Pearl Rice Pearl
The prices fetched for high quality pearls
When buying high quality pearls from a reputable and trusted jeweller store one can always ask for a written description or certificate stating the country of origin and the grading system used to guarantee the quality. And that I suppose is the easy way to go about it. But the fun starts when hunting for high quality pearls at bargain prices in one of the many pearl markets that are commonly found in Asia and the Pacific. Now this is where some knowledge about high quality pearl basics can come in handy to make a great purchase which would last you a lifetime!
The value of a high quality pearl depends on a number of natural physical characteristics, so before buying pearls it makes good sense to know if you are getting good value for your money. To the inexpert eye pearls may all look the same but on looking closely it is amazing to see how each pearl can be different from the other. This is hardly surprising given that each individual pearl is formed by a completely natural process inside a living oyster which can take months and even years to complete. The beauty and natural perfection of a high quality pearl is a really a wonder of nature!
The prices fetched for high quality pearls at local pearl markets can very tremendously. As with any other small scale operation the cash flow needs of the vendor and the available supply of pearls at the time will often determine how far negotiation can bring the price down. If pearl supplies are scarce, such as after a very bad storm, market prices will often go up. Pearl markets that are popular among tourists would definitely ask for higher prices, and if someone you trust can take you around you are more likely to get a better deal. In certain places sellers may even believe that the first customer of the day brings good luck which can also affect the price! As yet there is really no internationally agreed standard attaching value to all the different types of pearls and although technically it is possible to know the weight of a pearl necklace (in Mommes), this is not commonly done and is not crucially important unless you are really going professional.
So before getting completely and utterly lost with the wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes that would be on offer in a pearl stall market there are some basic common sense steps to take to avoid being disappointed. So whether you are a crazy pearl aficionado or simply a bargain hunter here are five basic steps which can come in handy:
STEP 1-SET YOUR PRICE CEILING:
It is always worth having an idea of the prices from a good local pearl jeweller store before venturing into the wilderness of a pearl market, just to make sure that you do not get carried away and go overboard. It is most likely that the price you are asked by a stall vendor has been inflated several times just for your benefit! So do what the locals do and enjoy bargaining to get a better deal. In most of Asia and the Pacific this quite normal and not considered to be rude at all. If you think you are not too sure of your negotiating skills take some time to discreetly observe how someone else is doing it. If you are not comfortable doing this just stay within your comfort zone but do not get frustrated if your friends get a better deal!
STEP 2-REAL PEARL OR SYNTHETIC PEARL:
The first basic test is to distinguish a synthetic or imitation pearl from a cultured or real pearl. Even without the benefit of X ray vision it should not be difficult to distinguish one from the other! A real pearl feels rough and gritty when rubbed along a front tooth while a synthetic pearl will feel smooth and featureless. If you have at least one string of real pearls you can easily check this out for yourself and feel the difference. If you think that a seller is trying to deceive you, keep your cool and respectfully walk away to the next one. A stall with lots of customers and a good variety of pearls is more likely to be trustworthy than a lone individual flagging a few pearl strings in a corner.
STEP 3-NATURAL OR CULTURED PEARL:
Natural pearls are very rare and very, very precious. The chances of finding a natural pearl in a wild oyster are really minute, probably less than one in 20,000 wild oysters fished out of the water. Some market sellers may mistakenly describe their stock of pearls as “natural”. This is not necessarily an attempt to deceive and could be the result of a language barrier, implying that the pearl has been “naturally” cultivated in a living oyster. More direct questioning should quickly sort this out. So unless you have really had the most amazing good fortune to come across a rare find, it is safe to assume that all the pearls on show have been cultured in pearl farms and not caught in the wild.
STEP 4-FRESH WATER OR SALT WATER PEARL:
Very often the location of the pearl market will determine if the pearls that are on offer have been cultured in fresh water lakes or in the ocean. Thus a pearl market in the Philippines or Indonesia is more likely to have locally cultured South Sea Pearls for sale than a Japanese Mikimoto high quality pearl. Do not be surprised if both fresh and salt water types are on offer and it is useful to make the distinction between one and the other. Fresh water pearls, which are also described as “rice pearls”, generally lack lustre and their shape is less spherical when compared to salt water pearls. They are considered to be of an inferior quality and so should generally cheaper. Fresh water pearls are nowadays produced in increasingly larger quantities and varieties in China and are also widely exported. Salt water pearls on the other hand are of a higher quality and will be more expensive. The three most common groups of salt water pearls are the South Sea Pearls, Japanese Mikimoto or Akoya pearls and Tahitian Black Pearls. Some producers in the Middle East are also trying to make a comeback.
