Auctioning Natural pearls

[pearlita]

I have a number of friends who have numerous natural pearls in different shapes and sizes. Where would they start to beguin to auction their finds? I don't know I'm just a good collector. But i Have been thinking about auctioning too.

[pattye]

Hi Perlita,

Not certain where you live, but usually the first step is to get the pearl(s) certified that it is a natural. Have you or any of your friends had that done with your pearls? Your pearls as shown on the other thread are very interesting, and very helpful that you have the shell also.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[pearlita]

Ill post some pictures I still have to collect them. But what happens after the certification process.

[Valeria101]

Ill post some pictures I still have to collect them. But what happens after the certification process.

What after... you would have to contact a few auction houses and see what they say. Auctions of loose pearls are not unknown off, just not very usual.

In fact, I would start with this, mentioning in the emails that you will have the pearls certified if they recommend this. Like this you have a chance to find out which of the pearls would be suitable for auction, if some may be best presented as lots etc.

I could be wrong, but my impression is that natural pearls only have a chance with the better international jewelry auctions. Which leaves you a dozen auctioneers to talk with. See THIS LIST at GIA for starters. As natural pearls are best found these days through antique jewelry sellers, I'd guess there may be some interest in natural pearls from there too; try THIS directory for British ones, and THIS for US. These are not comprehensive lists.

Couldn't hurt to try, that's for sure.

Best of luck!

Hope to see the pictures here too...

[pearlita]

what do you think about this ones, how much do you this will fetch in the market?

[Valeria101]

what do you think about this ones, how much do you this will fetch in the market?

The picture can't show size or quality... Can you tell?

Also, I need to clarify that my previous post here was written with the assumption that you were talking about classic, nacreous pearls.

A collection of exotic pearls is a different animal.

[pattye]

Hi Perlita,

Are these your friends' pearls? What kind of pearls do you think they are? what are the sizes? It helps if you give more information.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[pearlita]

this are the only information i have

the big pearls(CHINA CLAM PEARL) measurement is 19.71 x 10.67 x 15.21mm and weight is 39.69 karats

the small pearl (CONCH PEARL) measurement 7mm and weight is unknown or N/A