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.
There are 6 important factors that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl: shape, size, color, surface, nacre quality and luster.
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.
Pearls are counted by hand and then weighed with an electronic micro-balance that captures the weight in grams (mounted or strung), carats (loose), or carats and grains (loose natural). Pearls are measured using special digital calipers.
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.
The type of pearl significantly impacts its price. South Sea and Tahitian pearl are the most expensive since they are rare and of great grade. Akoya pearl, known for their perfect round shape and outstanding beauty, are next. Freshwater pearl are the cheapest since they are wide in variety.
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.
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.
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.
Their natural occurrence and rarity set them apart from all other precious stones and contributes to their appeal. The price of pearls varies dramatically and ranges from under £100 all the way up to many millions.
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.
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.
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.
The price for a real pearl necklace will range anywhere from $100 to $10,000 and more. A strand of lower quality, small Freshwater pearls, for example, will start right around $100 or so, while the highest quality Hanadama Akoya pearl strands in the largest sizes top out around $10,000 to $11,000.
Pearl Color FAQ
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.
In water, pearls do not float.
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.