How much would you expect to pay for this?

[TSH]

Hi all,

I have another question.

How much would you expect to pay for an 18" strand of Chinese Akoya pearls in the 7.0-7.5mm range? The clasp is 14k yellow gold and the matching, luster, shape, etc. all seem to be of high quality.

Any thoughts?

Much appreciated.

Thanks!

[jerin]

Good prices ar to be had through several of members of this forum. Check out their prices so you have something to compare.

Some of the names that come to mindand have guaranteed nice prices and good quality:

Pearls of Joy
The Pearl Outlet
Pure Pearls
Pearl Paradise

Read more about on the Forum, there are more members that sell fine pearls...

[The Pearl Outlet]

Also a point to note, the use of the term Chinese Akoya can be very misleading, since the country of origin plays NO part in the value of a strand. You'll want to read some of the pearl articles on this site discussing this issue.

The question then becomes, are you a reseller purchasing at wholesale from a distributor, or a retail customer purchasing at a local jewelry store, online, or on auction?

At your local jewelry store, you'd expect to pay several thousand. Online, from a reputable source, you'd expect to pay between $600 to $900 for a high-end strand (AAA quality).

If ordering online, always call and ask for a coupon code from the vendor. Many vendors will give these out over the phone and you can save yourself a little extra.

[TSH]

Thanks for the responses!

I am interested in purchasing online. I have looked at several places and have found that Chinese Akoya pearl necklaces in this range are rare. I found none on Pearl Paradise so far but will check out the other places as well.

How does one really determine AAA quality anyway? Seems like many places always claim that.


Thanks again.

[Mandy]

For akoya I would imagine it would have to be the quality of the luster and/or the thickness of the nacre that determines AAA quality.

As for a potential strand here is one from Pearl Paradise: http://www.pearlparadise.com/detail.aspx?ID=85 that fits your specifications There are others also here: http://www.thepearloutlet.com/servlet/ProductView?command=createProcurement&supplierID=490&commodityID=4195&searchIndex=13
and here: http://www.purepearls.com/detail.aspx?ID=17. All of these strands fall within $400-$600 dollars, a fair price compared to the $800+ I've seen in some jewelry stores!

Also I'm sure that if you see a type of strand and yet it isn't long enough or is not in a color you desire a simple e-mail or PM to them here at the forums with your questions will surely be answered :)

[jshepherd]

TSH,

If you are trying to determine what you would be able to sell your Behai pearls for it is very difficult to say without knowing the grade. Especially in the 7-7.5mm size there is a tremendous range of grades and wholesale prices. If you are in Asia and have a chance to visit Hong Kong, there is a show starting there shortly. Maybe you can compare your pearls against those on offer from one of the many akoya dealers.

[Valeria101]

I am sorry to say that the range of prices in my memory go roughly between $50 to $3000 with the bulk between $200 and $1000 (all retail, I am on the wrong side of the counter :rolleyes: ).

I cannot relate price and quality throughout the range - who, where and how sells them makes a world of difference. Obviously, the worst and the best stand out, but Akoya tend to look all 'white & round' with at most small blemishes and subtle off-roundness that the thin nacre layer might afford.

I don't know that many places online with a wide range of prices and qualities for reference aside the ones already mentioned upwards this thread. You may find

THIS (http://www.stachurawholesalegemstones.com/view/235/)

interesting.

The folks do not bother with the overly-abused (meaningless? :o ) AAAA..AA+/- 'grading system', and pictures of pearls are a tricky bit, but...

Going to a pearl fair to browse sounds a.w.e.s.o.m.e !

[pearlee]

I wonder what you were saying is the saltwater cultured pearls from Hepu, China? If yes, the price will be about $300 per unit under the size and quality which you were mentioned.
I am in China, I am very happy to select one for you if you want.:)
By the way, the Hepu pearl is the best Akoya pearls in Chinese, has been 4000 years history.

[Kevin Canning]

I just briefly checked out that link: http://www.stachurawholesalegemstones.com

and saw them describe one strand as:


Surface: gemy


and I gotta wonder about a company what would describe this strand as having an excellent surface:
http://www.stachurawholesalegemstones.com/view/235/1410/

The strand is covered in blemishes, some pretty significant.

[knotty panda]

Stachura makes a distinction between Chinese and Japanese akoyas. Those strands start at $30.00.

[pattye]

Does that mean one pays more for the Japanese akoya?;)

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[knotty panda]

You'd have to ask them.