Is it true that pearls are priceless when purchased? A thorough explanation of the reasons why and the types that sell for high prices

The reasons why pearls are said to be priceless are as follows:

• Easily deteriorated by sebum and sweat
• The amount of bullion used is small
• The amount of fake pearls in circulation is increasing
• Low demand for second-hand goods

Compared to other gemstones, pearls are more prone to deterioration and are more difficult to handle. For this reason, there are not many people in Japan who want them, and it is said that the second-hand market is not very active.

However, not all pearl products are priceless. Pearls are gemstones that can be divided into two types: priceless and priceless.

In this article, you will learn the following:

• Why is it said that pearls are not worth much when purchased?
• Types of pearls that are not priced when buying pearls
• Types of pearls that are likely to be purchased at high prices

If you watch until the end, you will understand why pearls are said to be priceless, and you will be able to take steps to get a high price for them.

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Is the idea that "pearls are priceless" a thing of the past? What's behind the price hike?

The idea that "pearls are priceless" is now a thing of the past. Here, we will explain the background to the soaring price of pearls, along with the following reasons.

• Decreasing production
• Increasing global demand

If you read to the end, you will see recent trends in pearl prices and understand why pearls are so expensive.

Decreasing production

The reason for the soaring price of pearls is the decline in production. Pearl farming has been popular in Ehime and Mie prefectures in Japan for a long time, but in the summer of 2019, a problem occurred in which a large number of Akoya oysters, both mother and young, died.

In 2022, it was discovered that the cause of the mass deaths was a new type of bacteria called birnavirus, but the exact mechanism has not been clarified and the problem has not been solved. As a result, the overall production volume has fallen due to a decrease in the supply of mother oysters used for aquaculture.

In addition, the number of pearl farmers has been declining since 1993, and the number of workers has also decreased significantly due to the effects of the Lehman Shock in 2008. In the 25 years from 1993 to 2018, the number of pearl farmers has decreased by 70% , weakening the pearl production system.

Increasing global demand

The global demand for pearls is increasing in inverse proportion to the decline in pearl production. Japanese Akoya pearls are highly valued overseas, and buyers are flocking to them.

It is said that three trends have emerged: a decrease in production → an increase in the number of people seeking Akoya pearls → wholesalers actively purchasing them , which has caused the price of pearls to soar.

In particular, due to economic development and rising incomes in China, the number of people seeking high-quality, expensive Akoya pearls is increasing , and Chinese buyers have entered the Japanese pearl purchasing market and started purchasing large quantities.

As mentioned above, the increased global demand for pearls is also a reason for the rising prices.

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Four reasons why pearls are said to be priceless

There are four reasons why pearls are said to be priceless when purchased.

• Easily deteriorated by sebum and sweat
• The amount of bullion used is small
• The amount of fake pearls in circulation is increasing
• Low demand for second-hand goods

Even though the price of pearls is soaring, why are they said to be priceless? Here, we will explain in detail why pearls are said to be priceless when purchased.

If you watch until the end, you will understand why they say your pearls cannot be priced, and you will be able to make a request to buy your pearls with a clear understanding.

Easily deteriorated by sebum and sweat

The reason why pearls are said to be priced so low is because they are easily deteriorated by sebum and sweat.

Pearls are classified as organic gemstones that grow in oyster shells. Unlike inorganic gemstones such as diamonds, organic gemstones are easily scratched and deteriorate quickly.

In addition, the nacre is made of calcium carbonate and dissolves when it comes into contact with acidic substances, so the surface of the pearl peels off when it comes into contact with weakly acidic moisture such as sebum or sweat.

In addition, pearls often rub against each other and become damaged, and their quality often changes when exposed to ultraviolet rays from direct sunlight. Pearls that have deteriorated in quality and lost their beauty due to sebum, sweat, impact, ultraviolet rays, etc. will be valued lower when purchased.

The amount of bullion used is small

One of the reasons why pearl products are not priced is that they contain a small amount of bullion.

Pearl products tend to have less gold, platinum or other base metal used in the chains and setting than accessories designed with other gemstones.

