With the many types of pearls, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea saltwater pearls are going to be MUCH more expensive than Freshwater pearls. Why? RARITY.
Freshwater pearls are cheaper because they are easier to extract, making sea pearls more valued. Why? Sea pearls are larger, more beautiful in shape, luster, smoother surface and, of course, much more expensive than freshwater pearls.
Saltwater pearls have a more brilliant shine and luster than freshwater pearls and are more expensive. Pearl facts: After implanting the seed pearl, oysters are tended to by divers as they grow. The color of the pearl depends mainly on the color of the oyster shell itself.
How Much Are Real Pearls Worth? A traditional strand of white pearls can range from $100 (Freshwater pearl necklace) to $10,000 (Akoya pearl necklace). A strand of large, flawless South Sea pearls could even be valued as high as $100,000+ .
The fact of the matter is this: almost all pearls sold today are cultured pearls, including freshwater pearls. In other words, there is no real difference when comparing cultured freshwater pearls vs. freshwater pearls. The real differentiator is the environment in which they are made, either freshwater or saltwater.
A natural pearl may show growth lines where concentric layers of nacre have been added. Cultured pearls on the other hand will appear to have a perfectly rounded nucleus that's surrounded by a halo of conchiolin and finally a thin outer layer.
Although blue pearls are found in almost every pearl type - Tahitian, Freshwater, South Sea, & Akoya - the chances of you running into a blue pearl in any of these pearl types is extremely, extremely rare. Blue Akoya pearls used to be outcasts in the pearl industry but have recently taken over as a valuable tycoon.
Pearls that begin to yellow indicate that they are organic and subject to change. What kind of pearls are prone to yellowing? Fresh water pearls and pearl of white colors are more susceptible to yellowing because their colors tend to lean toward white.
Yes, freshwater pearls are not as strong as some gemstones increasing the risk of damage if you wear them every day. But, if you take proper care of your pearl jewelry and store it properly you can wear your pearls as often as you like. Never clean your freshwater pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Saltwater pearls tend to be more expensive than freshwater pearls because they are more difficult to cultivate. However, freshwater pearls are not as durable as saltwater pearls, so they may not be a good choice for everyday wear.
Wetting pearls is never a good idea, as it begins to destroy the jewel. Pearl necklaces are damaged when they get wet, because the water damages both the thread and the pearl . When wet, the thread that holds the beads together begins to stretch and lengthen, so it quickly loses the desired shape.
Pearl jewellery and pearls are not traded like gold or silver. They are considered elite gemstones and do not have a high resale value, at least as of now. Used pearl jewellery, which is sold for higher prices, is usually that which has been worn by celebrities, queens or antique pieces.
It's often assumed that because something's old it must be valuable. That's rarely true and certainly not for pearls. Advances in technology and culturing techniques mean you can buy a much better set of pearls for far less money than in grandma's time.
The nacre is a natural substance, meaning it is susceptible to losing its shine over time if not maintained properly.
Silky, touchable and radiant, fine AAA and AAAA Quality Freshwater pearls can look just as beautiful as any saltwater pearl. Their natural shades of Pink/Peach, Lavender and White are untreated by any chemical or dye process, and will never discolor or fade if cared for properly.
Both freshwater and saltwater pearls will start to discolor for a variety of reasons. Pearls will naturally change from white to ivory in color over time, but diligent care and proper storage can prolong the process for generations.
After many, many years of diving for pearls, divers have made natural pearls so rare; some say they are close to becoming extinct. Therefore, they are hard to find on the ocean's surface these days. Because of this rarity, natural pearls are generally much more expensive than cultured pearls.
To try it for yourself, put a drop of vinegar on the pearl or submerge the pearl in a small cup of vinegar. If you can see bubbles forming from the release of carbon dioxide in the chemical reaction, your pearls are authentic.
Genuine pearls are shinier than fake pearls. You can measure shine in luster, which is the intensity and softness of a pearl's surface, it generally has to do with how bright and clear a pearl looks. Natural pearls have more shine than artificial ones because they're made from natural materials.
Freshwater pearls are EXTREMELY durable, and if cared for properly, will retain the original color, luster and orient for decades to come.
In accordance with previous instructions the servants placed in front of her only a single vessel containing vinegar, the strong rough quality of which can melt pearls.
Feel the pearls texture with your teeth.
An easy and old method to identify a real pearl is to use the “tooth-test.” Put the pearls up against your mouth and rub the pearls over the bottom edge of your tooth. A real pearl will have a light grit to it. A pearl made of plastic or glass will feel smooth.