STEP 5-THE FIVE S ROUTINE:
If you have reached this stage then you may have already seen some pearls that have caught your eye so now is the time to really asses the quality of what has taken your fancy. Remember that close inspection in natural daylight is much better than staying under fluorescent neon light, and do not hesitate to ask the vendor for a pair of callipers to measure the size of the pearls you are interested in. Experienced professional traders and jewellers rely on a set of commonly agreed and subjective surface features to grade each single pearl, commonly known as the 5 S’s -Size, Shape, Shade, Surface and Shine. Not really rocket science at all, and thanks to the 5 S routine you can quickly assess if you are seeing average quality or really high quality pearls. Consider Size, Shape and Shade first because those are features that are also influenced by your individual preference but keep in mind that a larger pearl which is perfectly round is of a higher quality than a smaller or irregularly shaped one. Some unsymmetrical shaped pearls, such as baroque pearls, can be made into really amazingly beautiful jeweller so keep an open mind of the price is right! Surface and Shine are really the two features that should not be compromised if you really want to buy high quality pearls to last you a life time, and you can read more about these features in my next article.
Ann Galea has lived in Asia and the Pacific for a number of years and there developed many new interests and hobbies. A love for pearls and pearl jewellery is just one example of the lasting effect left on her by this amazingly beautiful region.
About the Author
Latest collections of Pearl Necklaces and Tahitian Pearls and Akoya Pearls on lagunapearl site.
Roasted Stuffed Chicken Breast & Pearl Rice recipe
|
|
PINK RICE PEARLS 10×8.2mm !~ $27.99 |
|
|
5x6mm Fashion Freshwater Pearl Beads Rice Dye Green 15″ $3.99 |
|
|
Genuine 17″ 7-8mm Freshwater White Rice Pearl Necklace | AAA SERVICE $0.99 |
|
|
Free Ship Freshwater Pearl Beads 5x6mm Rice Pink c0187 $3.99 |
|
|
LONG 35″ 7mm Natural Rice FW White Pearl Necklace | CHRISTMAS GIFT $0.99 |
|
|
Gold Plated Acrylic Pearl Oat/Rice Beads 3mm x 6mm 60″ Strand Japanese $4.25 |
|
|
ABS rice shape plastic pearl beads White 8x4MM 500PCS (11-19-174) $4.99 |
|
|
LONG 35″ 7mm Natural Rice FW White Pearl Necklace | CHRISTMAS GIFT $0.99 |
|
|
3row 21″ 11mm gray rice Freshwater cultured pearl necklace $16.49 |
|
|
New 1” Black Rice Pearls Flower Pendant #1464 $0.99 |
|
|
AAA 2strands 17″ 15mm white rice drip freshwater pearl necklace $29.99 |
|
|
Charming 7mm Black Genuine FW Rice Pearl Drop Earrings | RELIABLE SELLER $0.99 |
|
|
Genuine 8″ 6 Strand 6 row rice pink freshwater pearl bracelet j8251 $14.99 |
|
|
NATURAL 8X9MM TAHITIAN RICE BLACK PEARL NECKLACE 18“ $9.88 |
|
|
100pcs faux pearl glass rice beads 7x6mm $0.99 |
|
|
Charming 7mm Black Genuine FW Rice Pearl Drop Earrings | RELIABLE SELLER $0.99 |
|
|
A17 Rice white plastic pearl & gold plated chain on voilet cord 3 wrap bracelet $59.99 |
|
|
14K GOLD BEADS FILGIREE 3 STRAND RICE PEARL NECKLACE $80.00 |
|
|
wholesale Baroque Dangle 2piece grape rice black pearls Earrings j8206 $7.99 |
|
|
wholesale Baroque Dangle 2piece grape rice pink pearls Earrings j8205 $7.99 |
|
|
FRESHWATER RICE PEARL BRACELET $23.00 |
|
|
Genuine 7mm Pink Rice Shape Freshwater Pearl Necklace | OVER 99% SATISFIED $0.99 |
|
|
