Value of Pearl Necklace

Start Your Online Jewelry Appraisal Now - BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

The question came in to Ask The Appraiser and I thought it would be very relevant, so I have added it here.

———-

Pearl Necklace Question:

I am trying to get an idea on the value of a pearl necklace that has been handed down to me from my grandmother.

The Pearl Necklace

It was purchased around 1905 in New York City, USA. It is of very good quality, 18 inches long with each white pearl being approximately 7mm in width.

I very much appreciate your time.

Thank you, Eileen

Here’s My Answer:

G’day Eileen and many thanks for your query.

The Valuation of Pearls is generally considered to be MORE complex then the appraisal of ANY OTHER TYPE of jewelry – including Diamonds.

This is one of the MOST asked about subjects, and is also one of the few items we CANNOT do at the Jewelry Appraisal Center.

NOT YET ANYWAY – BUT IT’S COMING… :-)

We have had a special online appraisal form under beta testing for some time, but like Opals, Pearls are not standardized in the same sort of way other gemstones are calculated.

Article Continued Below…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • Related Items Available on eBay Right now…

[phpbay]pearl jewelry, 5[/phpbay]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Article Continued…

The reason become quite clear when you think about peals. Not only do they have to be classified by size, but the SHAPE, COLOR, LUSTRE, any blemishes on the surface, and finally (especially for strings of pearls) there is the question of EACH pearl having to match.

Phew! No wonder they are hard to evaluate.

I won’t go into the way Gemologist/Valuers like myself go through a Pearl Appraisal, but just let me confirm – IT’S REALLY REALLY HARD!

I would suggest you take it to your local FRIENDLY jeweler and have them do a full gemological and written appraisal for you, and while they are at it, maybe do a complete check on the stringing, clasps and general condition and treatment of your necklace.

Yes, I know it’s going to cost, but at least then you will have WRITTEN PROOF of what you have in the event of them being lost or stolen, together with a full check over of the gems too.

It’s easy to forget that we have our cars serviced each year, but forget to have our jewelry checked over. Pearls in particular are VERY susceptible to all sorts of damage over time, so need a good examination and restringing etc – at least every five to ten years or so. Don’t become a ‘Victim of Loss’ and leave it too late.

Sorry I can’t be more helpful. The best you can do is a comparison shop by looking in your Shopping Mall Jewelers window or even browsing through eBay and the like. The Antique Jewelry Fair at http://www.antique-jewelry-fair.com/ occasionally has Vintage jewelry on offer.

Remember though, that the second-hand price has NOTHING to do with the Appraisal value, which is quite a different thing. It is much better to use our Jewelry Appraisals Online software system to get an accurate description and even a photo if possible to help identify your jewelry.

If you have any other problems or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me personally at this website.

Kind regards. David

About

Old enough to know better but young enough to not be dead yet

Others really liked this information...
What are the Main Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls?

Most people when they imagine a pearl are picturing perfect large round spherical gems, creamy white in colour with a shimmery iridescent surface. The reality is that pearls are usually irregular in shape, each one is different and to find one that is completely round is almost unheard of, not to mention trying to make a whole necklace of pearls that are all more or less the same.

Natural pearls are the rarest and most highly valued variety, but nowadays most pearl jewellery is made from cultured or farmed pearls, which are grown on pearl farms across the world by inserting a bead nucleus inside an oyster or mussel shell to encourage the formation of a pearl.

Aside from whether a pearl has formed naturally or been farmed… Continue reading What are the Main Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls?

Gold Ring Found While Metal Detecting

Is This Gold Ring Real?

Just received this message from Dave (good name that) and he wanted to know a bit more about the ring he found while metal detecting. I don’t know what the legal requirements are for found jewelry – but the item look typical of the 1980′s to 1990′s so I guess he would be okay to keep it.

What do you think?

This was his message and image he sent through using our FREE ‘Submit A Pic’ Service available from the top sidebar.

Picked up this ring metal detecting an ocean front. Not sure of the stone. The design is basic but interesting. Any info that can be provided would be grateful.

Continue reading Gold Ring Found While Metal Detecting

Is This Heart Shaped Diamond Real?

This recently came in from a guest who wanted to get some information on the ring shown below. It came from Heather Damon via our FREE ‘Submit A Pic‘ service. She asked:
“i would like to know if it is real and if it is what is it worth…”
Seems simple enough EXCEPT (as mentioned on the submission page) I cannot provide anyone with an estimation on Value or indeed if the diamond ring is ‘REAL’ or not – simply from a photo.

Without the ability to see, feel measure and test the item, I may as well be a taxi driver or pilot of an aeroplane. Both have skills that I do NOT (so I wouldn’t be able to do their jobs)… Continue reading Is This Heart Shaped Diamond Real?