I do not like to return items I buy. So I would prefer to get it right the first time. Thoughts?

A: Your questions about the difference between the Akoya and Freshadama pearls are not silly at all. Since the Freshadama pearls are a fairly new product, these questions are being posed by many of our customers. You are correct that the Freshadama are more hardy and will wear better over time since they are nacre all the way though. Freshadama pearls are very close to round (less than 5% deviation), and have very high luster that often will rival that of the Akoya pearls. Also, Freshadama pearls will exhibit orient which is a rainbow like reflection on the surface that is not seen on many pearls. Because the Freshadama pearls are far scarcer than the Akoya, the inventory available is limited and we don’t list an overtone choice. If you have a choice of overtone you may let us know your preference when you place the order, and we’ll do our best to select a strand you would like.
Akoya pearls are the traditional choice for classic white pearl strands and are often purchased by those desiring for the classic pearl look. They are more delicate both in reality and in appearance, and are still the most popular choice. Since the Akoya pearls are more plentiful, we have a larger inventory to select from, and can offer the overtone choice on the Website.
You would need to care for either type of pearl in much the same manner in regards to storage, exposure to chemical substances, and restringing.
To select pearls for your own use, the best choice is the one you will get the most enjoyment and wear. If you want a strand that will hold up with frequent use and that you won’t worry about over time then I would recommend the Freshadama. If however, you are thinking of the classic white strand, you might prefer the Akoya.

If you do purchase either of these strands from Pearl Paradise and are not pleased with the item, you may exchange or return it for up to 90 days from the date of the order. We will be happy to work with you to select just the strand you will like so if you do have more questions, please feel free to let us know.