Wholesale 5strands 3-4mm Green Rice Freshwater Pearl $19.50 |
|
|
Wholesale 5stran3-4mm Dark-Green Rice Freshwater Pearl $19.50 |
|
|
Wholesale 5strands 3-4mm Blue Rice Freshwater Pearl $19.50 |
|
|
Pink Rice Pearl White Drop-Shaped Opal Necklace 17.5″ $0.99 |
|
|
A+ White Freshwater Petite Pearls Rice Beads Strand $4.90 |
|
|
WINTER NIGHT HEARTY CHICKEN STEW RECIPE baby carrots pearl onion serve with rice $0.99 |
|
|
16″ 12mm Genuine champagne rice freshwater pearls necklace magnet clasp j7930 $9.99 |
|
|
New Rice Pearl Coarse Hook Earrings 8-9MM $0.99 |
|
|
Genuine 6-7mm White FW Rice Pearl Drop Earrings Silver | RELIABLE SELLER $0.99 |
|
|
60″ 3-9mm Silver Gray Rice Freshwater Pearl Strand Necklace $7.17 |
|
|
New! Fashion Rice Freshwater Pearl Flower Stud Earrings $0.99 |
|
|
New Rice Pearl Coarse Hook Earrings 8-9MM $0.99 |
|
|
17″ AA Genuine Rice Freshwater White Pearl Necklace | FINDINGJEWELRY $0.99 |
|
|
Genuine 17″ 7-8mm Freshwater White Rice Pearl Necklace | AAA SERVICE $0.99 |
|
|
blue freshwater pearl 9×11mm rice 14″ loose beads $6.99 |
|
|
LONG 35″ 7mm Natural Rice FW White Pearl Necklace | CHRISTMAS GIFT $0.99 |
|
|
7-8MM White Akoya Cultured Pearl Rice Loose Bead 15” $2.25 |
|
|
beautiful! 7-7.5×5-5.5mm white rice freshwater pearl an $1.04 |
|
|
beautiful! 7-8×5-6mm black rice freshwater pearl and s9 $1.25 |
|
|
beautiful! 7-7.5×5-6mm pink rice freshwater pearl and s $1.75 |
|
|
beautiful! 7-8×5.5-6.5mm purple rice freshwater pearl a $0.99 |
|
|
Lovely NEW Fashion Black Rice Pearls Flower Pendant $0.99 |
|
|
wholesale lots 6strings 7-8mm rice nature freshwater pearl loose beads $0.99 |
|
|
17″ AA 7-8mm Rice Freshwater White Pearl Necklace | LOW PRICE HIGH QUALITY $0.99 |
|
|
7-8mm White Freshwater Pearl Rice Beads String 15inchs $1.75 |
|
|
New Fashion White FW Rice Pearl Necklace 50inch | GREAT GIFT $0.99 |
|
|
17″ AA 7-8mm Rice Freshwater White Pearl Necklace | LOW PRICE HIGH QUALITY $0.99 |
|
|
New Fashion White FW Rice Pearl Necklace 50inch | GREAT GIFT $0.99 |
|
|
Pearl Pink Freshwater 6-6.5mm Puffed Rice Beads 16 In. Strand BnC Jewelry $12.95 |
|
|
3Strds 6-7mm White Rice Pearl and Crystal Bead Necklace | RELIABLE SELLER $0.99 |
|
|
6strands 7mm rice white black freshwater pearl bracelet bangle $12.99 |
|
|
classic 25inch 6-7mm Akoya white Rice pearl necklace $0.68 |
|
|
wholesale 5 piece rice ball pink pearls necklace $24.99 |
|
|
3x5mm white freshwater pearl rice beads 15″strand $0.99 |
|
|
Genuine White Rice Pearl & Red Agate Dangle Earrings | RELIABLE SELLER $0.99 |
|
|
Stunning! 8″ 3row white rice freshwater pearls bracelet j3267 $12.66 |
|
|
Genuine 7mm Pink Rice Shape Freshwater Pearl Necklace | OVER 99% SATISFIED $0.99 |
|
|
Dream 6strands 17″ 7mm rice white black freshwater pearl necklace $16.99 |
|
|
Beautiful Handmade Rice FreshWater Black Pearl Bracelet | LOW PRICE HIGH QUALITY $0.99 |
|
|
3Strds 6-7mm White Rice Pearl and Crystal Bead Necklace | RELIABLE SELLER $0.99 |
|
|
Beautiful 7mm Pink Natural Rice Pearl Necklace | OVER 99% SATISFIED $0.99 |
|
|
5 strands 15.5″ 4-5×3-4mm blue rice freshwater pearl $17.24 |
|
|
5 strands 15.5″ 4-5×3-4mm green rice freshwater pearl $19.20 |
|
|
7-8mm White Freshwater Pearl Rice Beads String 15inchs $0.99 |
|
|
New Rice Pearl Coarse Hook Earrings 8-9MM $0.99 |
|
|
Fashion 35″ White Rice Cultured Pearl Necklace | CHRISTMAS GIFT $0.99 |
|
|
80″ 4-9mm Dark Gray Rice Freshwater Pearl Strand Necklace No Clasp $29.50 |
