Pearl Jewelry: Seven Compelling Reasons to Buy Real (2024)

FAQs

What are the GIA 7 pearl value factors? ›

GIA uses a comprehensive standard it developed over a 70-year period of ground-breaking research on pearls, called The GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors™ (Size, Shape, Color, Luster, Surface, Nacre, and Matching).

The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as pearl type, size, color, surface quality, and more. A wild pearl will be worth more than a cultured pearl. So, how much are pearls worth? To keep it short, on average, a pearl's value ranges from $300 to $1500.

The cleaner the surface of the pearl, the more valuable it is. Look for an absence of disfiguring spots, bumps or cracks on the surface of a pearl, also known as "cleanliness." Notice that the highest quality pearls have a sharp, mirror-like reflection.

Any pearl that looks too chalky or dull indicates low quality. Cleanliness of the cultured pearl surface refers to the absence of disfiguring spots, bumps or cracks. A cultured pearl with a clean surface will have a higher value than a spotted, bumpy or cracked one.

A real pearl will feel gritty, sandy or slightly rough. A fake pearl will feel smooth and glassy. Watch the video below to see pearl expert Kevin Canning, CEO of Pearls of Joy, demonstrate the proper way to do a tooth test.

Our AAA Quality Freshwater pearls will have luster that is nearly comparable just not quite as crisp and the blemish rate will be between 5-10%; the shape will be mostly eye-round from a distance of 1-3 feet.

Yes, old pearls can turn yellow over time due to a variety of factors. One of the primary reasons for this discoloration is the breakdown of the organic material that makes up the pearl's surface (nacre).

Fake Pearls Are Pure White

Actual pearls have a subtle color on their outer surface – usually silver or rose. If you're gifted vintage pearls, you'll notice an ivory overtone; simulation pearls simply lack this visible hint of color.

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.

Which color pearl is the most valuable? ›

The 22K to 24K Golden tone is a "Very Deep" natural Golden color. Golden South Sea pearls featuring the 22K to 24K hues are the rarest and most valuable (all other factors being equal).

Pearls with particular brand names will also retain (and even increase) their value over the years; vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearls that still have their original clasp, box and papers to establish provenance are very highly sought after today and continue to fetch premium resale values.

Keep pearls away from chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, ammonia, hairspray, perfume, and cosmetics, as these substances will damage the pearl surface. Make sure to put pearls on after finished spraying perfume or hairspray and putting on makeup.

Rub Two Pearls Together

If the pearls don't have pearl powder and look clear, you can tell it is fake. Additionally, when two real pearls are knocked against each other, they produce a soft, unique thud-like sound, whereas when two fake ones are struck against each other, they sound dully empty.

Look closely at the pearls. “Due to the natural process to create natural and cultured pearls, real pearls have irregularities and ridges that make them unique,” explains Lawler. “A real pearl is rarely perfectly round. Synthetic pearls are created to be uniform and identical to each other.”

Recommended Pairings: The Silver overtone is really versatile, and looks beautiful with both white gold and yellow gold accents. White gold will generally enhance the pearl's “cool” undertones, helping them appear brighter and whiter. Yellow gold creates a nice, elegant contrast – a very classic pearl look.

At Costco, we take pride in the fact that our pearl jewelry meets the industry's highest quality standards. Our process ensures our pearls have good luster, shape, color and no obvious blemishes, and that the size of the pearls match where applicable.

A real pearl necklace can cost anywhere from $150 to $10,000+ or even more for exceptional examples. Affordable Freshwater necklaces can go as low as $150, while a classic Akoya necklace will cost anywhere from $250 to $5000+. For more information, read how Freshwater pearls compare to Akoyas. $130 - $5,000 or more.

Japan is known for its high-quality Akoya pearls, which are cultured in Japan, China, and Vietnam.

What is the highest quality pearl? ›

White and Golden South Sea pearls are the largest and most luxurious of all cultured pearl types on the market today. Often called the “Queen of Pearls”, South Sea pearls feature a gorgeous palette of natural Golden and White colors that shimmer with delicate overtones and are simply unmistakable.

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.

Due to their rarity and the difficulty of collecting them, they were considered more valuable than gold. The value of pearls depends on many aspects, such as: size, shape, color, luster, surface smoothness, transparency, and if you buy more – their price is also influenced by the fit and similarity of each piece.

There are 6 main factors to keep in mind when determining a pearl's quality, value and ultimately the price of the pearls: Nacre, Luster, Surface, Shape, Color and Size.

The GIA Surface Scale classifies pearls as Clean, Lightly Spotted, Moderately Spotted, or Heavily Spotted. Nacre is the substance that makes up a pearl, layer after layer. Thickness is important when evaluating nacre quality to make sure that cultured pearls are durable as well as beautiful.