How rare is a South Sea pearl?

South Sea pearls can be found in the range of 8 to 20 mm, with the average being 12 mm. Although extremely rare, some pearls have been found larger than 20 mm. Only 10-30% of each harvest will be round or near-round, so those strands carried by Pearl Paradise are truly a rare commodity.

Why are South Sea pearls rare?

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.

What is the rare 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.

Are South Sea pearls a good investment?

Investing in South Sea Pearls

They may be more expensive than other pearls, but their quality and incredible value make them a good investment. If you take care of your pearls, and repair and restring them when needed, these pearls could be passed on for many generations.

Are South Sea pearls expensive?

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.

South Sea Pearls Tutorial with GIA Graduate Gemologist Hope Meyer

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.

What is the most rare pearl color?

Naturally colored blue pearls are the rarest pearl colors in the world (with one or two exceptions, which we will get to below). The color has existed in pearls for decades, but only recently have naturally colored blue pearls gained popularity in the modern pearl jewelry markets.

Which pearl is more expensive?

South Sea pearls are often referred to as the Rolls Royce of pearls. They are the largest and most valuable pearls grown today, with average sizes ranging from 10 to 15 millimeters. South Sea pearls grow in a large pearl oyster native to Australia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia.

Where are South Sea pearls found?

Golden South Sea Pearls come from the Celebes Sea between Indonesia and The Philippines. The medium-sized 'gold-lipped' Pinctada Maxima oysters native to this particular habitat have a golden mother-of-pearl lip on their shell.

What is South Sea pearl?

South Sea pearls are cultured using a large, white-lipped oyster, hand-selected from the waters of the South Pacific. The oyster is about twice the size of the Akoya pearl oyster and produces much larger pearls. These luxurious pearls are cultured in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Japan and Thailand.

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.

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 is the difference between freshwater pearls and South Sea pearls?

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 rare is finding a pearl in an oyster?

Today, natural pearls are extremely rare. Only 1 in about 10,000 wild oysters will yield a pearl and of those, only a small percentage achieve the size, shape and colour desirable to the jewellery industry.

Are Golden South Sea pearls dyed?

Currently, the method can only be found in the South Sea pearls. And some golden South Sea pearls are dyed and even look more beautiful than natural golden ones.

What is the best grade of South Sea pearl?

South Sea pearls are famous for their high gloss luster. We have four grades of pearl luster: Very High (AAA), High (AA), Medium (A) and Soft (B). This is the quality of the light reflections from the pearl's surface. Pearls are said to have high, or very high, luster when the reflections are bright and sharp.

Is South Sea pearl natural?

Natural Pearl Colors: Golden and White South Sea pearls are admired around the world for their totally natural, organic beauty. Their body colors are completely natural and stunning without any color-treatments or dyes of any kind.

How do you care for a South Sea pearl?

Store pearl jewellery wrapped in a soft cloth to protect it from rubbing against harder gems or abrasive objects. Occasionally clean your pearls gently with a cloth dipped in alcohol diluted with warm water or in mild soapy water. Rinse the cloth in fresh water and wipe pearls clean.

How much is a real pearl necklace worth?

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+.

Are pearls worth money?

There's no doubt that pearls are one of the most popular and beloved gems in the world. They range in prices from a $100 or less all the way up to thousands and even millions of dollars.

Do real pearls burn?

Real Pearls Will Not Burn In Fire

A pearl will not burn or scorch. It also won't give off much of a smell. However, if the imitation pearl is made from glass, wax or plastic, you'll see a scorch mark and it will smell like burning plastic.

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.

Do pearls get better with age?

Did you know that pearls can change colors? It's something that can happen over time. White pearls slowly turn yellow as they age.

Is it OK to wear pearls everyday?

Casual or formal, night or day, pearls can be worn whenever and however you like So, if yours spend most of their time tucked away at the back of a drawer, we'd suggest you dig them out and start wearing them.