How Much Are Pearls Worth? The Complete Price Guide

How Much Are Pearls Worth? The Complete Price Guide

You may have discovered a strand of pearls in a family jewelry box or seen a pair at an estate sale and wondered about their value. Maybe you’re considering purchasing pearls for yourself and want to understand what constitutes a fair price. Pearl prices vary widely, and without understanding the factors behind those numbers, it can be challenging to make an informed decision.

Pearl pricing is determined by several factors working together. Size, type, origin, growth duration, and surface appearance under proper lighting all contribute to a pearl’s value.

The market has changed in recent years, with prices increasing across most categories due to supply constraints and evolving demand. Staying informed about current conditions helps buyers and owners make better decisions.

Pearl values can vary dramatically depending on type, size, and quality. Not all pearls are priced the same. 

Pearl Types and Their Price Ranges

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are where most people start, and there is nothing wrong with that. A well-chosen freshwater pearl can be stunning, and the price point makes them accessible for everyday wear or gifting.

A strand of round freshwater pearls runs between $50 and $2,000, depending on quality. Common white freshwater pearls, which make up about 70% of production, range from $10 to $50 for 8-millimeter sizes. Affordability depends on production volume.

Saltwater oysters grow one pearl, sometimes two in the case of Akoya varieties. Freshwater pearl oysters can yield up to 50 pearls in a single growth cycle. That volume keeps prices reasonable.

Round freshwater pearls can look nearly identical to Akoya pearls at first glance, making them a wise choice if you want the classic pearl look without the classic pearl price.

Freshwater pearls combine beauty with accessibility.

Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls are often considered the standard. Their distinct luster is associated with refined jewelry, and they typically command higher prices.

A strand of Akoya pearls costs between $300 and more than $10,000. Affordable options start around $300 for smaller sizes with minor imperfections. Flawless strands with larger pearls push past $10,000 easily.

Recent market trends have increased Akoya pearl prices. Over the past year, prices have risen by approximately 40%, and over the last two years, they have nearly quadrupled. For example, a 9-millimeter Akoya pearl that sold for around $250 wholesale now costs $400 wholesale and about $500 retail.

These price increases are linked to supply challenges. For instance, Japanese Akoya pearl harvests between January and March 2023 declined by nearly 10% in weight, while average prices rose by 67%.

Often considered the benchmark for fine pearl jewelry, Akoya pearls command higher prices due to their luster and scarcity.

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls occupy a different space in the market. Their darker body colors and peacock overtones give them an exotic quality that appeals to consumers seeking options beyond white or cream.

A 10-millimeter Tahitian pearl with peacock overtones generally costs $600 to $1,000. The price range for Tahitian pearls spans from about $500 for smaller pearls with slight blemishes to $30,000 or more for flawless, larger specimens with strong coloration.

Prices have risen at least 20% in recent years, with notable increases for pearls smaller than 9 millimeters or larger than 12 millimeters. Pairs of 8-millimeter Tahitian pearls that recently retailed for $500 now sell for $800 to $1,000, primarily due to limited supply.

South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls occupy the highest tier among cultured pearls. They are typically the largest and often among the most lustrous, which is reflected in their pricing.

Strands of South Sea pearls range from $1,000 to over $1 million. In 2024, a flawless 14-millimeter South Sea pearl sold for $1,500, while a lower-grade pearl of similar size sold for $400. Pearls exceeding 16 millimeters are rare; their value increases significantly with each additional millimeter.

In 2024, the average size for South Sea pearls was 11 to 15 millimeters, with rare examples between 18 and 20 millimeters selling for $5,000 to $10,000 per pearl at retail.

Top-grade South Sea pearls with superior luster fetched $50 to $100 per millimeter in diameter at wholesale in 2024. For a 15-millimeter pearl, that translates to $750 to $1,500 wholesale and $2,000 to $4,500 retail, depending on markup and quality.

South Sea pearls sit at the top of the pearl market. Their combination of size, luster, and rarity drives prices well beyond other cultured varieties.

Golden South Sea Pearls

Golden South Sea pearls are in high demand. Interest increased 18% in 2024, with prices projected to rise another 10% in 2025. Over the past several years, strong demand, particularly from Chinese buyers, has driven prices to 2.5 to 3 times those of comparable white South Sea pearls.

What Determines Pearl Value

Size

Larger pearls are more valuable, and the increase is often exponential. A 1-millimeter increase in diameter can raise a pearl’s value by 20% to 30% when other factors are favorable. Pearls larger than 10 millimeters are especially valuable, and the price curve increases sharply at larger sizes. Cultivating larger pearls takes more time, and oysters face higher risks the longer they remain in cultivation.

Size matters when it comes to pearl value. Larger pearls are rarer, take longer to grow, and increase in price dramatically with each additional millimeter.

Form

Perfectly round pearls are rare. To be classified as such, diameter variance from multiple directions must be no greater than 2%. Round pearls are the rarest shape among both cultured and natural varieties and typically command 20% to 50% premiums over near-round pearls with similar characteristics. Near-round pearls can still offer good value for those prioritizing size or luster over symmetry.

Luster

Luster describes how light interacts with the pearl’s surface and the nacre layers underneath. High luster results in a sharp, mirror-like reflection, while lower luster appears chalky or dull. Luster is a key factor that distinguishes pearls of different quality and affects pricing across all tiers.

