How Much Are Real Pearls Worth? The Price Behind Pearls Explained

Co-authored by Cory Schifter and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: September 9, 2021 References

Pearl jewelry gives off a sense of elegance and class that’s hard to come by otherwise. Whether you’re looking to buy a new piece or sell an old one, understanding the value of real pearls can help you out. We’ve answered your questions about pearls so you can learn what’s valuable and what isn’t.

Question 1 of 6:

How much are real pearl earrings worth?

1
South Sea pearl earrings range from $525 to $4,500. South Sea pearls are some of the most valuable you can find. They come in both gold and white, and the price fluctuates based on their size, their quality, and the vibrancy of their color. South Sea pearls are usually pretty large, which is why they’re so sought after.^{[1]
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Tahitian pearl earrings range from $325 to $1,100. These pearls are the only naturally dark pearls in the world. You can tell the difference between Tahitian pearls and dyed pearls by the oil-slick-like sheen that shows up in the sun. Tahitian pearls are usually fairly large, which is why they’re generally expensive.^{[2]
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3
Akoya pearl earrings range from $99 to $1,200. These pearls are the least expensive of the saltwater pearls because they’re so abundant. They come in white, silver, and blue, and their price can vary based on the size, color, and quality.^{[3]
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4
Freshwater pearl earrings range from $75 to $350. Freshwater pearls are less expensive than saltwater pearls because they take less time to form.^{[4]
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Research source} They come in a range of colors, and their size and quality can alter their price point.^{[5]
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Question 2 of 6:

Why is a pearl so valuable?

Because they are the only gem material formed within a living creature. Real pearls can’t be man made, and they take a long time to form on their own. They also don’t need any cutting or polishing to look bright and shiny, which sets them apart from other gemstones.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
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- Naturally formed pearls are fairly rare, which is why cultured and farm-grown pearls are so common.

Question 3 of 6:

How can you tell if pearls are real?

1
Rub the pearl against your tooth to see if it feels gritty. This is called the “tooth test.” Pick up your pearl and rub it on the front of your tooth (not on the edge, because that can scratch the pearl). If the texture feels rough or gritty, you have a real pearl. If it feels completely smooth, it might be fake.^{[7]
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2
Look for various sizes in a strand of pearls. Real pearls aren’t perfect, and they might be slightly differently shaped or sized. If all the pearls in your necklace look identical, there’s a chance that it has fake pearls.^{[8]
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3
Feel the pearls for a cool temperature. Real pearls start out cool, even if it’s warm out. Eventually, they’ll warm up in your hand after a few minutes. Fake pearls start out at room temperature, and they tend to stay that way.^{[9]
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Question 4 of 6:

Which color pearl is most expensive?

Black, gold, and white pearls are the most expensive. In general, South Sea pearls and Tahitian pearls are the most expensive because they are so large. South Sea pearls come in white and gold, and Tahitian pearls are always black.^{[10]
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Question 5 of 6:

Do pearls hold their value?

No, most pearl jewelry doesn’t hold its value. Unless you have a very expensive string of pearls (like South Sea or Tahitian pearls), experts don’t recommend buying pearls for their resale value. However, pearl jewelry can be a great family heirloom, especially if you take care of your pieces.^{[11]
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Question 6 of 6:

Where can I sell my pearls?

Try online marketplaces like eBay and OfferUp. Since pearl jewelry doesn’t hold its value for very long, there aren’t very many dedicated sites for selling pearls. You can try an online marketplace to sell your old jewelry, but you may not get as much as you paid for it in the first place.^{[12]
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