[pohto9]

Does anyone have any information on the value of different kinds and sizes of genuine pearls? When my children and I went to Disney world, we picked a pearl at a store in Japan in Epcot. It was great to watch the girl cut the oyster right in front of us and present us with a pearl that we had picked. However, the cost was $16 to pick a pearl and I was wondering if the pearl we received was worth it. It was a 8 mm pink pearl. Does anyone know what one of these might cost if purchased from a seller?

[emontefusco]

I'd be interested in this as well, as I purchased a pearl the same way and had it put in a pendant. My understanding is that blue and black pearls are the most valuable with white/pink the least.

[crissy4024]

What makes the pearls different colors?

[Plum]

The value of a pearl depends on things like size, thickness of nacre, luster, shape and smoothness. Saltwater pearls are usually better quality than freshwater pearls, round pearls are generally more valuable than baroque. On the other hand, a big, very unusual baroque pearl could be quite valuable. Pearls that are similar in some characteristics but not in others can have vastly different values. So it's hard for us to tell you what your piece might be worth, because we can't see and feel it. If your pearl was top notch in all categories, you did very well. If it's not round, lacks luster and has noticeable flaws, you might not have. I'm going to guess that you were paying for the entire experience of watching the oyster being opened and being presented with the pearl. The pearl was just icing on the cake. If you enjoyed your visit to Disney World, you have a valuable memento of the experience no matter what its actual worth.

[kellykip124]

There are some brands that are more valuable than others (like Micimoto pearls) because they are a known name in pearls (much like Tiffany sterling is more valuable than .925 sterling silver from another maker). Other than that, the size and color make a difference (black and pink pearls are dyed)

[hunnybunny99]

Color, size, and shape are the most important in determining value. Dark colors like blue and black are more rare, so they are moe expensive. And pearls that are not compleetly round are worth less than those that are.

[greeeneyedwhwoman]

This would be interesting to learn about as well!

[dsmith1231]

If anyone has more information I would also be interested in knowing as to how to differentiate between different type of pearls and which pearl is the best.

[parth82390]

just google it man.

[htownfanatic]

Many factors.
1. The shape of the pearls: the nearer they are to being perfectly round, the more valuable
2. The similarity to each other: if the pearls in your strand look identical to each other in shape, size, color and shine (luster), it will greatly increase the necklace's value. If they are mixed or varied, it is less valuable
3. The shine: pearls with high luster look almost metallic- these are the most valuable.
4. The size of the pearls: the bigger they are, the more valuable they are.

And the list goes on. Pearls are complicated. Check the link below for more info.
http://www.shopgemstones.com/76.html