Where is the best place to buy pearls? A thorough explanation of 9 places to buy them and things to be aware of

If you're looking to buy pearls, we recommend the following nine places:

When buying pearls, the best place to buy them will depend on your criteria. By knowing the characteristics of each place to buy pearls, you will be able to decide where to buy pearls.

In this article, you will learn the following:

What you'll learn in this article

• Introducing 9 places to buy pearls
• Points to check when buying pearls
• The best time to buy pearls

If you read to the end, you will know the right place to buy pearls and the things you need to be careful about, so you will no longer have to worry about choosing a place.

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Where is the best place to buy pearls? Introducing 9 places to buy pearls

If you're wondering where to buy pearls, we recommend the following nine places.

• Department stores
• Famous brand stores
• Jewelry store in a shopping mall
• Gem and jewelry exhibition and sale
• Pearl and jewelry specialty stores at travel destinations
• Online shopping
• TV shopping
• thrift shop
• Flea market apps and online auctions

There are several places to purchase pearls. Here we will introduce the characteristics of nine places to purchase pearls.

By the end, you will have a good idea of ​​the best places to buy pearls and will be able to decide where to buy them.

Department stores

Department stores such as Mitsukoshi, Isetan, Matsuzakaya, and Takashimaya sell a large number of pearls as tenants or at special exhibitions. They are also characterized by the presence of high-end jewelry stores famous for pearls, such as MIKIMOTO and TASAKI.

The vendors selling pearls at department stores have passed an inspection , so you won't be sold fake or imitation pearls.

merit

• The company has passed the inspection
• You'll feel safe
• You can compare multiple pearls at once.

Disadvantages

• Department store fees are reflected in the price
• Don't expect big discounts
• Lack of unique design

Famous brand stores

At directly managed stores of famous brands such as MIKIMOTO and TASAKI, you can directly purchase pearls with guaranteed value. It is extremely unlikely that low-quality pearls will be sold at the store.

If you want peace of mind and attentive after-sales service, we recommend purchasing from a famous brand store.

merit

• A high sense of security
• Pearl quality is guaranteed
• You can compare them by holding them in your hands.

Disadvantages

• The price is high
• Don't expect big discounts
• The types available vary by brand

Jewelry store in a shopping mall

Jewelry stores in shopping malls are convenient places to drop in because you can do other shopping at the same time. They have a more casual atmosphere than department stores or stores operated by famous brands, and you can feel free to ask questions about pearls.

However, please be aware that there are not necessarily staff members on staff who can assess the value of pearls.

merit

• Easy to visit the store
• There are some reasonably priced pearls too.
• The store fees are lower than those of department stores and are reflected in the price

Disadvantages

• There is not a wide variety of pearls
• Some salespeople don't have the expertise
• After-sales service is outsourced

Gem and jewelry exhibition and sale

Ordinary hotels sometimes hold gem and jewelry exhibitions and sales events, which are often sponsored by local jewelry stores or pearl associations.

Since various brands of pearls are brought in, you can see a wide variety of designs and types of pearl jewelry. However, you may be subjected to pushy sales practices or unsatisfactory after-sales service.

merit

• There are many kinds of pearls
• A variety of designs can be seen in one opportunity

Disadvantages

• Venue and labor costs are added to the price
• There are also cases where products are sold at double prices to make them look cheaper.

Pearl and jewelry specialty stores at travel destinations

There are many specialty stores selling pearls and gemstones in overseas tourist destinations. These are places where you can get the special feeling of having "obtained pearls overseas."

However, there are many cases where people are misled by the words "local price" or "special discount just for you. " Also, there are cases where people find out that the pearls they bought are fake or of low quality after they return home, so it is important to be careful.

merit

• Discover a wide variety of pearls
• There is a special feeling that you bought it overseas

Disadvantages

• There are cases where people mistake counterfeit products for the real thing and buy them.
• It will be tourist prices

Online shopping

Online sales are places that sell pearls only online without having a physical store. By not having a physical store, expenses are kept low and the price of pearls is cheaper.

However, there is a risk that the quality of the product you receive may be different from what you expected, as you will not be able to see the actual product. Also, after-sales service varies from store to store, so you should also consider the possibility of dissatisfaction issues.

merit

• Reasonably priced
• Occasionally, discount sales are held
• You can buy pearls from the comfort of your own home

Disadvantages

• Judging by photos only - the actual item won't be seen until it arrives
• Some places have poor after-sales service
• Quality assurance depends on the store

TV shopping

With TV shopping, you can buy pearls over the phone without having to go to a store. The person introducing the pearls will verbally explain the origin and quality of the pearls, making it easy to understand and remember.