When assessing jewelry, the value of both the gemstone and the bullion is reflected in the purchase price. Therefore, pearl products with a small amount of bullion are priced lower than jewelry made with other gemstones.

In other words, if the pearls themselves are not of high quality, they may be worth very little.

The amount of fake pearls in circulation is increasing

Another reason why pearls cannot be priced is the increase in the amount of fake and imitation pearls in circulation.

Pearls are natural gemstones harvested from mother oysters . Since there were very few pearls on the market, imitation pearls were created before the cultivation techniques were established.

In 1656, imitation pearls were produced for the first time in the world in France, and they quickly became popular among ordinary people who could not afford the high price. It is said that imitation pearls were introduced to Japan at the end of the Meiji period, and production increased.

Historically, as fake pearls became more widely available, people were able to enjoy fashion by wearing them without having to buy real pearls.

The existence of fake pearls has reduced the value of real pearls, which is why they are said to be "priceless."

Low demand for second-hand goods

The low demand for second-hand pearls also makes them difficult to price.

Pearls are a standard gemstone worn for ceremonial occasions. However, there are few occasions where they are worn outside of ceremonial occasions, so they are not as versatile as other gemstones.

Another disadvantage is that it is difficult to process into new jewelry because it is easily scratched . Unlike other gemstones, gold, and platinum, it is difficult to resell as it needs to be recast or remade into the latest designs.

Furthermore, the fact that it is sensitive to sebum and sweat and easily deteriorates, and requires careful handling, may also be a reason why there are so few buyers.

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What are the pearls that have no value when buying pearls? Explaining the three types

There are three types of pearls that have no value when purchased:

• Artificial pearls (fake pearls)
• freshwater pearls
• No brand pearls

There are some types of pearls that are not particularly priced. Here we will explain in detail about pearls that are estimated to be low in value even if you request a purchase.

If you read to the end, you will understand which types of pearls are not priced when purchased and you will understand why.

Artificial pearls (fake pearls)

Artificial pearls (fake pearls) are items made to resemble real pearls. The main types are as follows:

• Shell pearl
• Glass Pearl
• Cotton Pearl
• Plastic Pearls

Shell pearls are imitations made by painting artificial pearl paint on round shells . They have the closest texture to the real thing, even among artificial pearls.

Glass pearls, cotton pearls, and plastic pearls are made by using the respective materials as a core and applying multiple layers of artificial pearl paint. Cotton pearls and plastic pearls in particular are characterized by their light cores and the fact that they can be manufactured in large sizes of over 10.0 mm.

Artificial pearls require less effort to manufacture than real pearls and can be mass-produced, which is why they are widely available as an affordable fashion item.

However, they are merely imitations made to resemble pearls and have no value as gemstones, so they will not fetch a price when selling pearls. For more information on artificial pearls, please see the following article.
What are artificial pearls? A comprehensive explanation of their history, appeal, and how to tell them apart from real pearls

freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls are the kind that grow in lakes and rivers.

Unlike the ocean, lakes and rivers have calm waves, which makes aquaculture less labor-intensive. In addition, multiple nuclei can be inserted into each mother oyster, making mass production possible.

Freshwater pearls have the advantage of being stable in supply, with 10 to 50 pearls harvested from one oyster. This allows them to be sold on the market at low prices.

Freshwater pearls are classified as gemstones just like sea pearls, but because their original price is low, they are not likely to fetch a high price when purchased. Furthermore, compared to sea pearls, their luster is somewhat inferior, and their appraisal value is also lower.

For more information on freshwater pearls, please see the following article:
What are freshwater pearls? A thorough explanation of their characteristics, price and quality

No brand pearls

No-brand pearls are products that are not sold by a jewelry brand. Well-known brands of pearl products are as follows:

• MIKIMOTO
• TASAKI
• WAKO
• CHANEL
• Tiffany & Co., etc.

The pearl products sold by the above jewelry brands are recognized worldwide for their value and are highly valued in appraisals. In particular, pearls sold by Mikimoto and Tasaki are of high quality and have a beautiful shine, so many people buy them even second-hand.

