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"RAINBOW METALLIC BEAUTY"
This stunning loose layout of rainbow Metallic Freshwater Drops was spotted by Kevin Canning at the Hong Kong Gem and Jewellery Show a few years back. We can't stop thinking about it!
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!
Pearl necklaces are timeless symbols of elegance and sophistication, but their prices can vary dramatically depending on a range of factors. From as little as $100 for a simple Freshwater strand to well over $100,000 for the most luxurious South Sea or Tahitian pearl necklaces, the spectrum is broad. Understanding what drives this variation in cost can help shoppers make informed choices and appreciate the value behind each strand.
One of the primary factors influencing the price of a pearl necklace is the type of pearl used. Freshwater pearl necklaces are the most affordable, typically ranging from $100 to $2,000, depending on quality. These pearls are cultivated in freshwater lakes and rivers, primarily in China, and are available in natural colors of white, pink, peach and lavender.
Freshwater pearls easily dwarf every other pearl type in terms of harvest volume each year. This helps account for the less expensive prices than saltwater cultured pearls.
Akoya pearls, known for their high luster and perfect round shapes, generally cost between $300 and $10,000 and higher, depending on the size of the pearls, and the retail brand name. Companies like Mikimoto or Tiffany's often charge a luxury premium for their pearls, while specialty retailers like Pearls of Joy can get away with offering our pearls for much less due to our ability to source our pearls direct from the Akoya pearl farms and auctions overseas.
South Sea pearls, cultivated in Australia and the Philippines, and Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia are considered the most exotic and luxurious, with necklaces often priced between $2,000 and $100,000 or more due to their rarity and larger sizes.
Pearl size plays a crucial role in pricing. Larger pearls are rarer and take longer to cultivate, increasing their value significantly. For example, a 7mm Akoya pearl necklace might cost a few hundred dollars, while a strand featuring 10mm pearls can command several thousand. South Sea and Tahitian pearls, which naturally grow larger, often exceed 12mm in diameter and are priced accordingly.
Luster, surface quality, shape, and color are also critical to determining a pearl’s worth. These attributes rank high on the list of the famous 7 Value Factors, which is what specialists use to grade and assign value to pearls.
High-quality pearls have a sharp, mirror-like luster, smooth surfaces with minimal blemishes, and a perfectly symmetrical shape—all traits that drive up prices.
In terms of color, while the classic white pearl necklace remains the most popular, rarer exotic hues like Peacock and Green (Tahitian), deep Golden (South Sea), and rare Rose overtones (Akoya or White South Sea) can further elevate a necklace's value.
The matching and uniformity of pearls in a necklace also contribute to the price. It takes considerable effort and expertise to assemble a strand where all pearls are well-matched in terms of size, shape, color, and luster. This meticulous curation process can significantly impact the cost, particularly for necklaces featuring larger or rarer pearl types.
For example, a premium quality White South Sea pearl necklace may take years to create, as the pearls are slowly set aside during each annual harvest as a potential match for a necklace layout being built. Japanese Akoya pearls are infamous for their near-perfect matching for necklaces, bracelets and pearl earrings, and the pearls are cultured in precise calibrated sizes, so matching a high quality necklace is much faster and easier, contributing to a lower cost than that of the South Sea or Tahitian pearl types.
Immerse yourself in the elegance of this exquisite pearl necklace, crafted from the finest Japanese Akoya pearls. Each pearl, ranging from 7.0-7.5mm in size, showcases a captivating luster and a delicate array of rose overtones, earning them the affectionate nickname "Flower Pearls." This 18-inch necklace is lovingly hand-crafted, featuring thick nacre, which not only enhances its beauty but also ensures durability. Each piece is individually double-knotted on fine white silk and is finished with a gold clasp of your choice, making it a timeless addition to any jewelry collection.
The origins of these stunning pearls lie in the pristine waters off the coast of Japan, specifically from the renowned pearl-producing regions such as Mie and Ehime Prefectures. Here, traditional farming methods are employed, utilizing cold-water cultivation techniques that contribute to the thicker nacre of Japanese Akoya pearls compared to their Chinese counterparts. These methods reflect a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that the delicate ecosystems are preserved while delivering elegance and quality. For more insights into selecting the perfect pearls, check out our Akoya Pearl Buying Guide.
At Pearls of Joy, we pride ourselves on exceptional craftsmanship and quality, offering you the luxury of high-end pearl jewelry at a fraction of the price. Our direct-to-consumer model allows us to pass on significant savings, all while maintaining superior standards that rival luxury brands. Plus, with our 100-day free returns policy, you can shop with confidence, knowing you have ample time to fall in love with your new treasure. Explore more of our offerings and find the perfect piece to complement your style.