However, TV shopping requires advertising costs, which are higher than those for online shopping, and this is reflected in the price.

merit

• Buy pearls with just a phone call
• Listen to oral explanations

Disadvantages

• Judgement based on video - the actual product won't be seen until it arrives
• Advertising costs are reflected in the price

thrift shop

At second-hand shops, you can purchase new, unused, and second-hand pearls. Because they have been in the hands of wholesalers or regular customers, they are typically priced lower than new.

Some of the pearls sold at second-hand shops do not come with appraisal certificates, and the quality of the products is not guaranteed. Also, second-hand shops only sell pearls, so you cannot expect any after-sales service.

merit

• The price is cheaper than other places to buy
• You can get great deals depending on the store and the timing.

Disadvantages

• In some cases, quality is not guaranteed
• Don't expect any after-sales service

Flea market apps and online auctions

Pearl accessories sold on flea market apps and online auctions such as Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions, and Rakuma are typically cheaper than those purchased at other stores.

However, most of the items listed on flea market apps and online auction sites are second-hand goods, and you cannot expect any after-sales service, so please keep in mind that this is only one option.

merit

• The price is cheaper than other places to buy
• You can get great deals depending on the store and the timing.

Disadvantages

• Judging by photos only - the actual item won't be seen until it arrives
• No certificate and no after-sales service

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Four things to check when buying pearls

There are four things to look out for when buying pearls: 

• Pearl Type
• Presence of certificate
• price
• After-sales service available

If you know the points you should check before purchasing pearls, you can make a smooth purchase. Here, we will explain in detail the checkpoints to check when purchasing pearls.

By watching until the end, you will understand the important points to keep in mind and be able to choose high-quality pearls.

Pearl Type

When purchasing pearls, the first thing to check is the type of pearl. Pearls are mainly divided into the following seven types.

• Akoya pearls: Japanese, small size
• Hanadama pearls: the top grade of Akoya pearls
• Keshi pearls: a product of chance, shaped like a poppy flower
• Mabe pearls: They grow in a semicircular shape and are large.
• Black pearls: Mainly harvested in Tahiti; large
• White South Sea pearls: Grown in the South Sea Islands; large
• Freshwater pearls: Grown in lakes and rivers; come in a wide variety of shapes

Each type of pearl has its own place of origin and characteristics. When buying pearls, it is a good idea to understand the different types and choose the one that suits your needs.

For more information on the different types of pearls, please see the following article:
A thorough explanation of the different types of pearls! Introducing their characteristics, differences, and how to tell them apart from fakes

Presence of certificate

When purchasing pearls, the first thing to check is whether or not they come with a certificate. Make sure to buy pearl accessories that come with a certificate.

The certificate states the following details which attest to the quality of the pearl:

• Product name
• Pearl Type
• size
• Appraisal Method
• Analysis results

The certificate proves that the pearl is genuine . Another advantage of pearls with a certificate is that they are valued highly when you sell them.

price

When buying pearls, pay attention to the price. Generally, the more expensive the jewelry, the higher the quality of the pearls used.

High quality pearls have good luster, shape, size and other characteristics, and are characterized by their beautiful luster that is unique to pearls.

The price of pearls varies depending on the quality and type, and ranges from tens of thousands to millions . First, decide how much you can spend, and then look for high-quality pearls that fit within your budget.

After-sales service available

When purchasing pearls, the first thing to check is whether or not there is after-sales service. Pearls are expensive items, so if there is after-sales service, you can use them with peace of mind.

Be sure to check what services (such as regular cleaning and repairs) are offered by the place where you purchased your pearls.

Regular cleaning will help you maintain the quality of your pearls, which are prone to scratches, for a long time. If there is a solid repair service, any problems that do occur can be fixed quickly.

Please make sure that the pearls you plan to purchase have proper after-sales service before proceeding with the purchase.

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When is the best time to buy pearls? What is the best time to buy?

There is no best time to buy pearls. The best time is when you want to buy them.

Pearls vary in quality, so when you find a pearl that you like, it's best to take your time to consider it carefully.

There are also dealers that advertise slogans such as "June is the best month to buy pearls" or "Half price for a limited time only," but these are merely slogans used by dealers to clear out their inventory , so do not take them at face value.