The pearls used by Chanel are imitation pearls, but the brand value is high and even fakes can be purchased at a high price. Tiffany's pearls are freshwater pearls, but they can also be purchased at a high price depending on the brand value.

On the other hand, be careful as generic pearl products purchased from non-famous brands or online stores may not have a value.

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Not all pearls are priceless! Four types of pearls that are likely to sell for high prices

There are four types of pearls that are likely to sell for high prices:

• Akoya pearls (Hanadama, Aurora Hanadama, Aurora Tennyo)
• Black pearl
• White South Sea Pearl
• Natural pearls (Avalon pearls, Conch pearls, etc.)

Pearls are not priceless! Here we will explain in detail the types of pearls that are likely to be purchased at high prices.

If you watch until the end, you will learn which types of pearls receive good marks in appraisals and deepen your knowledge about pearls.

Akoya pearls (Hanadama, Aurora Hanadama, Aurora Tennyo)

The Akoya pearls that are most likely to be purchased at high prices are Hanadama, Aurora Hanadama, and Aurora Tennyo .

Among Akoya pearls, those with high quality in terms of luster, shine, blemishes, and shape are classified as "Hanadama pearls." They are priced higher than regular Akoya pearls.

Furthermore, among Hanadama pearls, pearls with even higher grades in terms of luster, blemishes, and shape are certified as "Aurora Hanadama." This title is only given to pearls that meet strict standards.

Furthermore, among Aurora Hanadama, those that have a strong luster and a beautiful sparkle are called "Aurora Tennyo." When measuring the luster, only those that score 90 or more out of a total of 100 are treated as Aurora Tennyo.

If the appraisal certificate clearly states that it is a Hanadama, Aurora Hanadama, or Aurora Tennyo, you can expect a high purchase price. Please see the following article for more information on Aurora Hanadama.

What are Aurora Hanadama pearls? A thorough explanation of the difference between them and Tenjo pearls, the latest market price, and points to consider when purchasing.

Black pearl

Black pearls are harvested in the waters off the coast of Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and Fiji. As their name suggests, they are characterized by their black coloring and grow to sizes between 8.0mm and 16.0mm.

Since the 1980s, the number of black pearls has increased through cultivation, but production is still low compared to Akoya pearls. Therefore, they are highly valued as rare gemstones and are highly valued when purchased.

In particular, individuals with special colorings such as peacock green, also known as peacock green, and silver black are becoming increasingly rare and are traded at high prices.

For more information on black pearls, please see the following article:

What are black pearls? Explaining the characteristics that affect their grade and the differences between origins

White South Sea Pearl

South Sea pearls are a type of pearl that are harvested in the waters off Indonesia, Myanmar, and Australia. They often grow to over 10.0 mm, with some even reaching 17.0 mm.

Nowadays, South Sea pearls are also cultivated, but it takes several years to several decades for them to grow. Furthermore, they often fail to grow due to climate change or disease in the mother oyster, making them highly valuable and rare.

South Sea pearls are characterized by growing in white, yellow, silver, and gold colors. In particular, gold-colored pearls are called "golden pearls" and are extremely rare.

If you have your white South Sea pearl gold pearl appraised, you can expect to receive a high price.

Natural pearls (Avalon pearls, Conch pearls, etc.)

Types of pearls that tend to fetch high prices include natural pearls (avalon pearls, conch pearls, etc.).

Abalone pearls are pearls that grow inside abalone shells and are harvested in Japan, the United States, and Mexico. They are also cultivated in New Zealand, but production is very low, so most of the pearls on the market are natural.

It is characterized by its metallic gray, green, and blue hues. Because of the beauty of its colors, it is used for rings, pendants, and other items.

Conch pearls are pink pearls found in the Caribbean Sea. They are extremely difficult to cultivate , so only natural pearls are available on the market.

Since it is only produced with a probability of 1 in 10,000 from the mother pink oyster, it is extremely rare and is traded at a higher price than other pearls.

