A pearl has long been a treasured symbol of innocence as well as purity, and is a highly sought-after gemstone. The fact that pearls are derived from a natural source makes quality pearls even more special and valuable. These gems are commonly made into a variety of pieces, from pearl bracelets and pearl earrings to many other types of pearl jewelry.
If you are considering buying pearls for someone you love, or even for yourself, you might be wondering about the actual value of pearls themselves - how much should you pay for a pearl item? Which types of pearls are more valuable? This is a valid concern as pearls can really run the gamut when it comes to price. Even what may seem like small details can affect the price of a pearl or pearl item.
There are a surprising number of traits that can affect the pricing of a pearl. Potential buyers should be aware of all of these as they set out to make their purchase.
One of the most important details that will affect pearl pricing is the variety of pearl for sale. At the most basic level, there are two main types: saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls.
Saltwater pearls are considered to be the more valuable of these two pearl types. This is, quite simply, because saltwater pearls are much rarer than the freshwater variety. A freshwater oyster can produce 30 to 40 pearls in a season; however, a saltwater oyster is only able to produce 1 or 2 pearls.
Saltwater pearls are further classified according to the area in which they were produced. Some of the most common include South Sea pearls, Akoya pearls, and Tahitian pearls. Each variety is known for having different qualities.
You will also find that the size of the pearl, regardless of whether it is a freshwater pearl or saltwater pearl, will also affect its pricing. The larger the pearl, the more expensive it will be - at least in most cases. Keep in mind that the rarity of a particular pearl can make it more valuable, even if it is on the smaller side.
Generally speaking, however, a difference of a single millimeter can increase the value of a pearl by one or two percent. Saltwater pearls, in general, range in size from 9 millimeters to 18 millimeters and freshwater from about 1 to 2 millimeters up to about 15 or 16 millimeters; consequently, if you see small pearls, odds are they are the freshwater variety.
The color of the pearl will also be a determining factor when it comes to price. Most people think that pearls are naturally a pale yellow or cream color, but the fact is they can come in a range of shades.
In general, you will find that the more symmetrical and round a pearl is, the more valuable it will be. There are some cases, however, when pearls will grow into unique shapes naturally and will be worth more than round pearls of similar quality.
The luster of the pearl will also affect its value. But what is luster exactly? Luster refers to several features of a pearl. For instance, luster is used to describe the shininess of the pearl, as well as to describe the shape and strength of the reflection of light.
Finally, luster is used to describe the contrast between the light and dark areas of the pearl. The more lustrous a pearl, the more valuable it will be.
Because a pearl is an organic gemstone, you should expect it to have tiny imperfections on its surface, but the fewer noticeable imperfections there are on the pearl, the more valuable it will be.
Finally, the nacre will come into question regarding the pearl's value. The nacre is essentially the composition of the pearl. Layer after layer of nacre is added around the nucleus of a pearl as they are grown within oysters.
If the pearl is not left inside the oyster long enough, the nacre will not be thick enough, and you will get a low-quality pearl. This is one area where a freshwater pearl can be much more valuable than a saltwater pearl, since they tend to produce thicker nacres.
Now that you know a bit about pearls, you probably think you are ready to shop, right? Not quite. You will probably want to gain a bit more knowledge before you buy. For instance, though you know that luster is a very important trait when it comes to value, you also need to know the way to determine the luster of an individual item while reading a product listing.
The luster of a pearl is graded by experts, making it easy for buyers to determine the quality of the item. The poorest luster sold is given an A grade, meaning they will have a bit of shine, but will likely look a bit cloudy.
A pearl rated as AA will be a bit better and have a bit more shine. A higher quality pearl will be given an AA+ grade, so you will know that this pearl is generally bright and sharp. AAA pearls have been given the top possible grade and are notable for having impeccable luster.
Before shopping, you should also have a bit of knowledge about the types of pearls. The most popular are Mabe, Cortez, Tahitian, Akoya, and South Sea pearls.
Pearls have been highly desirable gemstones for hundreds of years, and they continue to maintain their popularity. Whether you are looking for fine jewelry or are looking to invest with quality pearl gemstones, there are a number of reasons to better understand the value of pearls and pearl jewelry. When you feel qualified to make an informed decision, you will wear your pearls with pride, knowing you made a wise selection.
If you are considering buying pearls for someone you love, or even for yourself, you might be wondering about the actual value of pearls themselves - how much should you pay for a pearl item? Which types of pearls are more valuable? This is a valid concern as pearls can really run the gamut when it comes to price. Even what may seem like small details can affect the price of a pearl or pearl item.
What Affects Pearl Pricing?
There are a surprising number of traits that can affect the pricing of a pearl. Potential buyers should be aware of all of these as they set out to make their purchase.
Pearl Types
One of the most important details that will affect pearl pricing is the variety of pearl for sale. At the most basic level, there are two main types: saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls.
Saltwater pearls are considered to be the more valuable of these two pearl types. This is, quite simply, because saltwater pearls are much rarer than the freshwater variety. A freshwater oyster can produce 30 to 40 pearls in a season; however, a saltwater oyster is only able to produce 1 or 2 pearls.
