The pearl necklace has been a cherished part of millions of families around the world and throughout history.
It is given as a gift on the purest and most significant milestones in a woman’s life, it is passed down for generations and it is to be worn for more significant life events for decades to come.
This begs the question:
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How Much Does a Pearl Necklace Actually Cost?
The question of the cost of a pearl necklace isn’t as easy as one might think. In fact, the cost of a pearl necklace varies from $100 to $10,000 to even $100,000. The value of the necklace is dependent on the rarity and value of the pearls.
There are five types of pearls that range from the very top and bottom of the price spectrum; freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, Tahitian Pearls, South Sea Pearls, and Sea of Cortez Pearls.
While there are several types of pearls, we are going to look at three that have a lower price point, middle, and very extravagant price point.
Chinese freshwater pearl necklace cost
A standard Chinese freshwater pearl necklace can be bought for $100-$1,500, and they range in both size and color and look stunning.
If you don’t want to go crazy then I would recommend these. If you want to go up a step from freshwater pearls you’ll be looking at the Japanese Akoya pearls.
Like the freshwater pearls, these are also perfectly round and have an incredibly high luster. In fact, it has the highest luster of all the pearls, which causes many to consider Akoya pearls the best out of all other pearls.
Akoya pearls cost
A single strand of pearls made from Akoya pearls will cost anywhere from $1,000- $10,000. While this might be more expensive than what you might want to spend, Akoya pearls are something that will be in your family for generations.
So it would be wise to factor that into the value when looking at the price tag.
Most expensive pearls cost
Finally, the most expensive pearls on the market are South Sea pearls, which a strand of pearls can cost $100,000 or more.
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Why are pearls so valuable?
The reason for this is because of their rarity. White South Sea pearls are cultures mostly on the North West coast of Australia, and golden pearls are mainly found in Indonesia and the Philippines.
South Sea pearls also are very large compared to other types, averaging 12mm and even going as high as 20mm.
This directly correlated to the lengthy times that it takes for the pearl to grow.
These pearls take 3-10 years to be fully grown, and the longer it takes the larger the pearl will be.
This long process also will most likely result in the pearls being misshapen, so a truly spherical South Sea pearl is even more valuable.
A string of white South Sea pearls that are perfectly round and over 12mm would easily be worth $300,000 or more. So, as you can see, the price of a string of pearls can and will vary greatly in price.
Hystory Of The Most valuable pearl necklaces
Pearl necklaces have been a statement piece for royalty and the ultra-rich for centuries, with the larger and more rare pieces being treasured heirlooms or even pieces of historical importance. Let’s talk about one of the world’s most talked-about and valuable pearls, shall we?
One of the most famous pearls that has been in the spotlight for 500 years is the infamous La Peregrina Pearl, the world’s largest perfectly symmetrical pearl.
The translation of La Peregrina is The Pilgrim Woman or wandering woman, which is appropriate considering it has wandered from owner to owner since its discovery.
The pearl was found in Panama by a slave in 1579 and was sold to King Phillip II of Spain as a wedding gift for his daughter.
However, the King was so taken with the pearl he kept it for himself and declared it a Spanish crown jewel.
Joseph Bonaparte Buy The Pearl necklaces
Since then it stayed with the Spanish monarch until it was acquired by Joseph Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Upon his exile to England, where he sold it to the Duke of Abercorn as a gift for his wife, who promptly lost the priceless item at least twice.
The pearl remained in the family until 1969 where it was sold at auction by Sotheby’s for $37,000, to non-other than Richard Burton.
He had bought the pearl as a Valentine’s gift for Elizabeth Taylor, who is widely known for her jewelry collection.
The pearl once again tried to escape its owner as Elizabeth Taylor lost the gem as well, only to have found it being chewed on by her puppy, thankfully the gem was not damaged.
Taylor had the gem incorporated into a new necklace that was filled with pearls and rubies, which not only complimented the pearl very nicely but also ensured that it was secure for the future.
Upon Elizabeth Taylor’s death, she had the entire necklace auctioned off by Christie’s in New York City along with the majority of her legendary collection.
The necklace sold to a private collector for $11 million and has since remained out of the public eye.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about the different types of pearls and their different specifications and prices, which will you choose for yourself? WIll you go with the bargain Chinese Freshwater Pearls, the midrange Akoya or the extravagant South Sea Pearls? Depending on if you just want a pair of pearls to wear for a special occasion, like your wedding day, or if you want a family heirloom to pass down for generations to come. The possibilities are endless.
