How can you tell the difference between freshwater pearls and South Sea pearls?

How can I tell if my pearls are freshwater or saltwater?

There are a few differences between saltwater and freshwater pearls that affect their appearance. Freshwater pearls have a thicker nacre than saltwater pearls, and therefore may have more depth of shimmer to them. However, this thicker nacre also makes them less lustrous or shiny than saltwater pearls.

How can you tell if a pearl is a South Sea pearl?

The main identifier for South Sea pearls is their size. They are larger than any other pearls because they are grown in the largest genus of oyster, the Pinctada Maxima. Their size usually ranges from 8-20mm, although they can grow much larger if they are given more time.

Which is more expensive saltwater or freshwater pearls?

In general, saltwater pearls are more expensive than freshwater pearls because they take longer to cultivate. A saltwater mollusk only produces a single pearl at a time, whereas freshwater oysters can grow up to 30 pearls at once.

How do I know what type of pearl I have?

The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. If the pearl is natural or cultured, you will feel the surface as gritty. If the pearl is a faux gem, then the surface will feel smooth. FACT: While observing pearls under a magnifier, specialists can easily tell whether they are a fake or a real gem.

Freshwater Pearls vs Sea Pearls (Akoya Pearls)

What is the best color of South Sea pearl?

The overall value of these pearls is higher than akoya or Tahitian, and very comparable to white South Sea pearls. The deepest golden color, often referred to as 24 karat, is considered the most valuable color of all South Sea pearls.

How do I know if my pearls are worth anything?

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.

Are freshwater pearls worth anything?

Low quality freshwater pearls can be bought for as little as $20, while average quality pearls sell for anywhere between $30 and $50. Fine quality freshwater pearls can fetch between $65 and $5,000, or more in certain cases.

Can you wear freshwater pearls in the shower?

Your freshwater pearl jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Do not wear your pearl jewelry when exercising, showering, to the pool or to the beach. Yes, freshwater pearls are not as strong as some gemstones increasing the risk of damage if you wear them every day.

Why are South Sea pearls so expensive?

Because South Sea Pearls form over longer periods of time, they are more costly to cultivate. For this reason, there are a limited number of South Sea pearl farms, making the truly prized South Seas exceptionally rare. Not all cultured pearls are good enough to become Assael pearls.

Are South Sea pearls valuable?

South Sea pearls are considered the most valuable. They are also the largest pearl variety on the market. A strand of South Sea pearls can range from $1,000 to over $100,000.

What color pearl is the most valuable?

The larger size makes South Sea pearls and black pearls the most valuable type of pearl. On Mikimoto's website, this strand of South Sea cultured pearls is selling for $32,000. The other notable difference between pearl types is the color.

Do South Sea pearls have flaws?

Damaging and Non-Damaging Blemishes

It's important to remember that some blemishes won't detract from the beauty or value of a pearl, and this is particularly true with South Sea pearls. That's because it takes these pearls 2 to 3 years to develop, and flawless or slightly flawed South Sea pearls are extremely rare.

Are saltwater pearls worth anything?

Natural Saltwater Pearls come from the Pinctada radiata and Pinctada margaritifera varieties and are native to the Arabian Gulf. These natural pearls are incredibly rare and their value can vary significantly from US$500 to over US$2,000 per pearl.

Are freshwater pearls heavy?

Real pearls are heavy compared to most fakes. They should feel like they have some weight to them, compared to a hollow plastic bead. The surface will feel gritty.

How can you tell real pearls from cultured pearls?

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.

Do pearls last forever?

As mentioned, pearls are ranked 2.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale which means that a pearl is considered a soft gem and can easily be scratched. But with adequate care, pearl jewelry can last for a lifetime and be passed down through generations. The good news is that special care is not hard to do.

Why can't pearls get wet?

Pearl necklaces are typically strung in silk thread, and getting them wet can weaken the thread, so again, leave them out of the shower!

How often should you wear your pearls?

When you are wearing a pearl necklace, the moist from your skin will also moisten the conchine in the outer layers of the pearls. So wear your pearl necklace at least two or three times a year. This will avoid the drying out of your pearls.

What is the price of South Sea pearls?

South sea pearls price per carat ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 5,000 per carat Plus.

Why are some freshwater pearls so cheap?

Freshwater pearls are cheaper, whereas Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive due to their scarcity. Freshwater pearls are dyed so they can achieve their shiny look, whereas Saltwater pearls are 100% natural without dye.

Are yellowed pearls worth anything?

Yellow vs Yellowed Pearls

Pearls come in a range of colors, including yellow and golden. They have been cultivated to acquire this color and are sold as yellow pearls. These pearls are beautiful in their own right and are highly valuable and sought after.

What does grade AAA mean for pearls?

AAA Flawless pearl on at least 80-85% of its surface, with the remaining 15-20% containing only minor imperfections with one or two deep imperfections. AAAA Flawless pearl on at least 95% of the pearl surface, with 5% having slight concentrated imperfections. Luster. A Poor. AA Medium.

What is so special about South Sea pearls?

South Sea pearls are generally much larger than other pearl types and have a unique luster quality – a soft reflection due to the large aragonite platelets that make up the pearl. They also have the thickest average nacre of all cultured pearls. These factors make South Seas both distinctive and valuable.

What is the difference between Akoya and South Sea pearls?

South Sea Pearls of 9.5 – 10.5 mm sizes are more common. But the smaller Akoya oyster has a hard time producing a pearl as large as 9.5 – 10.5 mm, making these pearls much rarer, hence the higher price. Akoya Pearls are preferred for someone wanting a bright white/pink lustrous strand in this “overlap” size range.