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Six evaluation points that affect the price of pearls

The following six points are the main factors that affect the price of pearls:

• Rolling
• Shine
• shape
• color
• Extent of injury
• Pearl Size

It is important to know what parts will be looked at when you have your pearls appraised. Here we will explain in detail the evaluation points that affect the price when buying pearls.

By watching until the end, you will understand the criteria for pearl appraisal and will be able to determine whether the pearls you have are worth anything.

Rolling

The thing appraisers look at when buying pearls is the luster. Luster refers to the thickness of the nacre.

The thicker the coil, the stronger the impact resistance and the more durable it is. Also, the more coiled the piece is , the more beautiful the shine it gives off.

The luster of a pearl is measured to within 0.1mm using ultrasound and X-ray machines.

Shine

It can be said that the factor that most influences the price of pearls is their luster. Luster refers to the brilliance unique to pearls, and is evaluated based on the clarity, hue, saturation, and brightness of the interference colors.

Stones with a lustrous sheen are said to have a "good shine." Using a luster measuring device, stones that show green or pink colors or have an aurora effect are highly rated.

To easily check the luster yourself, try holding an object close to the pearl and see if the imprint is clearly reflected.

shape

Pearls that are close to a perfect circle (round) are highly valued when purchased. Generally, pearls grow to be round, but foreign matter can get mixed in during the cultivation process, causing the shape to be significantly distorted.

Also, depending on the environment in which they are grown, they can become near-round or semi-round. Therefore, individuals that are grown with a perfect circle are highly valued in appraisals.

color

When buying pearls, the ones that fetch high prices are the ones with popular colors. For Akoya pearls, the most popular are slightly pinkish white , and for black-lipped pearls, beautiful black is the most popular.

In addition, the following colors are rare and will receive good marks in appraisals.

• Akoya pearls: Blue
• Black pearl: Peacock green
• South Sea white pearls: deep gold color

If you have pearl products, check to see what color they are classified as.

Extent of injury

The degree of damage is also an evaluation point that affects the price of pearls when purchasing them. Pearls are gemstones that grow in natural environments such as the sea, lakes, and rivers, and are characterized by being organic and easily damaged.

Therefore, it is inevitable that pearls will develop uneven scratches during the process of growing . Pearls with a lot of unevenness or peeling on the surface will be appraised at a lower price, so be careful.

Pearl Size

When buying pearls, the size of the pearl is also an important evaluation point. Generally, the larger the pearl, the higher the price.

For example, Akoya pearls over 8.0mm or 9.0mm will be appraised at a higher value . Black South Sea pearls and white South Sea pearls around 15.0mm tend to be valued higher than smaller sizes.

If the pearl product you have is large, you will likely be offered a pleasing appraisal price when it is sold.

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Four things you should do to determine the price of your pearls

There are four things you should do to determine the price of your pearls:

• Care after use
• Preparing accessories
• Necklace string replacement
• Compare quotes from multiple stores

If you are considering selling your pearls, there are some things you should do before having them appraised. Here, we will explain in detail the important points to consider when pricing pearls.

If you watch until the end, you will learn the tricks to getting a high appraisal when selling your pearls, and you will be able to get the pearls you have close to your desired price.

Care after use

It is important to properly care for pearl products after use.

Pearls are sensitive to weak acids such as sebum and sweat, and the nacre will dissolve if left unattended after wearing. Therefore, after removing pearl products from your body, gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth.

We recommend using a pearl shine cloth or eyeglasses cleaning cloth when doing so. Pearl shine cloth has the effect of restoring the shine of the pearl, helping to maintain the quality of the pearl when you first purchased it.

By regularly cleaning your item after use, you can increase its value when you sell it.

Preparing accessories

If you are going to price your pearls when you sell them, be sure to prepare the accessories. The accessories for pearl products are as follows:

• Certificate
• Warranty
• storage box
• storage bag

Pearl products that come with all of their accessories will be valued higher when it comes time to buy.

In particular , the appraisal certificate is an item that the appraisal agency guarantees the quality of the pearl, which is very important . The appraisal certificate contains details such as the type of pearl, its shape, luster, etc., which speeds up the appraisal process when purchasing.

