William Lipovsky
Unlike precious metals, such as gold and platinum, determining the value of pearls may not be so straightforward.
Different types of pearls range greatly in value, and it’s difficult for an untrained eye to determine the differences between them.
Below, we explain what you may need to know before selling your pearls and who buys pearls.
What to Know About Pearls
Types of Pearls
There are several types of pearls and each type varies in value. The most valuable are natural pearls harvested from oysters in salt water; the least valuable are imitation pearls.
We provide more details about the four types below, and you can find more information on types of pearls at the American Gem Society website.
Natural Saltwater Pearls
Saltwater pearls are created naturally within oysters living deep in the ocean.
Because many natural pearls were harvested in the 18th and 19th centuries, they’re very rare and valuable today.
Cultured Saltwater Pearls
Cultured saltwater pearls are grown by humans from oysters.
Still, oysters only produce a maximum of two pearls each. Furthermore, not all oysters will create pearls, and not all pearls created will be of high quality.
Therefore, this type of pearl is rare and highly valuable.
Freshwater Pearls
Similar to cultured saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are grown by humans within oysters in rivers, lakes, and ponds.
This type of pearl isn’t as valuable as cultured saltwater pearls, but depending on the rarity and quality, it can still be highly valuable.
Imitation Pearls
Imitation pearls are usually just a glass-coated bead. The luster (shininess) is high but doesn’t have much depth.
It isn’t difficult for professionals to determine what’s an imitation pearl and what isn’t. This type of pearl is not of high value.
How to Determine the Value of Pearls
Pearl prices vary greatly; for example, a single strand of natural pearls could be worth between $300 and $1,500.
Unlike gold, it takes an expert eye to determine the type and value of a pearl. Contact an appraiser near you to determine the authenticity of your pearls.
If you have a receipt, certificate, or another document proving the authenticity of your pearls, you’re one step ahead! Having these documents will simplify the process of selling your pearls.
Where to Sell Pearls Online
Many of the nation’s largest jewelry chains don’t buy pearls, so for many sellers, it’s best to use an online buyer.
1. Craigslist
- How to sell: Post your ad by selecting your city, then “post to classifieds,” then select “for sale by owner,” and then “jewelry – by owner.” From there you can fill out a more detailed form. You’ll set the price, so you may want to get a free appraisal before making the listing.
- How you’re paid: You decide how you’re paid. Just state in your ad whether you prefer PayPal, cash, check, etc.
- Find out more
2. eBay
- How to sell: Register for an account, create a listing, and include specific details about your pearls. Based on similar items for sale, eBay will suggest an auction price for you.
- How you’re paid: Most payments are electronic, but you can select your payment options when creating your listing.
- Find out more
3. Luxury Buyers
- How to sell: Call or email (info@luxurybuyers.com) a description of your pearls to get a free estimate. If you approve of the initial estimate, Luxury Buyers will send a prepaid overnight shipping label. Within 48 hours of your inquiry, you’ll receive a final offer.
- How you’re paid: Wire transfer or check
- Find out more
4. Worthy
- How to sell: Complete the registration form and describe your pearls to receive an initial estimate. You’ll then receive a prepaid shipping label. Send off your pearls so they can be examined at the GIA laboratory located near Worthy’s office. You and buyers interested in bidding on your jewelry will receive an e-Diamond report, including professional photos of your jewelry. The last step is to wait for offers to come in and accept one.
- How you’re paid: PayPal, bank transfer, or check
- Find out more
Where to Sell Pearls In-Store
Most large jewelry retailers don’t buy pearls. Your best bet is to head to your local jeweler and ask if it buys pearls.
We’ve provided a list of local jewelers located in some of the nation’s larger cities, but you can also search for jewelers near you on the Jewelers of America website, which represents more than 8,000 jewelers throughout the U.S.
1. Arden’s Jewelers
- Location: Sacramento, CA
- How to sell: Stop in the store for a free appraisal of your pearls.
- How you’re paid: Cash
- Find out more
2. Carreras Jewelers
- Location: Richmond, VA
- How to sell: Carreras will appraise and purchase jewelry on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments aren’t necessary, but call ahead at (804) 673-1967 to be safe.
- How you’re paid: Cash or store credit; if you choose store credit, you’ll also receive a 25% discount.
- Find out more
3. Coin Mart Jewelry
- Location: San Diego, CA
- How to sell: Bring your pearls into the store. Coin Mart will appraise the value of your pearls and offer a price immediately.
- How you’re paid: Cash
- Find out more
4. Hannoush Jewelers
- Locations: Danbury, Enfield, Farmington, Gulford, Manchester, and Wallingford, CT
- How to sell: Visit a store with your pearls in hand to receive an appraisal/offer.
- How you’re paid: Cash
- Find out more
5. The Jewelry Buyers
- Locations: Phoenix, AZ (Ahwatukee), Phoenix, AZ (Scottsdale), and Tempe, AZ
- How to sell: Fill out an evaluation form describing your pearls. The Jewelry Buyers will then call or email you, whichever you choose in your form, to explain the value of your pearls. After the initial phone or email conversation, you can bring your pearls to a store to be examined.
- How you’re paid: Cash
- Find out more
6. LaRog Brothers
- Location: Tigard, OR and Clackamas, OR
- How to sell: Bring your pearls to the store nearest you. An associate will evaluate them on the spot and if they meet LaRog Brothers’ criteria, you’ll receive an offer.
- How you’re paid: Cash
- Find out more
7. William Penn Jewelers and Watchmakers
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- How to sell: Call (412) 521-7364 to speak with William Penn’s master jewelers about selling your pearls.
- How you’re paid: Cash
- Find out more
8. Wixon Jewelers
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- How to sell: Appointments aren’t necessary but are an option. You can schedule an appointment online. If you don’t make an appointment, you can go to a story Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to have your pearls appraised. Upon evaluation, you’ll receive an offer for your pearls.
- How you’re paid: Cash
- Find out more
Other Options for Selling Pearls
You may also have luck selling your pearls at auction or at a pawn shop:
Auctions
Auctions can be risky because the end price is unknown, but you may be rewarded for such a gamble.
If you have old pearls that have been appraised at a higher value, selling them at an auction might be the way to go.
Do a quick Google search to find auction houses near you.
Pawn Shops
See our related research on what pawn shops buy; many will buy pearls and pearl jewelry. Check with your local pawn shops to see if they buy old pearls.
My grandmother passed at 75 she left two big suitcase of old pearl and diamond and other jewelry and I also have old coin from civil war and Michael Jordan basketball cards from 80 and 90
Vivian, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother must have been a fashionable lady. I would recommend getting any items your family is interested in selling appraised. You can find options near you using the American Gem Society’s Appraiser Search. My heart goes out to you and your family!