1. Why is your price the lowest? Is there a standard grading system in the U.S?

Our price is the lowest because we are the grower of freshwater pearls. All pearls we sell are grown in our farm and are hand strung together by our experienced workers. It is beneficial for you to buy directly from us because there is no standard grading system nationwide or worldwide for pearls. Each jeweler grades its pearls according to his own discretion. One jeweler's AAA might be another's AA. We know pearls well and we are honest in evaluating and pricing our pearls. Middleman mark up prices significantly.

2. Natural pearls vs. Cultured pearls vs. Imitation pearls?

Both natural and cultured pearls are grown by oysters and are therefore considered valued jewels---gifts of nature. The difference is that natural pearls begin by accident while cultured pearls are initiated by man. Imitation pearls, on the other hand, are man made by mechanical processes and have no real jewel value. Unfortunately due to sophiscated manufacturing and polishing techniques, it may be difficult for the average consumer to distinguish a natural or cultured pearl from a good imitation by sight.

3. What shape is most desirable?

Natural or cultured freshwater pearls are seldom perfectly round or even nearly round, more often than not they are baroque, slugs, or have wings. At farm direct, we sell only naturally shaped pearls unless otherwise stated.

4. Why some perfectly round pearls are so inexpensive?

Some perfectly round pearls are made of pearl powder. An easy way to tell is to look at the individual pearls on the necklace. If each pearl is of exactly same shape and luster, it must be made of processed pearl powder.

5. What determines the price of freshwater pearls? Pearls are priced according to its size(diameter), shape, luster, color, nacre conditions:

A. Diameter---the bigger the diameter, the more expensive it is.
B. Shape---the rounder the pearl, the more expensive it is.
C. Luster---the better the luster, the more expensive it is. The luster of a premium pearl is like a mirror and is sold individually.
D. Color---rare colors are more expensive. Black and turquoise are not the natural color of pearls. White, pink, lavender is most common.
E. Surface condition---the clener the surface, the more expensive it is.

6. How do I clean, store, and care for my precious pearls bought from Farm Direct?

It is important to treat your pearls properly to ensure a lasting beauty. Use a soft wet cloth to clean pearls, to avoid scratches, never use abrasives or harsh cleaners. Keep pearls out of sunlight and away from heaters to maintain its moisture. Wait for our makeup, perfume, aerosols or skin care products to dry before wearing your pearls. Remove your pearls before bathing, swimming, hand washing or any kind of workout. Water will dull the luster of your precious pearl.

7. How can I be sure I am getting what I am paying for?

US Gemological Laboratory is an independent organization that offers pearl identification service. You may send your pearl piece to USGL and get USGL official "Gem Identification Card" after paying a fee.

8. How do I identify NATURAL pearls without using US Gemological Laboratory Service?

Farm Direct sells only NATURAL OR CULTURED pearls from our pearl farm. There are four ways to identify a pearl:
A. Rub two pearls together. If it feels coarse instead of slippery, it is real.
B. Look at the holes. If you can see darker color near the holes, it is the accumulation of dye that tell you it is either a dyed natural pearl or an imitation pearl. Black, turquoise, gold etc are not the natural color of pearls.
C. Most natural pearl have color overtone besides the dominant color. And each pearl's color is slightly different.
D. Feel the pearl. Put the pearl on your palm. It is real if it feels cool.