|
|
17″ AA 10-11mm Rice Freshwater Purple Pearl Necklace | CHRISTMAS GIFT $0.99 |
|
|
4row 20″ gray rice pearl crystal agate Lemon Stone flower necklace $16.99 |
|
|
Freshwater Rice Pearls 14 KT Clasp Beads 3 Strands Necklace Exquisite $49.99 |
|
|
Freshwater Rice Pearls Bracelet 6 Strands Exquisite $39.99 |
|
|
8″ 6-7mm Lavender Rice Freshwater Pearl Bracelet Silver Clasp Natural Color $10.00 |
|
|
5 strands 15.5″ 4-5×3-4mm green rice freshwater pearl $24.66 |
|
|
P 48 4 X 6MM Mettalic Pink Oval Rice Fresh Water Pearls $4.99 |
|
|
26″ Purple Amethyst & FW White Rice Pearl Necklace | OVER 99% SATISFIED $0.99 |
|
|
Rice White Freshwater Cultured Pearl Gemstone Earring Dangle $6.85 |
|
|
LILAC BRONZE RICE PEARLS, APPROXIMATELY 5X7MM LONG, VERY NICE $4.44 |
|
|
Wonderful 6rows/6-7mm White freshwater rice Pearl Necklace $9.99 |
|
|
Beautiful 26″ Moonstone & FW White Rice Pearl Necklace | FINDINGJEWELRY $0.99 |
|
|
beautiful 6-7mm Rice Freshwater White Pearl Necklace 17″ AA+ $0.99 |
|
|
3S rice white Freshwater Pearl & red coral beads stretchy Bracelet $0.19 |
|
|
17″ AA 7-8mm Rice Freshwater White Pearl Necklace | LOW PRICE HIGH QUALITY $0.99 |
|
|
New Fashion White FW Rice Pearl Necklace 68inch | GREAT GIFT $6.99 |
|
|
GORGEOUS 950CT FW WHITE RICE PEARL CHOKER.SS 925.23IN. $799.99 |
|
|
Beautiful 26″ Moonstone & FW White Rice Pearl Necklace | LOW PRICE HIGH QUALITY $0.99 |
|
|
3 Rows 7-9MM Rice WHITE FW PEARL NECKLACE & FLOWERclasp $18.00 |
|
|
Charming 7mm Black Genuine FW Rice Pearl Drop Earrings | RELIABLE SELLER $0.99 |
|
|
26″ Genuine White Rice Pearl And Aquamarine Necklace | FINDINGJEWELRY $0.99 |
|
|
6x8mm NICE GOLDEN FRESHWATER PEARL RICE Loose Beads $2.99 |
|
|
4strands 17″ 7mm rice gray freshwater pearl necklace bracelet $35.00 |
|
|
8″ 3Row 6-7mm Lavender Rice Freshwater Pearl Bracelet A $6.50 |
|
|
Blue Brown Rainbow Rice Pearl Necklace Unusual Blue Rainbow Pendant $18.00 |
|
|
aaa+ grade 9*13mm white rice pearl pendant 14k $18.00 |
|
|
aaa+ grade 9*13mm white rice pearl pendant 14k $38.00 |
|
|
aaa+ grade 9*13mm white rice pearl pendant 14k $18.00 |
|
|
18″ 6-7mm 2 Row Peach Pink Rice Freshwater Pearl Necklace Strand $22.00 |
|
|
Beautiful 7mm Pink Natural Rice Pearl Necklace | OVER 99% SATISFIED $0.99 |
|
|
7x9mm NOBLE FUCHSIA FRESHWATER PEARL RICE Loose Beads $1.99 |
|
|
18in White Freshwater Potato Rice Pearl Necklace $69.95 18in White Freshwater Potato & Rice Pearl Necklace. |
|
|
Pearl $10 Pearl |
|
|
Pearl, The $6.49 Pearl, The |
|
|
Rice University Owls Executive – Ladies Mother Of Pearl $162.65 Rice University Owls Executive – Ladies Mother Of Pearl Rice University Owls Executive – Ladies Mother Of Pearl |
|
|
Rice University Owls Eclipse – Mother Of Pearl $92.51 Rice University Owls Eclipse – Mother Of Pearl Rice University Owls Eclipse – Mother Of Pearl |
|
|
Rice University Owls Dynasty – Ladies Mother Of Pearl $97.52 Rice University Owls Dynasty – Ladies Mother Of Pearl Rice University Owls Dynasty – Ladies Mother Of Pearl |
|
|
Rice University Owls skin for BlackBerry Pearl 8130 $14.99 Rice University Owls skin by Skinit.com. Fits BlackBerry Pearl 8130. View this and other covers, skins & case accessories at Skinit. |
|
|
18in 5-5.5mm Freshwater Rice White Pearl Necklace w/Metal Clasp $19.95 18in 5-5.5mm Freshwater Rice White Pearl Necklace w/Metal Clasp. |
|
|
18 4-5mm FW Rice White Pearl Necklace w/Metal Clasp $19.95 18′ 4-5mm FW Rice White Pearl Necklace w/Metal Clasp. |