Saltwater pearls are further classified according to the area in which they were produced. Some of the most common include South Sea pearls, Akoya pearls, and Tahitian pearls. Each variety is known for having different qualities.
| Pearl Type | Description of Pearl |
|---|---|
| Mabe | Mabe pearls are popular because of their uniqueness. They are semi-spherical and are available in several colors. These pearls usually have a flat shape and are even called "flat pearls." |
| Cortez | Cortez pearls are unique cultured pearls due to their color, which no matter what shade the pearl is, gives off a rainbow of color. |
| Tahitian | Also known as a black pearl, these pearls are formed inside of the black-lipped oyster and are exported from French Polynesia. |
| Akoya | Most Akoya pearls are from China or Japan and are generally white or cream in color, though it is possible to find darker shades. |
| South Sea | South Sea pearls are usually the largest pearls and are white, gold, or cream in color. |
Pearl Size
You will also find that the size of the pearl, regardless of whether it is a freshwater pearl or saltwater pearl, will also affect its pricing. The larger the pearl, the more expensive it will be - at least in most cases. Keep in mind that the rarity of a particular pearl can make it more valuable, even if it is on the smaller side.
Generally speaking, however, a difference of a single millimeter can increase the value of a pearl by one or two percent. Saltwater pearls, in general, range in size from 9 millimeters to 18 millimeters and freshwater from about 1 to 2 millimeters up to about 15 or 16 millimeters; consequently, if you see small pearls, odds are they are the freshwater variety.
Pearl Color
The color of the pearl will also be a determining factor when it comes to price. Most people think that pearls are naturally a pale yellow or cream color, but the fact is they can come in a range of shades.
| Pearl Color | Description of Color and Price |
|---|---|
| Pink or Light Pink Pearls | Naturally pink pearls are typically the most expensive of all colors. Light pink pearls are naturally more common and the darker they are, the more expensive they get; however, pearls that are dyed pink are not as valuable. |
| White Pearls | White pearls are slightly less valuable than a light pink pearl and are still quite expensive. |
| Light Cream or Cream Pearls | Pearls that are darker than white will be less valuable when compared with white or pink pearls. Light cream and cream pearls are typically considered "middle of the road" pearls. |
| Yellow, Beige or Green Pearls | Darker colored pearls are the least valuable variety in most cases, except in the case of black pearls. These pearls are quite valuable and sought-after; therefore, the unusual quality of these items means that they may be elevated in price when used in fashion pieces. |
| Black Pearls | Darker is better when it comes to black pearls. These rare and beautiful pearls may be used alone in jewelry pieces or combined with other colors for a unique fashion look. |
Pearl Shape
In general, you will find that the more symmetrical and round a pearl is, the more valuable it will be. There are some cases, however, when pearls will grow into unique shapes naturally and will be worth more than round pearls of similar quality.
Pearl Luster
The luster of the pearl will also affect its value. But what is luster exactly? Luster refers to several features of a pearl. For instance, luster is used to describe the shininess of the pearl, as well as to describe the shape and strength of the reflection of light.
Finally, luster is used to describe the contrast between the light and dark areas of the pearl. The more lustrous a pearl, the more valuable it will be.
Pearl Surface
Because a pearl is an organic gemstone, you should expect it to have tiny imperfections on its surface, but the fewer noticeable imperfections there are on the pearl, the more valuable it will be.
Pearl Nacre
Finally, the nacre will come into question regarding the pearl's value. The nacre is essentially the composition of the pearl. Layer after layer of nacre is added around the nucleus of a pearl as they are grown within oysters.
If the pearl is not left inside the oyster long enough, the nacre will not be thick enough, and you will get a low-quality pearl. This is one area where a freshwater pearl can be much more valuable than a saltwater pearl, since they tend to produce thicker nacres.
Shopping for Pearls & Pearl Jewelry
Now that you know a bit about pearls, you probably think you are ready to shop, right? Not quite. You will probably want to gain a bit more knowledge before you buy. For instance, though you know that luster is a very important trait when it comes to value, you also need to know the way to determine the luster of an individual item while reading a product listing.
The luster of a pearl is graded by experts, making it easy for buyers to determine the quality of the item. The poorest luster sold is given an A grade, meaning they will have a bit of shine, but will likely look a bit cloudy.
A pearl rated as AA will be a bit better and have a bit more shine. A higher quality pearl will be given an AA+ grade, so you will know that this pearl is generally bright and sharp. AAA pearls have been given the top possible grade and are notable for having impeccable luster.
Before shopping, you should also have a bit of knowledge about the types of pearls. The most popular are Mabe, Cortez, Tahitian, Akoya, and South Sea pearls.
Pearls have been highly desirable gemstones for hundreds of years, and they continue to maintain their popularity. Whether you are looking for fine jewelry or are looking to invest with quality pearl gemstones, there are a number of reasons to better understand the value of pearls and pearl jewelry. When you feel qualified to make an informed decision, you will wear your pearls with pride, knowing you made a wise selection.
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