Expensive pearls have high luster (shine), smooth surfaces with few blemishes, near-perfect round shapes, large sizes, rich colors with overtones, thick nacre, and are well-matched, often found in higher-quality clasps with silk knotting; while fake pearls feel smooth and light, real ones have a slight grit and coolness to the touch and heavier feel, with quality indicated by factors like size, shape, color, luster, surface, and nacre.
The qualities that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and—for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.
Resale value: High-quality pearls can retain or increase in value—especially rare colors or natural varieties.
Real pearls reflect light in a deep, almost three-dimensional way, giving them a rich glow. Fake pearls may shine but often have a flat, reflective quality that lacks depth. Color Variations: While pearls come in a variety of colors, real pearls often exhibit subtle color variations or overtones.
In water, pearls do not float.
The rounder the pearl, the rarer the pearl and this makes them more valuable than their less spherical counterparts. But in terms of fashion, different shapes of pearls are often popular, with many designers creating wonderful jewellery from Baroque and Keshi pearls.
Ans: Yes, the pearl resale value is high if they are natural. The color, size, and luster of the gem also matter.
Natural Black pearls (uncultivated) are extremely rare and are found in about 1 in every 10,000 oysters. In an effort to preserve the species, it is illegal to dive to find natural pearls.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 for a professional appraisal. Insurance appraisals are generally more expensive because they must be done by a certified gemologist and include a more detailed report.
It was Jackie Kennedy who said 'pearls are always appropriate,' meaning that they suit all occasions and all outfits. Indeed pearls are still worn by many brides on their wedding days and feature in most jewellers' windows today.
The carat (ct) is a unit of mass equal to 200 mg (0.00705 oz; 0.00643 ozt), which is used for measuring gemstones and pearls. The current definition, sometimes known as the metric carat, was adopted in 1907 at the Fourth General Conference on Weights and Measures, and soon afterwards in many countries around the world.
For example, if you have an antique pearl necklace, then you'll want to find a GIA-certified appraiser who specializes in pearls and/or antique jewelry. To search for reputable appraisers in your local area, you can visit the American Gem Society's website.
In general, there're 7 factors that affect the pearl value: shape, size, colour, lustre, surface quality, nacre quality and matching. Like the 4Cs of diamond valuation, the pearl's 7 value factors are created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to standardise pearl grading systems.
Pearl Values
Even if they're real and cost a fortune in their day, second-hand pearls aren't worth much unless there's something special about them - like they were owned by someone famous or have a unique and interesting history.
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.
Pearl Color FAQ
Mikimoto grades their pearls: A, A+, AA and AAA Quality, which is their highest/best pearl grade. Their AAA Quality Akoya are so rare, and so expensive, that there are only one or two strands produced each year.
Rub the pearls to check surface feel
Both natural and cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. So when you rub the pearls lightly against each other or on your front teeth, they feel a little gritty. Fake or imitation pearls, however, usually feel smooth or glassy.
Pearl earrings can get wet occasionally, but they don't like it. Repeated exposure to water will shorten their life and dull their shine. Pearls are organic gemstones made from layers of nacre. That nacre is both delicate and slightly porous.
After the pearls are extracted from the oysters, one-third of oysters are “recycled” and put through the culturing process again. The others are killed and discarded. For those concerned about the environment, there is another reason to avoid pearls.