There is no such thing as a good time to buy pearls. Don't be fooled by the phrase "best time to buy," but instead look around multiple stores and take your time to compare prices.

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Four things to keep in mind when buying pearls

Here are four things to keep in mind when buying pearls: 

• Shop on a budget
• Check the product image
• Check the review date
• Distinguishing between real and fake

There are some things to keep in mind when buying pearls. Here we will explain in detail what to look out for when buying pearls.

By reading to the end, you will know what you need to pay attention to when buying pearls and you will have less to worry about incurring any trouble.

Shop on a budget

When purchasing pearls, it is important to make sure you buy according to your budget. Pearls range in price from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen, so if you don't decide on a budget, it can be difficult to choose.

First, determine your purpose for buying pearls as follows:

• For ceremonial occasions such as weddings and funerals
• For events such as entrance ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, and parties
• For personal use, such as when going to work or going out

The type, color, size, and design of pearls that are appropriate for the event will vary. After deciding when you will use them, look for ones that are within your budget.

Check the product image

When purchasing pearls, be sure to check the product images . Stores selling pearls will attach images like the one below.

Pearls look the same in photos when photographed from directly above or in front. Keep in mind that product images taken from different camera angles or in a dark place may look different from the actual color of the pearl.

Check the review date

When purchasing pearls, pay attention to the date on which reviews were posted. Some sellers may still post reviews from customers when they were selling them at a low price.

Even if a review seems positive, if you check the posting date, you may find that it is a review from someone who bought it at a low price. Before considering purchasing pearls, check whether the review is from someone who bought them under the same conditions as you.

Distinguishing between real and fake

When buying pearls, it is important to distinguish between real and fake pearls by the following points:

You can purchase tools for shining a black light on pearls from Amazon, Rakuten Ichiba, etc. When checking the actual item or an image, pay close attention to the area around the hole in the pearl.

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4 Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Buy Pearls

Here are four frequently asked questions about where to buy pearls. 

• What age is pearl suitable?
• What are the rankings of pearl brands?
• Should I avoid wearing a pearl necklace to a funeral?
• What is the going rate for a pearl necklace that will last a lifetime?

Many people are still confused about where to buy pearls. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about where to buy pearls.

By the end of this article, you will have all your questions about pearls answered and be more proactive about making a purchase.

What age is pearl suitable?

Pearls are a type of jewelry that look good on people of all ages. The size that looks good on you varies depending on your age, so please refer to the following.

• 20s: up to 7.5mm
• 30s: up to 8.0mm
• Age 40 and over: 8.0mm or more

The key to pearls is that they increase in size in proportion to their age.

What are the rankings of pearl brands?

The pearl brand rankings are as follows:

1. MIKIMOTO
2. TASAKI
3. WAKO

Mikimoto is the Japanese brand that was the first in the world to successfully cultivate pearls. Only pearls that meet strict standards are certified as Mikimoto pearls .

Tasaki is a brand that is appreciated not only for its high-quality pearls, but also for its designs . Models such as the Balance series that uses pearls are becoming increasingly popular.

Wako collects high-quality pearls from Japan and overseas and creates jewelry. They are known for selling jewelry suitable for weddings, funerals, and other formal occasions .

Should I avoid wearing a pearl necklace to a funeral?

It is said that it is acceptable to wear Akoya pearl or black pearl necklaces at funerals. It is also acceptable to wear earrings and necklaces of the same type at funerals.

However, be sure to choose a single-strand pearl necklace , as double-strand pearls are said to bring "multiple misfortunes" and do not give a good impression.

What is the going rate for a pearl necklace that will last a lifetime?

The average price for a pearl necklace that will last a lifetime is 1 million yen . If you set a budget of 1 million yen, you will be able to purchase the highest quality pearl necklace.

Akoya pearl necklaces are said to last for 20 to 30 years depending on the quality, type, and storage conditions. On the other hand, cheaper, lower quality pearls will yellow and peel off in 2 to 4 years.

If you are buying a pearl necklace that will last a lifetime, choose a more expensive one if possible.

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Summary: Where to buy pearls depends on your purpose and budget.

Let's check again where is the best place to buy pearls.

The best place to buy pearls depends on your purpose for using them and your budget. Therefore, choose a place to buy based on the characteristics of the place you want to buy.

Also, be sure to understand the checkpoints and precautions to take when purchasing pearls so you can get pearls that will last a lifetime.

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