Necklace string replacement

If your pearls are part of a necklace, make sure to change the string regularly.

Pearl necklaces stretch when worn. If you use them in a stretched state, the pearls may collide with each other, causing scratches or peeling .

Therefore, if you can see a gap the size of one pearl when you hold up the pearl necklace with one hand, it is time to change the string.

Also, a pearl necklace with stretched strings looks bad and will have a negative impact on the appraisal value. If you are thinking of selling your pearl necklace, check whether the strings need to be replaced.

You can have the strings on your pearl necklace replaced at jewelry stores, department stores, and brand-owned stores.

Compare quotes from multiple stores

If you are aiming for a high price when purchasing pearls, get comparative quotes from multiple stores. If you limit yourself to only one company from the beginning, you may end up losing money on the purchase price.

The appraisal method for pearls varies from dealer to dealer, such as visual inspection by professional appraisers, calculation based on purchase data, use of appraisal equipment, etc. Some dealers have little experience in pearl appraisal and do not give fair prices.

Therefore, when requesting a pearl purchase, it is recommended to request a preliminary appraisal from 3 to 5 companies and get quotations. If you apply for a final appraisal from the company that gives you a high appraisal, you will have a higher chance of receiving a high purchase price.

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3 recommended pearl buying stores! Explaining their features and appeal

The three recommended pearl buying stores are:

• Ginza Repearl
• Treasure
• Buying luck

Here, we will explain in detail the characteristics and appeal of each buying store. By the end of this article, you will understand the characteristics of the three companies in pearl buying and be able to decide which company to use.

Ginza Repearl

Ginza Repearl is the first pearl specialty store in Japan. We have highly qualified pearl examiners on staff, and we will carefully assess the value of the pearls you purchase.

At Ginza Repearl, we can assess pearl products in various conditions, such as pearls without appraisal certificates, old pearls, missing parts, no-brand items, etc. We will sympathize with the feelings of those who are worried about whether they can sell their pearls and give them a price.

Ginza Repearl has three physical stores in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka, and you can bring your pearls to the store for appraisal. In addition, they also offer on-site purchase and mail-order purchase services for regional areas.

Treasure

Otakaraya is a purchase specialty store with over 1,300 stores nationwide.

The stores are located near train stations and are highly regarded for their convenience. In addition, you can request on-site purchases from 1,300 stores, and you can also sell your pearl products from home.

Otakaraya is a company that specializes in purchasing high-value items such as precious metals, jewelry, and brand-name products . They also have a wealth of experience purchasing pearls, so they will give you a fair price for your pearls.

On the official website of Otakaraya, the buying prices of pearl products that they have bought so far are listed. If you are interested, please check it out.

Buying luck

Kaitori Daikichi is a chain store with 1,100 locations across Japan. They specialize in buying luxury items such as precious metals, jewelry, and watches, and will pay you cash on the same day even if the total exceeds 10 million yen.

Kaitori Daikichi has a strong track record of purchasing Mikimoto, Tasaki, Tiffany, etc. They also advertise that they can inspect non-branded items, so you can have them appraised regardless of whether they are branded or not.

Kaitori Daikichi's on-site purchase service will arrive on the same day in as little as 15 minutes. Another attractive feature is the speedy response, with an appraisal time of as little as 5 minutes.

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Three things to check before buying pearls

There are three things you should check before buying pearls:

• Reliability of buyers
• Purchase Method
• What to do if you can't get a price

There are some points you should check before having your pearls appraised. Here we will explain in detail what you should check before purchasing pearls.

If you read to the end, you will understand what needs to be checked when purchasing pearls and will be able to proceed with your purchase request without any trouble.

Reliability of buyers

Before applying to sell your pearls, please check the reliability of the buyer. There are many pearl buyers in Japan, and some of them may make you feel uneasy about doing business with them.

