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

The main difference between Freshwater Pearls and Saltwater Pearls is: Freshwater pearls are nearly 100% nacre, whereas Saltwater pearls are of a thinner nacre coating from 0.5mm to 6mm. Freshwater pearls are cheaper, whereas Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive due to their scarcity.

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.

What is the difference between South Sea pearl and freshwater pearl?

Freshwater pearls are primarily farmed in China. They grow in a mussel, as opposed to the oyster of the South Sea pearl. Freshwater pearls naturally grow in the Margaritifera mussel, which can live for over 200 years, however these are now endangered.

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.

How can you tell a freshwater pearl?

Freshwater Pearls vs Sea Pearls (Akoya Pearls)

Do freshwater pearls have lines?

Ridges are an inclusion that is unique to Freshwater pearls, quite likely due to their solid-nacre composition. Ridges are totally covered in nacre, so they'll be whatever color the pearl is, i.e. white for white, pink for pink and so on.

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.

What is the most expensive South Sea pearl color?

Pearls produced by the gold-lip South Sea pearl oyster range is colors from a creamy white to a deep gold. The varying hues in between are often referred to as yellow and champagne. Each of the colors may be beautiful in their own right, but the most valuable is gold.

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.

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.

How can you identify a natural pearl?

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.

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 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.

Which are better freshwater or cultured pearls?

The fact of the matter is this: almost all pearls sold today are cultured pearls, including freshwater pearls. In other words, there is no real difference when comparing cultured freshwater pearls vs. freshwater pearls. The real differentiator is the environment in which they are made, either freshwater or saltwater.

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.

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.

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.

What is Grade AAA pearl?

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.

What is Baby South Sea pearl?

Active member. There's no such thing as baby South Sea pearls. You have freshwater pearls from China. On the plus side, they are natural colors and the price was good, so enjoy them!

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.

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.

What is the cost of 1 pearl?

The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as its type, size, color, surface quality, and more. A wild pearl will be worth more than a cultured pearl. However, on average, a pearl's value ranges from $300 to $1500.