Akoya Aaa
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Akoya Aaa
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In 1916, Kikichi Mikimoto harvested the first large lot of cultured akoya pearls in Ago Bay, Japan. These pearls were unlike any the world had known. They were whole pearls with a mother-of-pearl nucleus created by a culturing method known as grafting. A small bead was placed in the host oyster’s reproductive organ along with a small piece of donor mantle tissue – the catalyst of pearl sac creation and nacre deposition – the formation of a pearl.
Today akoya pearls are still a favorite staple in every woman’s jewelry collection and the most popular type of pearl sold at fine jewelry stores around the world. They are known for their perfectly round shape, sharp luster, and brilliant white body colors with hints of rose and silver overtones.
Selecting a fine strand can be very tricky, however. Not unlike diamonds, the quality of a strand will determine its beauty, durability, and ultimately its price. Consumers need to be aware of the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) five value factors developed in 1967, and used to assess the quality of an akoya pearl. They are size, shape, luster, nacre thickness, and surface.
Size
Akoya pearls are often relatively small. The average size is 7 mm in diameter, and the average princess length is 17 to 18 inches. Most fall into the size range of 3 mm to as large as 10 mm. When all other value factors are consistent, larger akoya pearls are more valuable.
Shape
While shape is an important value characteristic of other types of cultured pearls such as freshwater and Tahitian, akoya pearls are generally very round. This is due to the perfectly spherical bead implanted into the oyster. Nacre is deposited around the bead and most akoya pearl production is round as a result. Other shapes such as symmetrical drops and baroques do occur, but round pearls are considered more valuable.
Luster
Luster is the measure of quality and quantity of light reflected from the surface of a pearl. Akoya pearls are known for their sharp luster and reflection much like the surface of a mirror. The sharper and more bright the reflection, the more valuable the pearl. Luster is the most important value factor to consider when purchasing a strand of akoya pearls.
Nacre Thickness
The nacre thickness of an akoya pearl is extremely important. Today’s pearl market is overrun with what is known in the trade as “short culture” akoya pearls. These pearls have been harvested too early and do not have an adequate coating of nacre over their mother-of-pearl bead. These pearls are commonly found on eBay and in fashion jewelry stores for very low prices. But the caveat is that these pearls will not last, nor will they exhibit a sharp metallic shine. Luster and durability are directly correlated to the pearl’s nacre thickness.
Surface
Cultured pearls are the only organically produced gems in the world. They do not need to be cut or polished to show off their beauty, so each will be as unique as a snowflake, exhibiting different types of growth characteristics. These growth characteristics, no matter how small or how large, are known as inclusions or blemishes. Because all cultured pearls exhibit some form of growth characteristic the US Federal Trade Commission has disallowed the usage of the term “flawless” when describing cultured pearls.
Despite the fact that growth characteristics are universally evident in cultured pearls, the degree of these characteristics is evaluated in the surface quality of an akoya pearl. When all other grading factors are consistent, the fewer blemishes or inclusions visible to the naked eye, the more valuable the pearl.
A – AAA Grading System
Although a universally accepted grading system for cultured akoya pearls does not currently exist, there does exist within the industry best practice standards which utilize a grading system of A – AAA and hanadama.
A strand of hanadama grade pearls is one that has been certified by the Pearl Science Laboratory of Japan as exhibiting the highest quality traits in terms of shape, luster, surface, and nacre thickness.
In order for an akoya strand to be graded AAA all value factors must fall within the top five percent of the quality criteria. AAA grade strands are considered the best, non-hanadama certified strands in the world.
A strand or pearl not meeting the criteria of AAA is one that fails to reach the top five percent of each of the quality criteria. A grade of AA will mean the strand falls within the top 20 percent, and a grade of AA+ would then mean the strand falls between grades AA and AAA.
Origin
There is a rapidly-diminishing debate on cultured akoya pearl origin and its relationship to quality and value. It was once believed that only those from Japan were the finest quality and most valuable. Today it is well known that akoya pearls are also produced in South Korea, China, Vietnam, and even Australia. Pearls from Australia and China have been found to have thicker nacre than their Japanese counterparts, and are often of better overall quality. Origin is not a value factor used to grade cultured akoya pearls.
By understanding the value factors associated with cultured akoya pearls, a buyer can make an educated decision when selecting the perfect strand. The first step is to find a retailer that understands the intricate aspects of akoya pearl grading and abides by the strictest standards. This will most often be a retailer that specializes in pearls and will have a large selection of different sizes and grades for easy comparison.
PearlStruck.com is an international seller of quality akoya pearls which are graded and appraised by the standards set forth by the GIA. Our inventory exceeds more than 1000 strands, all of grade AA or better. We are sure to have the perfect strand to suit any taste, style or budget.
