Hi -- I'm new to the board and have really been learning a lot. I found it looking for help in gauging pearl quality. I am looking for a really nice necklace of white Baroque pearls, about 12mm or so. How do I tell a good quality in these pearls. Any particular questions to ask or things to look for? Thanks in advance for your help --
Karen

[jshepherd]

Do you know what type of pearl you are looking for? White South Sea or freshwater?
Basically a baroque pearl strand quality will be gauged by the degree of the luster, and the surface inclusions. If you are looking for a drop shape, the symmetry is very important. But if you want a true asymmetrical baroque, the matching, luster, and surface quality are going to be most important.

A 12mm freshwater baroque strand will actually be quite reasonable. The South Sea can get to be quite a bit more expensive, however.

freshwater would be fine, I think. The South Sea pearls are beautiful, but may be a bit beyond my ability at this time. It's not likely I will find something in stores near where I live, so I will probably shop online. What would be reasonable to pay for a 12mm strand of each type? And what questions should I ask?
Thanks again
K

Hi Karen,

A good price on a quality 12mm South Sea baroque pearl strand would be around $1,500. If you could find one at your local jeweler, be prepared to pay more than $3500.

A freshwater strand would be significantly less. Since we've never carried a freshwater baroque in this size though, I'll let another member answer this part of your question.

I appreciate your input!