We had some time to play with and admire one of our Tahitian pearl necklaces, totally saturated with Peacock and Green overtones at a recent photoshoot. Fun!
Every day we receive questions from customers all over the world about pearls. We decided to post our answers here for every one to read!
Simply put: the larger the pearl is (all other factors being equal), the more expensive it will be. A pearl's size is one of the most significant factors influencing its price, because larger pearls are rarer and more difficult to farm than smaller pearls.
The size of the pearl depends on factors such as the species of oyster, the size of the mother of pearl bead nucleus, and the length of time the oyster spends in the water growing the pearl. South Sea and Tahitian pearls are overall larger pearl types than that of the Japanese Akoya or Chinese Freshwater pearls.
Larger pearls like South Sea and Tahitian pearls require longer cultivation times inside their host oyster. This increases the risk of mortality through dangers like algae blooms, for instance the infamous Red Tide, which can wipe out entire oyster populations in just days. Predators and parasites are constantly attacking the oysters while they are growing their pearls inside, and require cleaning and diligence during their time in the water.
With every oyster that dies, it reduces the number of viable pearls harvested. As a result, larger pearls are significantly less common, making them more valuable in the pearl market.
This rarity factor for larger pearls drives up their price due to the basic principle of supply and demand.
While small to medium-sized pearls are more plentiful and easier to produce - the astonishing volume of cultured Freshwater pearls in sizes ranging from 3.0-10.0mm absolutely dwarfs that of any other pearl type! - cultured pearls that exceed certain size thresholds—like the 9.5-10.0mm or higher in the case of Akoya pearls— or 13.0-16.0mm or larger for South Sea pearls are much less frequently found during harvests, and are prized by farmers and pearl lovers alike for their large, coveted sizes.
Their unique sizes induces collectors and buyers alike to place a premium on these pearls.
For Akoya and Freshwater pearl necklaces, earrings or pendants, prices will be in the lower to moderate range - $100-$1,000 is the median depending on the jewelry type - in sizes 3.0-8.0mm.
These pricing increases might sound extreme, but it's important to understand that for some pearl types like Tahitian and South Sea pearls, it can take YEARS to carefully construct a matching layout of pearls.
With each pearl harvest, exceptional pearls are set aside and pearl sorters examine each pearl for body color, overtone, luster (brightness, reflectivity and depth), surface quality and yes, SIZE, to see if they will hopefully match into a necklace under construction.
When we consider the rarity of these larger pearls - a farmer may get just a few with each harvest, as the smaller pearls are less expensive to buyers, and easier to produce - then the creation of a luxuriously large pearl necklace ranging up to 16.0mm in size becomes difficult, time consuming, and yes, even a bit dangerous for the farmer to produce! His livelihood and that of all his employees on the farm are dependent upon successful pearl harvests. What a gamble, eh?
In addition to rarity, the size of a pearl impacts its aesthetic value and overall impression, contributing to its appeal. Larger pearls tend to have a more striking presence and are often used as statement pieces in luxury jewelry.
Their greater surface area allows for a more prominent display of luster, overtones, and other qualities that define a pearl’s beauty. This makes larger pearls particularly sought after for high-end designs, further elevating their market value compared to smaller counterparts.
The way history and culture have shaped pearl prices is a very interesting subject - there were times when pearls were restricted only to royalty, and times when pearls were a popular craze sought after by entire nations. Large, lustrous pearls have always been viewed as a sign of being rich and powerful, as with royal jewels, or a celebrity sporting a dazzling pearl and diamond couture design on the red carpet.
These luxurious vibes stick around today. Because of this, the larger pearls are always in high demand, and their prices will remain high. When you mix in how rare they are, how pretty they look, and how risky they are to grow, it’s easy to see why large pearls are such a big deal in the jewelry world.
These exquisite pearl earrings add a touch of elegance to any occasion. These earrings feature two lustrous 11.0-12.0mm or 12.0-13.0mm, AAA to AAAA quality White South Sea pearls, hand picked for their gorgeous luster and unblemished surfaces. The pearls are mountings on 14K white gold.
View more stunning pearl earrings and South Sea pearls to compliment these pearls.
