Investment

[Kelo]

Hi guys,

I was just wondering if investing in pearls would be a wise investment or not. I appreciate that their value can and does yo-yo but should I buy some luscious expensive pearls with an investment in mind or just to ogle? I'm hoping to be gong to Tahiti later this year and buying some when I'm there.


K.

[Caitlin]

Right now does not seem to be a good time to buy pearls as a sure-thing investment, so I say buy them to ogle and wear. Buy the best strand you can afford. Tahitian pearls can be most colorful, so be sure to pick a colorful one that has deep overtones in shades you like. Be sure to keep the box and paperwork. It will help hold the value in any future resale. Pearls in estate sales tend to sell for a lot less than retail value. There are only a very few "important" pearls that have sold for bigger prices than they were bought for. Most cultured pearls are not among them.

Buying them in Tahiti sounds like a great adventure and can cost a lot less than buying them in a retail store here.

[Kelo]

Thank you, Caitlin. I suspected what you just confirmed. It was either going to be pearls bricks and mortar but as we all know houses can yo-yo too - I'd rather look at a pearl though. I was looking at buying a strand in the six figure region but...anyhoo, now that you've made up my mind I can spend more in Tahiti! lol

Thank you again, Caitlin, your information is very much appreciated.

[Caitlin]

A Tahitian in the 6 figure range would have to be truly amazing. It would have be a very important necklace put together by people with resources(lots and lots of top quality pearls) and training, the most respected pearl dealer in Tahiti. Who that would be, I don't have a clue.

Check the online prices of Tahitians at places like Pearl Paradise, and the other bigger dealers on this site. Don't pay any more down there than online prices up here and get a good quality of necklace for lots of wearing. Wearing is the point.

[smetzler]

Kelo is wondering if his money is better off as a commodity than in the bank, given low interest rates and market volatility. The right pearls would certainly be worth considering. But that money has been going to naturals, attracting the usual low-lifes and resulting in the nacreous pearl certification scandal as reported on the 'Trade Alert' thread.

Now, they're culturing Conchs.

I guess Kelo's mattress should remain an option.

[Kelo]

LOL, yes, the mattress may well be the right place because I don't trust bankers either. The strand that I was looking at is made of large SS pearls. Maybe I should breed Alpacas instead lol.

[Heidi]

Breed alpacas and perhaps purchase a selection of precious metals that are in increasing demand. ?

[Kelo]

Yep, Alpacas are on my list too LOL! I may skip the Alpaca part because of my spinal injury; can't take any chances with animals going nuts on me. Metals are much more demure!

[Caitlin]

SS pearls? I though you were talking Tahitians.
SSP cost a lot, but I am not sure they retain their value when resold, let alone increase value. Metals will at least maintain their relative value though I am sure that they increase in value because of inflation more than anything else. At least they have stayed even with inflation, so far. So metals in the mattress, while maybe not comfy, are probably more stable than anything on paper. I am still into saying get some pearls to ogle, if not wear.

[Pearly Shell]

As a retail salesperson, I have never recommend using jewelry as an investment vehicle. Values in the secondary market are never a sure thing. If you want to invest in something precious, I would suggest precious metals more than a strand of fabulous pearls. But even that is tricky, with gold at such high prices, it's not the best time to buy either.

A strand of Pearls is meant to be worn and enjoyed.

[Kelo]

Thank you all for your advice and input. Perhaps the idea of an 'investment' should be shelved. I'll still buy some whoppers to simply admire and drool over. A few Tahitian pendants will sate my pearly appetite somewhat - but I doubt it!

[Caitlin]

Now you're talking!