How can you tell if a pearl is 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.

How can you tell a genuine pearl?

Simply take the pearl, and gently rub it along the surface of your tooth. If the pearls are real, you'll feel a grittiness similar to sandpaper. In other words, there will be a great deal of friction. If the pearls are fake, on the other hand, it will feel smooth as with plastic or glass.

Which pearl grade is best?

AAAAA is the highest quality of pearl known and is expensive and exclusive, while AAA is the highest quality of non-round shape pearls. The lower grade of AAA pearls is the AA+ quality of the pearl which has a surface having a very high luster and at least 75% of the surface will be free from any type of defect.

How do I know if my pearls are worth anything?

In general, there're 7 factors that affect the pearl value: shape, size, colour, lustre, surface quality, nacre quality and matching. Like the 4Cs of diamond valuation, the pearl's 7 value factors are created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to standardise pearl grading systems.

What pearl color is rarest?

Gold Pearls

One of the largest and rarest pearls found around the world is Gold in color. They are Golden South Sea pearls, cultured in the Philippine Islands. Golden South Sea pearls have only been available to pearl lovers since the late 1970s, and are known as the “Rolls Royce” of cultured pearls.

How to Grade and Value Pearls: The 5 S's

How much money is a real pearl worth?

How Much Are Real Pearls Worth? A traditional strand of white pearls can range from $100 (Freshwater pearl necklace) to $10,000 (Akoya pearl necklace). A strand of large, flawless South Sea pearls could even be valued as high as $100,000+ .

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

The luster of natural pearls tends to be deeper although more subtle than the high-gloss luster of cultured pearls. They are also typically more organic in shape, meaning they may not be as perfectly round when compared to cultured pearls.

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

Rub it against your teeth

Real pearls have a gritty texture, while fake gems feel smooth because they're made of plastic. Make sure you don't rub it against the edge of your teeth, just the front of them because you'll risk scratching the pearl.

How do you test pearls with vinegar?

To try it for yourself, put a drop of vinegar on the pearl or submerge the pearl in a small cup of vinegar. If you can see bubbles forming from the release of carbon dioxide in the chemical reaction, your pearls are authentic.

How much is a single pearl worth?

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.

Do real pearls turn yellow?

Yellow pearls typically indicate that pearls are real since artificial pearls don't normally change color. While natural white pearls can yellow with age, there are such things as naturally yellow pearls. These naturally yellow stones are yellow not because of their age but because of the way they have been cultivated.

Why are some pearls so cheap?

Freshwater pearls are cheaper because they are easier to extract, making sea pearls more valued. Why? Sea pearls are larger, more beautiful in shape, luster, smoother surface and, of course, much more expensive than freshwater pearls. (or Akoya) are the best known and most valued in the world.

What's the difference between a pearl and a cultured pearl?

Natural pearls grow in the wild without human intervention. They are very rare, and most natural pearls in the market today are antique. Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms, and are the direct result of human intervention. The vast majority of pearls in the pearl/jewelry market are cultured pearls.

How can you tell if pearls are freshwater or saltwater?

How to tell difference between freshwater & saltwater pearls? The easiest way to tell the difference between freshwater and saltwater pearls is by their color. Freshwater pearls are typically white, off-white, or cream in color, while saltwater pearls come in a variety of colors including blue, green, black, and pink.

Do old pearls have any value?

The sad reality is that old, second-hand cultured pearls aren't worth a lot. There's no obvious place to sell them and you won't get much from a jeweller or by putting them on eBay. Our advice is to keep them as a memento or give them to someone who'll appreciate them.

Can you pawn a pearl?

If you have loose pearls or any kind of pearl jewelry on hand, you could make money by bringing them to a pawn shop. Like any jewelry item, our team will examine it to accurately determine its worth. You'll receive the most value for your pearls if they are high quality and lack any physical damage!

Are Akoya or freshwater pearls better?

When compared to other varieties, such as Tahitian and South Sea, Akoya pearls definitely offer good value for money without compromising on beauty. Freshwater pearls lack the deep, beautiful gleam of an Akoya. However, the palette of colors and attractive pricing makes them a great option for many people.

Which country has the best pearls?

Japan is the acknowledged leader in Akoya pearl production – known to produce the best, most consistently beautiful Akoya pearls in the world. SIZES: Akoya pearls range in size from 2.0-3.0mm up through 9.0-9.5mm, and very rarely, 9.5-10.0mm.

What happens if you wear pearls everyday?

As naturally porous gemstones that require moisture to maintain their lustre, pearls actually benefit from being worn. The natural oils in your skin help to revitalise the nacre which gives your pearls their shine, thus improving their finish the more you wear them.

Why can't pearls get wet?

Do not submerge your pearls in water - no showers, no dishes, no swimming. The chlorine in the water will eat away at the epoxy securing the pearls to their mountings, and soaking the silk your pearls are strung on causes it to stretch out and break early.

What happens to pearls if not worn?

While pearls may appear hard and shiny, the surface of a pearl is actually quite porous, and will absorb the natural oils from your body. If pearls are not worn every four months or so, they can dry out and become dull and yellowed.

Are real pearls not supposed to touch?

Touch and feel the temperature

Real pearls are cold to touch for the first couple of seconds before warming up against your skin. Fake plastic pearls have the same temperature as the room temperature and you don't feel the coolness when you touch them.

What is the most sought after pearl?

South Sea. 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.

What shape pearls are the most expensive?

Color: The color of a pearl also affects the price. Naturally dark colors and colors that are rare, like gold, are more valuable. Shape: Pearls that are perfectly round are more expensive than those that aren't.

What is the finest quality pearl called?

An important factor to look out for is the thickness of the nacre as this determines the pearl's luster. Only the Akoya cultured pearls with the highest quality and luster can be bestowed with the name “Mikimoto Pearl.”