What Determines Freshwater Pearl Prices?
The value of freshwater pearls is determined by several factors: * Luster (surface reflectivity) Pearls with the highest luster levels have the greatest value. * Smoother pearl surfaces have greater value. * Size and weight contribute to pearl value but size is less important than luster and shape. * Pearl shape influences value, but round is not the only option Usually pearls that are closer to round have the greatest value but good symmetry and flatter shapes such as coin, butterfly, Biwa (or stick) and other geometric shapes are often very valuable, particularly if the pearls have a high luster level. Baroque shapes are often the least expensive pearls but larger and higher luster baroque shapes can command high prices and are prized for their unusual shapes and luster. * Nacre thickness is not as important in freshwater pearls as it is in cultured saltwater pearls because they do not have a shell nucleus. * Pearl color influences price Freshwater pearls come in a variety of natural
