For centuries, pearls have been the object of desire for every true lady, and jewelry made from these stones is still regarded as one of the most elegant and prestigious. Historically reserved for nobility, today they have become more egalitarian, although we still encounter gemstones worth an astonishing amount. A few years ago, a cultured pearl necklace was sold for 2 million dollars, so these stones, as coveted luxury goods, continue to enjoy an excellent reputation.
On the other hand, in retail, we find inexpensive pearl necklaces that are dull, irregularly shaped, and riddled with flaws, which can be purchased for just a few dozen złoty. This egalitarianism simply offers everyone a chance to own a pearl necklace; however, their beauty and the rarity associated with it will determine the price of these jewels, and consequently, the level of wealth of the users who can afford them.
What characterizes pearl necklaces that can be classified as luxury jewelry?
Natural vs. Cultured Pearl Necklace
If you have at least a six-, seven-, or perhaps even an eight-figure sum at your disposal, you might ask yourself this question. However, many customers ask it simply out of a lack of knowledge on the subject.
First of all – natural pearls are no longer available in the market, or at least not in jewelry stores of well-known brands. The term "natural" refers to stones formed without any human intervention. Today, pearls are farmed, and natural pearls, formed spontaneously, are most often found in old (over a hundred years old) jewelry sold at auction houses. Their prices are astronomically high, starting from hundreds of thousands of złoty, not necessarily because of their beauty but due to their rarity.
Secondly – most often, customers inquire about natural pearl necklaces. They want to emphasize that they are not interested in imitations. But the same effect could be achieved by simply asking for a cultured pearl necklace. The same effect, but achieved in a more elegant and professional manner.
Investment or Extraordinary Beauty?
If your financial situation allows you to buy anything you desire, the choice of a pearl necklace will be dictated by the purpose for which you want to purchase it. And yes, if your purchase is meant to be an investment, you have two options:
- You can opt for a natural pearl necklace, preferably one that once belonged to a famous person. If such a piece has a good history, there is a chance that its value will steadily increase over time. However, you should be aware that in old jewelry, pearls are rarely beautiful, and more beautiful ones are usually found among farmed stones. There are two reasons for this. First, during cultivation, humans have some control over the outcome, and it is easier to obtain beautiful farmed stones than to find comparable natural ones. Second, very old pearls are likely to bear the marks of time—they may be yellowed or have lost their luster over the years.
- If, besides investing, you want to enjoy the beauty of jewelry and it is intended to complement your luxurious outfit, look for a necklace with rare, high-quality cultured pearls. Choose such jewelry also if you anticipate rapid and significant effects of global warming—if you are correct, this could be the best investment of your life. Mollusks are dying out due to rising temperatures, and if they disappear completely, there will be no new pearls on the market. Something rare and exceptionally beautiful will become many times more expensive.
If, on the other hand, the investment aspect of jewelry is not important to you, and your priority is owning a pearl necklace of exceptional beauty, whose unique charm will complement your luxurious look and become a subject of envy, then the only option is the second one described above. The potential increase in pearl value will simply be a nice bonus for you :)
Luxury Cultured Pearl Necklace
Pearls considered luxurious are those cultivated in saltwater, i.e., seas and oceans. The most well-known of these belong to one of three species:
1. Akoya Pearl Necklace – made from pearls that connoisseurs consider the most beautiful due to their high luster and often observed orient. However, it’s worth noting that these features only characterize high-quality stones, as the market is dominated by cheap, lower-quality pearls of the same type. If you are looking for exceptional quality gemstones that can be considered luxurious, be prepared to spend several dozen thousand (for small pearls) or even hundreds of thousands of złoty.
2. Tahiti Pearl Necklace – choose this if you are captivated by black stones. Remember that many pearls on the market are dyed black, which makes them not particularly valuable. Tahiti pearls are naturally black, although the term “black” is somewhat imprecise here. They are simply dark, and what connoisseurs seek is the beautiful play of vivid colors on their surface. Prices will also depend on the quality of the stones: to purchase such a necklace, you should expect to spend from several dozen thousand to hundreds of thousands of złoty, and with the largest pearls of the highest quality, the price can exceed even a million złoty.
3. South Sea Pearl Necklace, sometimes called “Australian” (although Australia is not the only country where they are cultivated). These are large stones available in two color varieties – white and golden. The price mainly depends on the intensity of the color: the whitest (with a very desirable orient) or the intensely golden ones are the most expensive. Pearls with intermediate colors (straw or champagne) are less valued and can be several times cheaper, even if their quality is very high. In this case, the price of a necklace with small high-quality pearls will be around 100,000 złoty, while with the largest pearls, it can reach into the millions.
Quality equals beauty
Choosing a high-quality pearl necklace essentially means selecting the most beautiful stones. The class or quality of these gemstones translates into their exceptional beauty – the most beautiful are intensely shiny, feature orient (a beautiful play of colors on their surface), have no visible flaws, and their shape is regular, with the most valuable being perfectly round. Each of these features significantly impacts their value.
If you manage to find such pearls, you will understand why pearls have always been considered royal jewelry.
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