[pearltime]

Hi Zeide!

That comment was a quote from Heide Harders of Chicago Gem and Jewelry Evaluation Services. She is making a comment based on "now", don't you think? I think the future is in fresh water.
The article I posted was originally in the Wall Street Journal. A friend of mine sent it to me by U.S mail. It was in the week-end edition of Oct.14-15,2006. I found it on-line. I was unable to reproduce the rest of the article because I couldn't find it on-line. I don't have a subscription to the "Wall Street Journal".

The part I wanted to post was a pictorial called "A Pearl Primer".
It was divided in three sections,salt-water,freshwater and "In the Showcase".

I'll give the basic run-down of what the piece said.

Saltwater-Akoya " Aren't considered particularly fashionable now."Prices have stabilized and the cost of a 6.5mm pearl sells now for 40% less than they did in the 90's.

Tahitians-"some gemologists expect prices to rise" but the price is still 1/3 less than it was 10 years ago.

South Sea Costs 1/3 less than a decade ago,iffy investment because of the expected increase in the culture of large high quality fresh water pearls.

The article further stated that the production of good quality fresh water pearls has driven down the cost of all pearls. The type of pearls mentioned were potato,and coin. Apparently pearls paired with gemstones should be a big hit next spring.( which they are already)