Ann McCarville is a pearl expert with years of pearl buying, selling and grading experience. She is the founder and president of PearlStruck, an online purveyor of fine cultured pearls. http://www.pearlstruck.com
And don’t forget ebay as a great source for shopping:
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white 8.6mm aaa++ grade akoya round cultured pearl dangle earring 14k free box $24.90 |
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wholesale 50Set 5-6MM Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA $9.99 |
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BEAUTIFUL RARE JAPANESE AAA SILVER WHITE AKOYA KEISHI PEARLS – 11.10cts, 5.25″ $44.00 |
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8Pairs 7-8MM Black Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA $0.99 |
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JEWELRY STORE QUALITY SET OF 7.5-8 MM WHITE AKOYA PEARL NECKLACE17 IN. AAA+ $14.99 |
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8x10mm Black Akoya Pearl Earring AAA Silver Hook $2.25 |
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free box AAA rare 8-9mm blue cultured akoya pearl earrings 14k/20 gold plated a $0.01 |
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9-10 MM JEWELRY STORE QUALITY STRAND AKOYA PEARL NECKLACE, 18 IN.,AAA $19.99 |
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7-8mm Green Akoya Pearl Earring AAA+ $1.75 |
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free box AAA 11-12mm black cultured akoya pearl earrings 14kt yellow solid gold $0.01 |
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3STD 5mm AAA WHITE AKOYA PEARLS BRACELET 7.5″ MAGNETISM CLASP $79.00 |
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best buy AAA elegant 8-9mm white akoya round pearl necklace 17″ N2 $0.01 |
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8-9MM White Akoya Pearl Necklace +Earring AAA 17″ $4.95 |
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8-9mm Pink Akoya Pearl Earring AAA silver hook $0.99 |
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7.5MM AAA+ GEM QUALITY WHITE AKOYA PEARL NECKLACES nk7 $199.86 |
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8Set 7-8MM White&Black Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA $9.98 |
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9mm aaa+++ grade golden yellow akoya bread pearl stud earring 14k $0.99 |
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8x10mm Black Akoya Pearl Earring AAA Silver Hook $0.99 |
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PERFECT ROUND 7mm AAA+ PEACOCK GREEN AKOYA PEARL STUD EARRING $16.00 |
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17-7.5″ 6.5mm Tahiti Black AAA Akoya Pearls Necklace&Bracelet&Earrings 14K $0.01 |
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GENUINE 7MM AAA HALF DRILL WHITE AKOYA LOOSE PEARL ls1 $9.86 |
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Charming!Pink Akoya Pearl Earring AAA $2.77 |
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Beautiful 8mm gold akoya Round Shell Pearls Beads 15″AAA $2.05 |
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8-7MM MUTICOLOR AAA AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE&EARRINGS $2.36 |
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Charming!10-11mm White Akoya Freshwater Pearl Earring AAA $0.99 |
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10-11mm Blue Akoya Pearl Earring AAA+ $1.32 |
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8-9mm White Akoya Pearl Earring AAA+ $2.49 |
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10.5mm aaa+++ grade white akoya pearl stud earring 14k fine gift $9.99 |
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free box genuine AAA 8-9mm natural pink cultured akoya pearl earrings 14k/20 $0.01 |
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Pretty! Black Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA 8-9MM $0.99 |
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11-12mm Chocolate Akoya Pearl Earring AAA $2.27 |
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AAA 9-10mm Pink Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace 17″ $6.00 |
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16.5-17″&7.5″ 2Strand 5.5mm White AAA+++ Akoya Pearls Necklace&Bracelet 14K $0.01 |
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18″ AAA+11-12MM Akoya white pearl necklace $489.99 |
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7 MM AAA WHITE SALTWATER AKOYA CULTURED PEARL NECKLACE $3.50 |
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8-7MM MUTICOLOR AAA AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE&EARRINGS $4.25 |
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3mm pink aaa grade akoya genuine cultured pearl necklace 15″ 16″ 17″ 18″ 19″ 14k $20.50 |
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3mm pink aaa grade akoya genuine cultured pearl necklace 15″ 16″ 17″ 18″ 19″ 14k $21.50 |
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3mm pink aaa grade akoya genuine cultured pearl necklace 15″ 16″ 17″ 18″ 19″ 14k $22.50 |
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3mm pink aaa grade akoya genuine cultured pearl necklace 15″ 16″ 17″ 18″ 19″ 14k $23.50 |
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3mm pink aaa grade akoya genuine cultured pearl necklace 15″ 16″ 17″ 18″ 19″ 14k $24.50 |
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Rare!8-9MM Gray Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace AAA 18″ $0.99 |
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8-9mm White Akoya Pearl Earring Silver Stud AAA $1.04 |
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RARE AAA++ COFFEE 8MM AKOYA shell PEARL NECKLACE 18″ Im $6.66 |
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6.3mm aaa++ grade perfect round akoya brown pearl stud earring 14k fine box $0.99 |
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AAA+++ 18″ 6.5mm Silver Gray Akoya Pearls Necklace 14K Gift Box $0.01 |
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free box grade AAA 8-9mm natural pink fresh water akoya drip pearl earrings K $0.01 |
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free box grade AAA 8-9mm natural white fresh water akoya drip pearl earrings E $0.01 |
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6X9MM White Akoya Cultured Pearl Abacus Loose Beads 15”AAA $2.76 |
