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Those are not pearls. They are stone beads, might be agate (I have forgotten most of what I knew about beads). You can check the look of beads on websites like https://www.firemountaingems.com/. You can check the look of pearls on websites like https://www.pearlparadise.com/

I believe the holes on fake pearls are also usually larger than on real pearls.

I would compare the luster first. The sharper luster generally means the better the strand. If two are almost the same, then look for the one with larger pearls but also consider imperfections.

That would be a sight on many of us... :-D

And THAT is why I never bonded with my blue Akoyas. It's not them. It's me. I want that one... :-)

I want a whole necklace of those...

"When you talk about upgrading, what aspect are you most keen on upgrading (luster, size etc)?" I did upgrade the Akoya strand. I had a problem with it being pinked and dreamed about a natural strand. That it was nearly round was fine. My budget wasn't for a Hanadama and I still sometimes dream...

I am fairly close to having only five pieces - if I count necklaces :-) I have earrings too and three rings. Oh, and a couple of bracelets :-) I was lucky to find out early that I prefer saltwater pearls. So I have one necklace of each: white Akoya, blue Akoya, Akoya keshi (single strand)...

"Our Pearls are Handpicked from the seas and lakes of Japan" Akoya in lakes???

It looks a lot like the one I have, bought several years ago. It was what I could afford and I really like the fun and less formal shapes. I am very happy with mine.

If anyone notices the pinpricks, they are standing way too close :-)

Uh! Shiny!!

What plans do you have for them? We want to see the finished settings as well :-)

Also be aware that a regular strand, even low quaility, of Akoya can be strung on a Mikimoto clasp

I think that for freshwater to be set in 18K gold, they would be some of the super colorfull ones and not some that looks an awful lot like Tahitians. I'd vote Tahitians.

Indeed... And in one of my favorite places in the world too...

It's been years but I think I found my wiring tutorials on Fire Mountain Gems. I tried to look but there are so many! You could try to search online for "how to make a tin cup" or "how to wirewrap".

I don't think so. But after 5 frozen shoulders (inflammation) I can't do more than a few wraps a day. I love the feeling of it as you go 'swush!' and the wire is in place. You can practice with cheap base metal. I ended up liking that look so much, I've used gold colored base metal for pretty...

You can check eBay for akoya pearls in the same size but be sure to check the ones that actually sold.

The replacement looks even better :-)