FAQ

1. Why are some pearls more expensive than the others ?

Firstly, it depends on the type of pearl. Saltwater pearls are rarer, more difficult to produce thus more expensive than freshwater pearls.

Secondly, the value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on a few factors. According to GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors™, pearls are valued according to their Luster, Shape, Color, Nacre, Size, Surface and Matching. 

A perfectly round pearl with high luster is more valuable than a semi round pearl with lower luster.

 

2. Are there any flawless pearls?

"Surface quality: Like colored stones, most pearls never achieve perfection. " - Quoted from GIA, Gemological Institute of America

Because pearls are gems produced by living organisms, there might have some form of blemish or even if they are blemish free they might have minute surface marking - even if you did not notice them with the naked eye, they might be visible under some sort of magnifier ( this is also how we identify real pearls from factory made ones).

However, according to the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors™, Luster, Shape, Color, Nacre, Size, Surface and Matching, Luster is the most important value factor.

A high luster pearl with very minor blemishes is more valuable than a blemish free pearl with low luster. However, AAA grade pearl surface must be at least 95% blemish free.  

 

3. Akoya Saltwater Pearls or Freshwater Pearls?

Pay attention to the green mobile phone reflection on both the pearls, both pearls are high quality pearls but Akoya has a sharper luster, mirror-liked luster like what we call (HD) compared to freshwater pearls.

Saltwater pearls are also less porous and because they grow slower than freshwater pearls, their nacre are more dense. They are grown only in pristine sea water, making them much more difficult to produce and only 1-2 pearls are produced per oyster thus making them more valuable. Saltwater pearls are usually worn as fine jewellery with solid gold or passed down as heirlooms.