Here are some ways to check the reliability of a buyer:

• Long history of establishment
• Abundant purchase record and cumulative purchase amount
• Professional appraisers on staff
• Good reviews and reputation

If a company has a long history of operating as a purchasing company and has a wealth of purchasing experience, they will have a wealth of knowledge about pearl purchasing and will be able to give you a fair price.

In addition, if the buyer has good word-of-mouth and a good reputation, customer satisfaction will be high, and you will be able to make a satisfactory transaction when you request the purchase of pearls.

Purchase Method

There are three main ways to purchase pearls.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to each method of purchasing pearls. Before making a purchase request, find the purchasing method that suits you and look for a dealer that can handle it.

What to do if you can't get a price

If your pearls aren't priced when you sell them, here's what you can do:

• Send it to another company for appraisal
• Use a flea market app

If your pearls are not priced at the dealer, please apply to another dealer. Since appraisal methods differ from dealer to dealer, there is a chance that another dealer will be able to give you a price.

We also recommend listing your items yourself at flea markets or using auction apps. You are free to set the price, and in some cases you may be able to sell your items for the amount you want.

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Four frequently asked questions about pearls not being priced

Below are four frequently asked questions about pearls not being priced when purchased.

• How much does one pearl cost?
• When to sell pearls?
• Is it true that old pearls are worthless?
• What is the selling price for a pearl necklace?

Some people may still have questions about pearl purchases. Here, we will explain the questions about pearls not being priced when purchased, along with the answers.

If you read to the end, your worries about not being able to get a price for your pearls will be resolved and you will be able to proceed with applying to a purchasing store.

How much does one pearl cost?

The price of a single pearl varies depending on the type.

Akoya pearls cost between 260 and 9,000 yen each , with the larger and higher quality pearls costing several thousand yen.

The price of a single black South Sea pearl ranges from 1,000 to 45,000 yen , while a single white South Sea pearl ranges from 1,000 to 30,000 yen . Black South Sea pearls and white South Sea pearls are larger and rarer than Akoya pearls, so the price of a single pearl often exceeds 1,000 yen.

When to sell pearls?

The best season to sell pearls is from winter to March . Demand for pearls increases from the beginning of autumn, and the market becomes very active during the Christmas, graduation and entrance ceremony seasons.

On the other hand, pearls are difficult to handle because they are sensitive to sebum and sweat, so the market is slow to sell in the summer .

If you want to get a price for your pearls, it's best to do so before the winter to March season begins.

Is it true that old pearls are worthless?

The reason why old pearls are said to be worthless is because they lose their luster over time. Pearls are organic gemstones and are considered to have a limited lifespan.

In addition, due to various factors, pearls are prone to deterioration, and the quality of older pearls declines compared to when they were purchased. Therefore, in some cases, the price may be significantly lower than the original purchase price.

What is the selling price for a pearl necklace?

The average price for a pearl necklace depends on the type and size of the pearls. For Akoya pearls, the price will be between 2,500 yen and 100,000 yen .

The average purchase price for a black South Sea pearl necklace is about 60,000 yen if the pearl size is between 8.0mm and 13.0mm . For white South Sea pearls, the average purchase price is about 40,000 yen if the pearl size is between 7.5mm and 8.0mm .

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Summary: Not all pearls are worthless! Compare prices at multiple stores

Pearls are not priceless. The following types can be purchased at high prices.

• Akoya pearls (Hanadama, Aurora Hanadama, Aurora Tennyo)
• Black pearl
• White South Sea Pearl
• Natural pearls (Avalon pearls, Conch pearls, etc.)

If you have any of the above pearls, you may be able to sell them at a high price at a pearl buying store. Also, before you have them appraised, it is important to take steps to determine the price at a pearl buying store.

If you want to determine the price of your pearls, it is important to choose a seller. Make sure to have your pearls appraised at a reliable store that is knowledgeable about pearl appraisal.

Also, get comparative quotations from multiple dealers and sell to the one that offers you the highest valuation.

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If you are looking to sell various products and unwanted items other than pearls and are not sure which company to recommend, please refer to the article below.
[2025 Latest] 25 Recommended On-site Purchase Companies! A thorough comparison of the purchase items, reviews, and track record of each store