The Difference between Cost and Value in Pearls

A misconception which you may run into as you shop for pearls is the difference between the price you pay and the true value of your pearl jewelry. You can walk into any mall and find department stores selling strands of pearls. At first glance they look identical to the ones you find in a fine jewelry store. Before making your purchase you need to look closer. The lower price you see in the department store might cost you more in the long run.

The Size of Pearls Alone Do Not Determine Value

When you start comparing the department store pearl strand to the one from a jewelry store which carries Mastoloni pearl creations, you may discover some big differences. The department store necklace for the same price may have larger pearls or be a longer strand. Does that really determine the true value? When you ask a pearl expert to appraise a necklace they take into account the size of pearls and the length of the strand, but then they pull out their jeweler’s eyepiece and start the real evaluation. They will look at the luster of the pearl and give it a rating. They will then check the thickness of the nacre. (Nacre is the pearly covering the clam or oyster coats the irritant with.)

Uncovering Flaws to Determine True Value

They will continue their examination of each pearl looking for flaws in the surface. They will compare coloration and consistency throughout the piece. They will examine the shape of each pearl. The jeweler will evaluate the orient of the pearl, which is the way light bounce through the layers creating the light rainbow effect.

Only after examining each pearl and the overall piece can they give a value to the necklace. What you will discover is the piece you thought was a great bargain in the department store may have a low value. The pearl strand you found at the Mastoloni partner store has a high value due to the outstanding pearls, consistency, and the overall presentation of the necklace. The value difference will increase with age. The high value necklace will retain value while a pearl necklace with lower grade pearls may decrease in value turning it into the higher cost investment.

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