What to consider when buying pearls?

Pearl Quality Factors

The combination of surface brilliance and a deep-seated glow, the luster of a good-quality cultured pearl should be bright, not dull. Your reflection should be seen clearly on the surface of a cultured pearl. Any pearl that looks too chalky or dull indicates low quality.

What to look out for when buying pearls?

Look for smooth, luminous pearl surfaces. The surface nacre of a high-end South Sea or Akoya pearl should be smooth, shiny, and free of flaws. Thicker layers of nacre—the organic crystalline substance that makes up the pearl—paves the way for a beautiful, deep and luminous luster.

How can you tell if pearls are good quality?

The luster of good quality pearls is sharp and bright. You should be able to see your reflection clearly on the surface of a pearl. Any pearl that appears too white, dull or chalky, is of low quality.

What makes a pearl high quality?

Best quality pearls are determined by luster, nacre thickness and quality (the outer layer), color, surface perfection, shape, and size. The biggest factor of pearl quality is nacre thickness and quality which determines how long the pearl will last.

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 to Know Before You Buy Pearls: Pearl Value Factors

Which Colour pearl is best?

The most classic and widely preferred pearl color is white. The white pearl is considered a symbol of purity, and is often associated with wedding and graduation celebrations.

How can you tell the difference between real pearls and fake pearls?

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.

Are small pearls worth anything?

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.

How do you tell if a pearl is natural or cultured?

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.

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.

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.

Why are some pearls cheap?

As a matter of fact, according to the American Gem Society, most of the ocean's natural pearls have already been harvested by pearl divers. Therefore, even though the quality of a cultured pearl may be the same as that of a natural pearl, the cultured version is generally much more affordable because of its rarity.

Are Tiffany pearls worth it?

Are Tiffany Pearls Good Quality? Definitely! Tiffany's sell some VERY high-quality pearls, and their jewelry craftsmanship is impeccable. Their Tahitian and South Sea pearl jewelry offerings are nothing less than gorgeous.

How much should a pearl necklace cost?

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+.

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.

What is the price of 1 gram pearl?

The cost of 1 gram A-grade freshwater pearl can be as low as INR 40. The cost of 1-gram highest quality freshwater pearl (AAA) is about INR 250.

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.

What are the two types of pearls?

First of all, it's important to note that there are two main types of pearls – natural and cultured. Natural pearls refers to pearls that form in oysters or molluscs naturally, when an irritant finds its way into the creature.

Do fake pearls turn yellow?

Fake or imitation pearls almost always never turn yellow, as they are made of materials such as plastic and ceramic. Yellowing generally means that your pearls are organic and subject to change.

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.

Which pearl is best to wear?

Astrologically, Japanese Pearls or South Sea Pearls should be worn for best results. Among these, South Sea Pearls are the most popular owing to their good quality & affordability.

Is Akoya pearl good?

The Akoya pearl is known for its superb luster and its perfectly round shape. Akoyas also have a beautiful color consistency, making them often the pearl of choice for a woman's first strand of pearls.

What skin tone suits pearls?

That said, there are a few considerations you may want to keep in mind: Generally, lighter pearls – white, rose, peach, cream – work well with fairer skin tones. Darker complexions go well with gold and cream-colored pearls. Olive skin tones and white pearls with silver overtones are a good match.