Why one white pearl is more valuable than another
SALTWATER PEARLS VS FRESHWATER PEARLS
Something to know about classic white pearls is that they can be the same color, shape, and size, yet have very different price points!
To decode this, join me in a pearl value game!
You will see three white 9 mm round pearls that are similarly beautiful:
Chinese freshwater pearl
Japanese Akoya pearl
Australian South Sea pearl
Watch this video to discover qualities and considerations of each and find out what makes one white pearl more valuable than another!
PEARLS: THE “QUEEN OF GEMS”
Whatever their color, pearls have undeniable allure! They are not minerals, but organic gems with unique complexity, dynamic shapes, captivating hues, and natural beauty.
As your private jewelry advisor, I’ve outlined things to consider when investing in pearls or pearl jewelry with The Skinny on Pearl!
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DESIGNER PEARL JEWELRY
RARITY AND THE VALUE OF PEARLS
It’s worth clarifying that mollusks form pearls as a response to protect themselves from an irritant, such as a parasite or other foreign object. Nacre is formed around the “intruder” layer by layer, creating a pearl.
Rarity, like all other gemstones, is a significant factor that determines value.
CULTURED PEARLS VS NATURAL PEARLS
What is the difference between cultured pearls and natural pearls?
Natural pearls are those that naturally occur in the wild. Because of their exceptional rarity, they have a high market value and prized by collectors. Our focus is cultured pearls.
Cultured pearls are those that have been grown with the help of human intervention.
THE PROCESS OF CULTURED PEARLS
The practice of cultured pearls is thought to have begun in ancient China. It was a lost art until Kokichi Mikimoto began experimenting with farming methods in 1890. By 1916, the production of cultured Akoya was in full swing - creating a bustling industry and pearl fever the world over.
Most pearls you will see in the market today are cultured in freshwater or saltwater.
The art and science of the cultured pearl process is riveting! The “nucleus” (often freshwater mussel shell) surrounded by “mantle tissue” (soft body tissue of another mollusk) is inserted into the reproductive organ of the host mollusk.
Freshwater mollusks can produce dozens of pearls in a single growth cycle lasting just months.
Saltwater mollusks, however, take 5 to 7 years to create just one pearl.
Pristine, nutrient-rich waters are essential for cultivating high-quality pearls. Pockets of the world like Tahiti, Australia, and the Philippines are renowned for producing some of the world’s most prized cultured pearls.
Think about how many years it may take to procure a matching set of two fine quality peacock Tahitian pearls like these of the same size, shape, color, and quality.
Now consider how long it may be to collect similarly matching strand of fine quality Tahitian pearls for a necklace!
Spoiler: it can take decades.
Your Fine Jewelry Concierge: Designer Pearl Jewelry
When investing in designer pearl jewelry for yourself or a bespoke gift for your wife or partner, I protect your energy and provide peace of mind when shopping for designer jewelry that tells your story and ensures you feel seen and confident.
Do you have an heirloom pearl necklace you are not wearing?
Our layering necklace styling service can help you select a pendant with a removable bail to bring it new life, so you can enjoy wearing it again!