QuestionQUESTION: How can I be sure of buying a saltwater pearl necklace of high quality? One jeweler told me the AAA rated necklaces reflect rainbow colors rather than just pink or cream. Another jeweler said necklaces that reflect rainbow colors does NOT mean they're high quality.
I spoke w/a jeweler today who wants to sell me a 18.5" 6mm saltwater pearl necklace with iridensence rainbow colors for $1200. Does this sound right to you?
A jeweler at one of these discount jewelry shows tried to sell me a 18" 6mm rainbow necklace for only $700. It was very attractive, but I don't know enough about pearl quality to trust anyone.
Can you advise me on how to buy saltwater pearls?
ANSWER: Hi Debbie, Quality pearls, either saltwater or freshwater (much cheaper and just as nice) depend on the roundness,(uniformity of) the luster, the mirror like finish, and the amount of blemishs or lack of. Pearl strands are priced on 16" lengths. The jeweler must add inches if a customer disires longer lengths. The term rainbow is a new marketing term that reflect an overall luminecence that look like a rainbow but the beauty is in the eye of the purchaser of course. The $1200 set seems like an excellent price based on current wholesale prices. The $750 set I would be suspect of. Good luck.
Steve Kretser
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QUESTION: Steve, are you saying that white pearls and rainbow luminescence pearls are of the same quality and price? And that the price depends only on luster, roundness, amt. of blemishes?
AnswerHi Debbie, Yes and the size of course since it is harder to acheive a rounder pearl if left in the Mollusk longer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say, and if you like what you see, you should buy it for a price you feel is fair and reasonable.
