Susan Miller

·Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design, Pratt Institute, 2012

·Bachelor of Arts in Gemology, University of California, Los Angeles, May 2005

·Editor-in-Chief, White Victoria (2018 - present)

·Write and research feature articles and profiles for print and online publication

·Contributing Writer, Modern Jeweler and Ornament

·Write and publish freelance articles for IGS and WSJ Magazine

·Jewelry Appraiser (2012 - 2020)

How Much Does a Real Pearl Necklace Cost

Everybody wants pearls in their jewelry drawers because they are pretty, shiny, and valuable. You know they can last for ages, and who would not like to pass such an inheritance to the next generation in their family? 

Well, if you have one and you are trying to find out its value, you will get your answers in this article. On the other hand, if you are trying to buy a new one and are not sure about how much it is going to cost you, you too will have every clarification here. 

In this article, we will tell you how much it will cost you to get a real pearl necklace and the qualities that can affect its price. Let's begin.

How Much Does a Real Pearl Necklace Cost?

How Much Does a Real Pearl Necklace Cost

To understand the pricing of a real pearl necklace, you have first to get familiar with its different types. 

Freshwater Pearl Necklaces

Freshwater Pearl Necklaces

These pearls come from natural water bodies, like lakes, ponds, rivers, etc. So, instead of growing them in oysters, they are cultivated as mussels. You can get freshwater pearl necklaces at low prices and in very many colors. 

The best part is that they come in various sizes and shapes. To culture a freshwater pearl, you have to insert a little piece of mantel tissue into the mollusk. This forms a pearl sac enclosing the irritant and secretes nacre to form a pearl. 

The pricing range of freshwater pearls is cheaper than that of others. It lies in the range of $50 to $1000. It would be best if you remembered that the price will keep on increasing as you ask for a larger size. 

Akoya Pearl Necklaces

Akoya Pearl Necklaces

You can find Akoya pearls primarily in China and Japan. They are particularly known for their excellent luster and round shape. An Akoya oyster is the best one to culture these pearls, and they range in size from 2 to 10mm. If you are lucky, you can find them in pink, white, silver, and cream. 

They have a high price range because of their outstanding features and less production. Their starting price is from $300, and it can reach up to a couple thousand dollars. However, the price depends upon what size and quality you are buying. 

Tahitian Pearl Necklaces

Tahitian Pearl Necklaces

Interestingly, these pearls are grown in French Polynesia. When you use a black-lipped Pinctada margaritifera shell to culture a Tahitian pearl necklace, you will get an 8 to 18mm size pearl. They do come in dark colors, for example, green, brown, grey, etc. The basic price range is higher than Akoya or Freshwater pearls but a little less than South Sea pearls. 

South Sea Pearl Necklaces

If you want the largest and the most worthy pearl, then you should buy the South Sea pearl necklace. They are cultivated in Australia, the Philippines, etc. The gold-lipped or silver-lipped oyster is the best one to cultivate these pearls. 

The basic size is 9 to 20mm, and their luster is exceptional. Because they are so luxurious, their starting range is $1000, and this can go up to a couple tens of thousands of dollars.

Qualities That Affect Pearl Necklace Price

Qualities That Affect Pearl Necklace Price

Now that you know about the types of pearls available to make a real pearl necklace, let's figure out what more can affect the price.

•Pearl Type: Well, every different type of pearl has a different pricing range.

•Pearl Size: Always remember that the larger the size you desire, the more it is going to cost you. So, it is safe to say that the price of a pearl is directly related to its size.

•Pearl Color: The color of the pearl also affects its price because different colored pearls are more valuable than basic white or cream pearls.

•Pearl Shape: Round pearls are more expensive than irregular shapes.

•Pearl Luster: The higher the luster, the more expensive the pearl.

•Pearl Surface: Pearls that have very few scratches or dents are more valuable than otherwise.

What Makes a Real Pearl Necklace Valuable?

What Makes a Real Pearl Necklace Valuable

The factors like a pearl's size, color, shape, luster, etc., make a real pearl necklace more valuable.

Natural vs. Cultured Pearl Necklace Value

Natural vs. Cultured Pearl Necklace Value

To begin with, we all know that natural pearls are rare, and that is what makes them more expensive than cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are grown by humans. You can find them pretty easily in the market today. 

How to Find Pearl Necklace You Can Trust

How to Find Pearl Necklace You Can Trust

Firstly, always buy them from a reputable jeweler who has a history of selling quality pearls. Secondly, make sure to ask for proper certificates and information about the origins of the pearl. This way, you can ensure it is a quality pearl. 

Is Pearl Necklace a Good Investment?

Is Pearl Necklace a Good Investment

If you can get hold of real pearls, then surely it is a great investment. Pearls have great resale value, and they are of high cultural significance. The best part is that they can run in the families for generations, and that makes them a good investment.

Conclusion

Conclusion

The bottom line is that you should buy real pearl necklaces instead of just getting scammed by a fake seller. For that, always pay attention to the real blemishes, dents, or luster a pearl holds. We know that a real pearl necklace is expensive, but it can be your legacy and a proud gift for the coming generations. 

FAQs

FAQs

How can you tell if a pearl necklace is real?

First, you have to begin by examining the surface of the pearl and see if it has original bumps. If yes, then it is surely a real one. Because the fake one will have a smooth and fine texture.

Does a real pearl necklace last a lifetime?

If you take care of them properly, like not taking them in the shower or exposing them to chemicals, they can last for a lifetime.

Do pearls cost more than diamonds?

The price relies on the size and quality of the product you are buying. However, a diamond is surely more costly than a pearl.

Why can't a real pearl necklace get wet?

If you make the real pearl necklace wet, the chemicals in the water or the moisture from it can damage the real pearls. So, it is better to be safe than sorry and keep them away from water.

Can I wear my pearl necklace in the ocean?

No, you should not wear your pearl necklace in the ocean because the salty water can damage it.