The Pearl Source 14K Gold AAAA Quality Round White Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace for Women in 18" Princess Length

First, if you are debating between saltwater and freshwater, don't waste your money on saltwater. There are those who claim saltwater is superior in luster and color when viewed side-by-side. But I have not seen that. And, even if it were true, when was the last time you saw a group of ladies laying their pearls out side-by-side for quality inspection? Added to that, freshwater pearls generally have thicker nacre, which means they will truly last a lifetime and be in excellent shape to become cherished heirlooms - assuming they are worn and not abused. Pearls love to be worn and become more beautiful when worn with care. Saltwater pearls tend to have thinner nacre and show wear and tear sooner. Finally, I asked my jewelry (who I love) why anyone would spend the money on saltwater vs freshwater given those facts. She told me it was the knowledge that they are saltwater, which are more difficult to culture and therefore more expensive, that makes them special. Sorry, but that's not enough for me.Now, on to a review of my purchase. This was a gift from my daughter on her 18th birthday; the gift of an 18" string of pearls on a girl's 18th birthday has become a tradition in our family.I ordered 3 different strings of freshwater cultured pearls from 2 different highly-rated Amazon vendors. I also looked at pearls at my high-end brick and mortar shop, where I have made numerous purchases over the years. After careful side-by-side comparison, I settled on this string from the Pearl Source. I'm not a stranger to pearls, but certainly no expert. I felt a little lousy not choosing from my local store, but the pearls were twice as much and were not as well matched. I'm willing to pay a bit more to buy local, but I won't pay twice as much for lower quality.The packaging was excellent, the pearls well matched. Pearls had very good luster and color. I prefer a warmer rather than cooler or silvery tone. These had an ever so slight golden glow, but were still white. Upon careful inspection, we saw there were extremely minor imperfections in the nacre of some of the pearls; and, except for the lower third of the strand, pearls were VERY slightly off perfectly round (the off-round was matched so this was pleasing). I liked these extremely minor imperfections because the very slight off-round caused the string to lay well and the string looked like pearls instead of plastic beads - which you sometimes see in pearls. The string was properly knotted with proper space and movement. The clasp was well-made and latched securely. The storage / presentation box box was attractive and well constructed. The mechanism for holding the pearl strand in position in the box is one of the best I've seen.The only complaint I had was that the Amazon distribution center choose to ship in a padded envelop. Shame on you Amazon! So the box corners were a little dinged - nothing beyond what I would likely to myself over the course a couple years, but still. The other pearls I order through Amazon came in boxes and bubble wrap - so I think this was one-off.Finally, if you are dithering about pearl size, I think this 6.5-7mm is perfect for the young woman and will easily carry her into mid-life and beyond. Young women are tending to choose matched single size pearls rather than graduated these days, but choose based on preference. For our older daughter, we choose a 4mm-8.5mm graduated (from the high-end brick and mortar store), which she preferred and is also very lovely and appropriate. I have a 6mm-13mm graduated strand myself that was a gift from my husband, which is on the edge of indulgent in appearance and would not be appropriate for a younger woman; however, as a woman nearing 50, I find it appropriate and I adore it. If you are purchasing a special gift for a woman in her 30's I would suggest something between these two sizes.

The pearls are beautiful; and the service was outstanding. I don't like the clasp. It is very difficult to use because of the close proximity to the pearl. I have not been able to wear the pearls because of this and will have to get another type of clasp before I can wear them. A standard necklace closure would have been far better.

I bought these pearls as a graduation gift. I was a bit nervous purchasing without seeing them, but was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful they really are. They all matched perfectly. My only worry is that the clasp is very delicate and I’m afraid it could break easily. It just means being very careful. I would purchase here again.

Much better quality than I expected, especially at this price! I know I will love this pearl necklace for many years to come. It also comes in such a beautiful presentation box! The only suggestion I would have would be that care instructions be included since pearls require extra care. This is the perfect gift for any woman in your life!

A strand of pearls are a must have accesory for every woman. They make a simple and elegant statement piece for everything from formal wear to jeans. These pearls are matched in size and have a soft lustre that only real pearls have. They are simply beautiful and I get compliments on them every time I wear them. They are a timeless classic that will never go out of style.

The disappointment began when we received the strand in a faded old box that was actually dusty. The strand itself was tied to tight and did not hang like it should, even after running it under hot water to try and loosen it up. The overall quality of the pearls was 5 out of 10. If I had to do it all over again I would only buy em in person.

Pearls were consistenly sized and had nice shine. I returned them because the knotting was not at all consistent. There as an area of the necklace where the space between the pearls shows the thread and the knot. This section involved multiple pearls. I don't know if it had been worn and that is why the knotting was not snug against each pearl as I had expected. Lovely gift packaging.

Was thrilled with the beauty and highest quality of this necklace, which was a bridal shower gift to my niece. They get 5 stars from me.