Are old pearl necklaces worth anything?

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 know if your pearl necklace is 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.

Do old pearls have 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.


How can you tell how much a pearl is worth?

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.

Do pearl necklaces hold value?

Both natural and cultured pearl jewelry can be valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars; but only natural pearls are fetching multi-million-dollar price tags at auction.


Vintage Jewelry Identification Pearls



What Colour pearl is most valuable?

While the white pearls are also priced by jewelers, the gold pearl variety is the most coveted color. The gold South sea pearl's color can range from creamy white to deep gold, and the darker the color, the more expensive it becomes.

How can you tell if old pearls are real?

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.

Are small pearls worth anything?

Low quality freshwater pearls can be bought for as little as $20, while average quality pearls sell for anywhere between $30 and $50. Fine quality freshwater pearls can fetch between $65 and $5,000, or more in certain cases.


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.

Do pearls get better with age?

Like many things in life, pearls age. As these precious gems age, they go through a natural process that changes the composition of the organic substances that make them up. This causes them to change color.

How much can you sell 1 pearl for?

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 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 grade of pearl 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.

Do pearls deteriorate if not 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. If left to dry out over long periods, your pearls will likely crack or turn yellow.


Can pearls be appraised?

For example, if you have an antique pearl necklace, then you'll want to find a GIA-certified appraiser who specializes in pearls and/or antique jewelry. To search for reputable appraisers in your local area, you can visit the American Gem Society's website.

Which pearls are rarest pearls?

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.

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 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.

What kind of pearls do I have?

There are two primary shape categories that all pearls fall into: traditional and baroque. Traditional pearls are round while baroque pearls are virtually anything else. Some prefer baroque pearls for their unique shapes, although traditional pearls are generally more valuable.

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+. For more information, read how Freshwater pearls compare to Akoyas. $130 - $5,000 or more.


What is the best color of pearls?

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.

Are good pearls heavy or light?

Feel The Weight Of The Pearl

Most real pearls feel somewhat heavy, considering their size. Counterfeit ones, particularly if they're made from plastic, will feel light and insubstantial. While this may not be the most accurate method of confirming authenticity, it does offer an idea of authenticity.

Are pearls easy to sell?

You'll receive less than you think. Unfortunately, pearls are the category of jewelry that is least in demand on the resale market today. As a result, used strands of pearls sell for very little. That may change in the future so you may decide instead to enjoy them now rather than cashing in when the value is low.


Do jewelers buy pearls?

While you may be able to sell your pearl necklace to an antique or estate jewelry buyer, most jewelry buyers are not interested in pearls since there is not much market demand for them. However, if your pearl necklace, earrings, bracelet or rings' setting or other materials may be valuable.

When should you not wear pearls?

This means that people of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendant should not wear pearls. If such people wear pearls then their mind gets distracted and upheaval starts in life. Those people whose moon is placed in the 12th or 10th house in their horoscope are also not advised to wear pearls.