Pearl Paradise Definitive Guide To Pearl Pricing (2024)

South Sea pearls are often referred to as the Rolls Royce of pearls. They are the largest and most valuable pearls grown today, with average sizes ranging from 10 to 15 millimeters. South Sea pearls grow in a large pearl oyster native to Australia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia.

Prices of South Sea strands can range from $1,000 to more than $100,000

Tahitian pearls are dark and exotic. Although often referred to as black pearls, their colors range from gray to green and even aubergine. Tahitian pearls require no treatments to attain their dark iridescence. The colors are completely natural. While often smaller than South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls can also grow quite large, with average sizes ranging from 8 to 14 millimeters.

Prices of Tahitian strands can range from $500 to more than $25,000

Akoya pearls are the original classics. They are best known for their perfectly round shapes and fine reflective luster. They were the first pearls to ever be farmed more than 100 years ago, and the first to claim worldwide acceptance among all cultured pearls.

Akoya pearls tend to be smaller than most other cultured pearls, with average sizes ranging from 6 to 9 millimeters.

Prices of akoya strands can range from $300 to more than $10,000

Freshwater pearls are quite possibly the most versatile of all pearls. They come in a myriad of different shapes, sizes and colors. While rarely round, the finest freshwater pearls are nearly indistinguishable from more expensive akoya pearls.

Traditionally, freshwater pearls range in size from 6 to 10 mm, but recent innovations in freshwater pearl farming have given birth to a new generation of pearls that grow as large as 15 mm.

Prices of freshwater strands can range from $50 to $2,000