HinsonGayle Fine Pearl JewelryHinsonGayle AAA GEM Collection White Round Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace (14K Gold)

First, I understand the five star reviews for this, these pearls are quite beautiful with a great roundness, only slight imperfections and a lovely champagne luster. I spent a long time shopping for pearls and getting to know the value of pearls before reviewing this and picking the pearl strand for me. These pearls are closer to 7.5 mm rather than 8 mm, which is common when purchasing pearls in a range (they tend to be smaller rather than bigger).These are Chinese pearls without certification. When I emailed them about a certificate, the company responded: "HinsonGayle does not provide certificates as they are only a piece of paper stating what we state on our website. Our pearls are genuine and come from the world's top pearl farming regions. Our years of customer reviews and comments about the quality of our pearls should also give you assurance.Regarding your pearls. HinsonGayle Freshwater Pearls are direct sourced in China where the majority of the world's Freshwater pearls are cultured. The outer box that protected your jewelry box should have a sticker stating that it is a product of China.We know the origin of our pearls as we travel there to hand select them and work closely with our local staff and partners. We guarranty they are genuine freshwater pearls."These pearls are beautiful, but as a discerning customer, I'd like the piece of paper to back up what I've purchased and t know the origin of my pearls. This isn't a major problem if you purchase this for a present and want a beautiful set for that special someone, but if you own pearls already, you'll want more information about the ones you purchase.My biggest problem with these pearls was the price for the quality. In the pictures below, I've photographed two strands of pearls, both 7.6-8mm, AAA Chinese Cultured pearls. They are nearly identical except that one set is over $400 cheaper (it's around $200), comes with a GIA-graduate appraisal and on close inspection, has a few less blemishes. The cheaper strand is actually closer to the value of these pearls and lets me choose my clasp between gold and white gold in the 7.7-8mm range (I don't much like gold) and the tint on the pearls. The other strand is from PearlParadise, which has become my go to for pearl shopping online.Finally, I discovered Freshadama pearls, which are the Hanadama pearls (nearly flawless Akoya peals) of the freshwater world. They are the top 0.01 percent of AAA freshwater pearls in a harvest, and they are more lustrous and flawless than AAA pearls, one strand is about $300. If you are looking for quality pearls at a great price with free returns, order from Amazon and PearlParadise.com and compare them side by side.HinsonGayle's pearls are really great, but way over priced for the quality. I was glad to be able to compare them side by side and make an educated choice. These are the strand I'd recommend as an alternative http://www.pearlparadise.com/p-135-75-80-mm-white-freshadama-freshwater-pearl-necklace.aspx. Happy Pearl shopping!

This pearl necklace is beautiful! The luster is very reflective and the pearls are very smooth. They are actually much smoother than the Akoya pearls I was considering at a local jeweler. I didn't realize freshwater pearls could be so nice. If it weren't for the fact that I bought these for my granddaughter, I would keep them for myself. They will make a perfect gift, as the box and pouch make for a lovely presentation. I can't wait to give them to her!

This pearl necklace is beautiful! A high quality item! The pearls are perfectly round, large with incredibly lustrous! The clasp looks delicate but feels sturdy.All of the wrapping materials are very high quality, and so pleasing to find a handwritten "Thank you" in the box. This is perfect customer service!A high quality item, highly recommended.

These pearls are perfection!!!!! They are more beautiful than describeThey were a birthay gift from my husband,ho. They make me feel like a lady in jeans or dress clothes! This strand exceeded expectations!

These turned out great! They look amazing, the wife loves them, not much else to say. They are quite beautiful and would highly recommend. Pairing it with a free gift helps too.

Excelllent. quality pearls chain for the price

my wife loved them they were perfect.

My mother gave me these pearls for my wedding day. This 45 year old bride loves them! They could not be more beautiful- wonderful luster, symmetry, matching, and smoothness. Beautifully strung in the traditional manner. The pearls arrived in a velvet box, with a lovely personal message of thanks from the company and care instructions. I cannot imagine a more perfect set of pearls or a nicer customer service experience. Clearly, this small company's owner and employees care deeply about their business, providing the best pearls possible, and the satisfaction of their customers. I went on to buy several pairs of pearl earrings for my wedding party from HinsonGayle-- all were perfectly matched, with high luster, very well made, and sent in velvet presentation boxes. I would recommend the HinsonGayle company for any pearl purchase. You will receive an excellent value and wonderful quality-- pearls that feel special and will be treasured.