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free box grade AAA 8-9mm natural white fresh water akoya drip pearl earrings G $0.01 |
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AAA GRADE 8mm WHITE AKOYA PEARL BRACELET 7.5″ 14KT $76.00 |
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5Set 7-8MM White Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA $1.77 |
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genuine 7*9mm silver gray aaa grade akoya rice pearl necklace 17″ 14k goldfilled $9.99 |
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7mm aaa grade white cultured akoya real pearl set earring & 7.5″ bracelet magnet $29.99 |
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free box grade AAA rare 9-10mm white akoya pearl earrings 14kt yellow solid gold $0.01 |
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7 MM AAA BLACK SALTWATER AKOYA CULTURED PEARL NECKLACE $4.25 |
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Beautiful AAA+ 10-11 Black AKOYA Pearl Necklace 18″14k $106.00 |
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AAA 8-9mm Black Akoya Pearl Pendant Necklace 17” $0.95 |
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AAA 7-8MM White Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace rring P $2.50 |
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8.5-9.5mm aaa grade white akoya pearl set 17″ necklace & 7.5″ bracelet 14k gift $78.90 |
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free box AAA 7-8mm genuine white freshwater cultured akoya pearl necklace 22″ N7 $0.01 |
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7-8MM MUTICOLOR AAA AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE&EARRINGS $4.24 |
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Rare!8-9MM Gray Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace AAA 18″ $5.00 |
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8MM White Akoya shell Pearl Necklace +Earring AAA 18″ $2.25 |
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AAA 7-8MM White Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace Earring $39.99 |
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7-7.5mm aaa copper brown akoya pearl set 17″ necklace 7.5″ bracelet & earring $62.80 |
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16.5″ 7.5MM AAA WHITE AKOYA PEARL NECKLACE SOLID 14KT GOLD $199.99 |
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7 MM AAA WHITE SALTWATER AKOYA CULTURED PEARL NECKLACE $2.25 |
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free box AAA 8mm-9mm genuine white fresh water akoya pearls necklace 17″ N3 $0.01 |
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Beautiful AAA+ Akoya pearls white swing earrings 925 $0.01 |
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11-12mm Lavender Akoya Cultured Pearl Earrings Silver Stud AAA+ $0.99 |
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11-12MM AAA++ AKOYA GENUINE BLACK PEARL PENDANT 14k $24.99 |
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11-12mm Dark Blue Akoya Pearl Earring Silver Stud,AAA Grade $1.82 |
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4Pairs 4Color 5-6MM Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA $1.50 |
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GENUINE 7MM AAA HALF DRILL WHITE AKOYA LOOSE PEARL ls1 $9.99 |
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AAA 8Set 8Color 7-8MM Multicolor Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA $3.75 |
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6 Pairs 6 Color 6-7MM Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA $1.54 |
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free box grade AAA 9-10mm pink akoya pearl earrings 14kt yellow solid gold e1 $0.01 |
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18″ AAA+ 11-12MM AKOYA WHITE PEARL NECKLACE 14K GOLD $399.00 |
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8.5 MM AAA+ HALF DRILL GRAY AKOYA PEARL BEAD 1pcs -ls16 $39.99 |
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free box a sets AAA 7-8mm white round pearl akoya necklace bracelets earrings A2 $0.01 |
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Pretty 8-9mm Peacock Green Akoya Pearl Earring AAA $1.04 |
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AAA+ 8-9mm Black Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace 14K $99.95 |
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free box AAA 10-11mm pink cultured akoya pearl earrings 14kt white solid gold e1 $0.01 |
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8Set 8Color 7-8MM Multicolor Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA $2.25 |
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11-12mm White Akoya Pearl Earring Silver Stud AAA+ $1.70 |
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NEW free box grade AAA 7-8mm natural white akoya perfect round pearl earrings A $0.01 |
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free box AAA 10-11mm pink fresh water akoya pearl earrings 14kt solid gold e1 $0.01 |
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Big 11-12mm Green Akoya Pearl Earring Silver Stud,AAA+ $5.95 |
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free box AAA 10-11mm pink akoya pearl earrings 14kt/585 yellow solid gold $0.01 |
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Genuine 18″AAA 8-9mm white akoya pearl necklace $23.00 |
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AAA !8x10MM Black Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring $1.04 |
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AAA++ RARE COFFEE 10-11MM AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 18″ 14K $58.00 |
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HUGE AKOYA AAA 13MM WHITE BAROQUE PEARL NECKLACE 18″ 14K $24.99 |
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free box AAA 10-11mm white cultured akoya pearl earrings 14kt white solid gold $0.01 |
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6Sets 8-8.5mm 6color Akoya Cultured Pearl Silver Stud Earrings AAA $0.99 |
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AAA 2 ROWS 8-9MM WHITE PINK BLACK AKOYA PEARL BRACELETS $27.00 |
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AAA 2 ROWS 8-9MM WHITE PINK BLACK AKOYA PEARL BRACELETS $21.00 |
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AAA 2 ROWS 8-9MM WHITE PINK BLACK AKOYA PEARL BRACELETS $22.50 |
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AAA 2 ROWS 8-9MM WHITE PINK BLACK AKOYA PEARL BRACELETS $24.00 |