Surface Quality

Surface blemishes impact both appearance and durability. Top grades require 95% or more of the surface to be blemish-free. Freshwater pearls with minor spots, accounting for about 60% of production, retail for 30% to 40% less than pristine pearls. Significant flaws can reduce durability and value by up to 70%. Some minor imperfections may be hidden once set in jewelry, so blemishes in less visible areas may not affect value as much for specific pieces.

Pearl surfaces tell an important part of the value story. Fewer blemishes mean greater beauty, durability, and long-term worth.

Nacre Thickness

Nacre is the material that forms a pearl’s outer layers. Thicker nacre usually results in better luster and durability. South Sea pearls average 2 to 3 millimeters of nacre, Tahitian pearls 1 to 2 millimeters, and Akoya pearls 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters. Pearls with nacre below 0.3 millimeters have seen a 25% decrease in value in 2025 due to the risk of peeling. Thin nacre can wear away over time, diminishing a pearl’s appearance.

Thicker nacre produces richer shine and better durability, while thin layers can wear away and reduce value over time.

Color

Rarity affects color premiums. The market has seen a 15% price increase for rare pink and gold pearls. Body color, overtones, and orient all contribute to a pearl’s appearance and value. White remains a classic choice, but unusual natural colors are priced higher by those seeking distinctive pearls.

Understanding Quality Grades

The most common grading system uses letter grades such as A, AA, and AAA. These are retail conventions, not scientific standards, and different sellers may interpret them differently. Typically, AAA pearls feature sharp luster, nearly round shape, and minimal surface blemishes, normally no more than 5%-10%.

The Gemological Institute of America uses a system based on seven value factors: size, shape, color, luster, surface, nacre, and matching. It does not use the AAA scale. When buying, inquire about the specific grading criteria used, as a pearl graded AAA by one retailer may be graded AA by another with more rigorous standards.

Why Prices Have Risen

Pearl prices have increased by 100% to 200%, depending on type, in recent years. Several factors contribute to this trend.

Chinese buyers are now the largest buyers of cultured pearls and pearl jewelry globally, followed by buyers in the United States and Europe. Retail sales in China exceeded $3.3 billion in 2022. This concentration of demand has created supply constraints in Western markets.

The pandemic caused lasting disruptions to pearl farming. Cultivation typically takes 18 months to three years from nucleation to harvest. Oysters that would have been seeded in 2020 or 2021 were left barren during lockdowns or died due to inadequate care. As a result, reduced harvest volumes from those years continue to impact availability in 2024 and 2025.

Industry sources indicate it may take two to three years for supply to catch up with demand, assuming there are no further disruptions.

Strands Cost More Than Individual Pearls

Creating an 18-inch strand requires selecting 45 to 60 pearls, depending on the size of the pearls. Each pearl must harmonize with the others across all quality factors: size, color, luster, and surface quality.

Matching large numbers of pearls for a strand is challenging. As a result, strand prices exceed the sum of individual pearls due to the labor-intensive matching process and the rejection of many pearls that do not meet the necessary criteria.

Pearl strands cost more because of the precision required to match each pearl.

Retail Markup Structures

The sales channel affects pricing. Traditional retailers often markup pearls by 300% to 500% over wholesale prices, while online specialists and direct-to-consumer brands typically use markups of 100% to 200%. The same quality pearl can vary significantly in price depending on where it is purchased.

This does not mean lower prices always indicate lower quality. It means understanding what you are paying for and comparing similar pieces across different sellers gives you better purchasing power.

A Practical Approach to Pearl Buying

Before purchasing, consider which qualities matter most. If size is a priority, it may be worth accepting minor imperfections or a slightly off-round shape to obtain a larger pearl within budget. If luster is most important, a smaller pearl with exceptional shine may be preferable to a larger pearl with moderate luster.

Set a budget before you start looking seriously. Pearl options are available at every price point, and knowing your range helps you stay focused. Ask questions about nacre thickness, especially for Akoya pearls, where thinner nacre is more common. Request details about the grading system being used so you can compare meaningfully.

Examine pearls under proper lighting and view them against various backgrounds. Their appearance may vary across settings. Genuine pearls typically have a noticeable weight and coolness compared to synthetic options.

What Your Budget Can Get You

• For $100 to $300, freshwater pearl studs or a simple pendant with good-quality pearls are realistic options. You can find attractive freshwater strands at this level too.
• For $500 to $1,500, entry-level Akoya studs, quality Tahitian pearl pendants, or higher-end freshwater strands become accessible. This range offers a wide range of classic looks.
• For $2,000 to $5,000, fine Akoya strands, beautiful Tahitian pearl jewelry, and smaller South Sea pearl pieces open up. Quality improves noticeably at this level.
• Above $5,000, you enter the territory of exceptional Akoya strands, larger South Sea pearls, and matched sets with superior quality across all factors.

Making Your Decision

Pearl pricing makes sense once you understand the factors at play. Size, type, surface quality, luster, nacre thickness, color, and shape all contribute. Market conditions have pushed prices higher across categories, and supply constraints mean this trend is likely to continue for now.

With this information, it is possible to evaluate pearls and better assess pricing. Asking informed questions and comparing similar pieces can help ensure that any purchase aligns with expectations and budget.