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.
How can I sell my pearls?
- Pawn or consignment shops: Selling through a pawn shop will probably get you your money quickest, but you'll also likely get the least amount of money for your pearl in this way.
- Jewelry stores: Jewelry stores near you will purchase either loose pearls or pearl jewelry.
How can I tell what kind of pearls I have?
The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. If the pearl is natural or cultured, you will feel the surface as gritty. If the pearl is a faux gem, then the surface will feel smooth. FACT: While observing pearls under a magnifier, specialists can easily tell whether they are a fake or a real gem.
Are old pearls worth money?
The sad reality is that old, second-hand cultured pearls aren't worth a lot. There's no obvious place tosell 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 the difference between natural and cultured pearls?
So, the main difference between natural and cultured pearls is the way the secretion process begins. With natural pearls, the process takes place in the ocean, without any human intervention. On the other side, cultured pearls require the assistance of pearl farmers to begin the nacre-forming process.
How can you tell real cultured pearls?
Pearls strung along a strand will have holes drilled for the silk string to pass through. A real pearl will have well‐defined edges (like a hollow cylinder). Imitation or simulated pearls often have rough or rounded edges. Also look for chipped paint or coating around the hole.
Are pearls worth anything at a pawn shop?
You can expect to receive anywhere from $20-$500 for a pearl necklace. Like any item you bring into a pawn shop, the amount you receive for your pearls is determined by: The demand for pearls at the time.
Can you sell pearls you find?
You can sell your pearls in many of the same venues as you might sell any other type of jewelry, such as gold, silver, diamonds, etc. The most common buyers for pearl jewelry include: Auctions: An auction can be an excellent way of selling your pearl jewelry if you have a piece that you know is quite valuable.
How can you test if a pearl is real?
Rub the pearls against your front teeth. Rub them against your teeth with a side-to-side motion. A real pearl will usually have a slightly rough or gritty texture from tiny scale-like imperfections in its outer layers of nacre. Fake pearls made from glass or plastic will usually be almost perfectly smooth. Rub them against your teeth with a side-to-side motion. A real pearl will usually have a slightly rough or gritty texture from tiny scale-like imperfections in its outer layers of nacre. Fake pearlsFake pearlsShell pearl The pearlescent substance used to coat various cores may contain essence d'orient, isinglass, fish scales, oyster scales, or mother-of-pearl powder, along with binders or dyes. Coral is sometimes used to imitate pearls from the pink conch, and hematite is sometimes used to imitate black pearls.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Imitation_pearlImitation pearl - Wikipedia made from glass or plastic will usually be almost perfectly smooth.
How much money do you get if you sell a pearl?
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 does cultured pearls look like?
The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. If the pearl is natural or cultured, you will feel the surface as gritty. In general, if the surface is grainy, the pearl is real and if the texture is eggshell-like with a rugged look, the pearl is an imitation.
How do I know if my 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.
What color are cultured pearls?
They might be gray, black or brown, and they can have blue, green, purple or pink overtones. Freshwater cultured pearls are the most commonly produced pearls and they are one of the most popular pearl types among shoppers and jewelry designers.