|
|
10KW 6.5-7mm FW Rice Pearl Earrings W/ .01ct TDW I2-I3 $64.95 10KW 6.5-7mm FW Rice Pearl Earrings W/ .01ct TDW I2-I3. |
|
|
Rice University Owls Sport Leather Band – Ladies Mother Of Pearl $59.95 Rice University Owls Sport Leather Band – Ladies Mother Of Pearl Rice University Owls Sport Leather Band – Ladies Mother Of Pearl |
|
|
Rice University Owls Sport Steel Band – Ladies Mother Of Pearl $69.13 Rice University Owls Sport Steel Band – Ladies Mother Of Pearl Rice University Owls Sport Steel Band – Ladies Mother Of Pearl |
|
|
Rice University Owls Competitor Mother Of Pearl – Two-tone Band $104.62 Rice University Owls Competitor Mother Of Pearl – Two-tone Band Rice University Owls Competitor Mother Of Pearl – Two-tone Band |
|
|
18 3 Strand 4-5mm FW Rice Pearl Necklace w/ Silver Lobster Clasp pearl grade AAA $39.95 18′ 3 Strand 4-5mm FW Rice Pearl Necklace w/ Silver Lobster Clasp (pearl grade AAA). |
|
|
Annie Chuns 62564 Rice Express Black Pearl Rice $36.15 ANNIE CHUN S 6x 6.3 OZ RICE EXPRESS BLACK PEARL RICE. This versatile rice is well paired with your favorite stirfry entree or even soup. Or use with your favorite sauce for a quick snack. To really make your kids smile; add a little butter and soy sauce. Together we bring you this delicious freshsteamed rice.:. (Note: This product description is informational only. Always check the actual product label in your possession for the most accurate ingredient information before use. For any health or dietary related matter always consult your doctor before use.) |
|
|
Rice Pearl Necklace – 16" 14k Three strand pearl & gold bead necklace $1727 Rice Pearl Necklace – 16″ 14k Three strand pearl & gold bead necklace is available from jewelbasket.com for only $883.00. Buy now and save. Jewelbasket offers the best value on Necklaces, jewelry and gifts. |
|
|
Hand Made Beaded Jewelry – Coin Pearl & Rice Pearl Necklace jewelry 18 " $126 Hand Made Beaded Jewelry – Coin Pearl & Rice Pearl Necklace jewelry 18 ” is available from jewelbasket.com for only $78.00. Buy now and save. Jewelbasket offers the best value on Necklaces, jewelry and gifts. |
|
|
Set of Sterling Silver Rice White Button Pearl Earrings Pendant $39.95 Set of Sterling Silver Rice White Button Pearl Earrings & Pendant. The innovative design in Sterling Silver makes our Set of Sterling Silver Rice White Button Pearl Earrings & Pendant an instant hit. Perfect for the contemporary woman who appreciates elegance and who wants her pearl pendant to complement her own personal style. Order this today or browse our incredible selection of fashion pearl pendants. Pendant Information Sterling Silver Polished Finish Height 19mm Width 8mm Pearl Information Freshwater Rice & Button Shape White Color 5.5-6mm & 8-8.5mm |
|
|
Set of Sterling Silver Rice Pink Button Pearl Earrings Pendant $39.95 Set of Sterling Silver Rice Pink Button Pearl Earrings & Pendant. The innovative design in Sterling Silver makes our Set of Sterling Silver Rice Pink Button Pearl Earrings & Pendant an instant hit. Perfect for the contemporary woman who appreciates elegance and who wants her pearl pendant to complement her own personal style. Order this today or browse our incredible selection of fashion pearl pendants. Pendant Information Sterling Silver Polished Finish Height 19mm Width 8mm Pearl Information Freshwater Rice & Button Shape Pink Color 5.5-6mm & 8-8.5mm |