I saw a lot of fine grade at the fair. In fact, I think quality has gone up overall. I don't agree with Grimace-sama on that post. I saw a different show.
The finest grades weren't really available though. I get the feeling that loose-pearl grade has taken hold in China, and that means typical corners are being cut. All the big players had a grade available they referred to as "loose pearl." Of course, this is what we started collecting and making a few years ago (freshadama). But by and large, the strands were marked, the pearls buttoned out near the ends, and there was a lot of wobbling.
The strands we are having created now are 100% earring grade, so no, there were no strands like it at the show. These strands are either drilled large, or drilled large on one side - a tell-tale mark of true earring material that has been drilled at a .8 for that reason, and then collected for strands. The "loose grade" sold at the show was consistent .7 (from what I saw), so basically a fine-quality necklace grade.
