Value?

[viragovirgo]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum. I found it while searching for information on pearl values and selling pearls. I'm wondering if anyone could give me an idea on what my pearls might be worth? Due to some things going on in life, I am looking into selling them but I don't know what to price them for, or where to sell them. Is there a good reputable source? I cringe at the thought of ebay because I've had some bad experiences there. Here is the info from my 2005 appraisal, which showed a retail value of $2,500 at that time. (I realize I can't get retail value)

Thank you for any help you can offer!

 

[Sea Urchin]

Even if you don't want to sell on ebay, if you look up similar strands and click on "completed listings," the prices in green will tell you what they actually sold for (if you don't know, the ones in red did not sell).

 

[Sea Urchin]

Here are a few I found on a quick eBay "completed listings" search of secondhand pearl strands. They don't have the earrings though, and may be quite a bit older than yours. But I skipped the ones that did not specify "akoya" or "saltwater," and also the ones listed as Mikimoto, since just having that brand name makes the price go through the roof.


This one went for $179:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-7mm...S_Fine_Necklaces_Pendants&hash=item4abf8e943a


This went sold for only $59:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Gen...S_Fine_Necklaces_Pendants&hash=item3ccf9d16d3


$105
http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-est...S_Fine_Necklaces_Pendants&hash=item485257f241


This strand from the 1930's went for $202:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Pea...S_Fine_Necklaces_Pendants&hash=item4ac1a6c882


So, my pearlie friends, that looks pretty lousy. Am I missing something?

 

[viragovirgo]

Wow, I was hoping they'd be more than that. I've had them for almost 20 years. Wanted to keep them for my granddaughter but like I said, other things going on in life that prompted looking at selling. I guess if I can't get enough for what I need I'll hold them for her. Thank you for the info though. I appreciate it.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

6.0-6.5mm, 17 inches long... most ladies nowadays are looking for larger pearls than that.

The appraisal was for replacement value; you would be selling at wholesale, and pearls do not tend to hold their value. Are you really sure you want to sell them?

I suppose you could consign them with a local jeweler if you really want to avoid eBay, but then you would only be paid if they are sold. Not exactly quick cash.

 

[viragovirgo]

Thanks Pearl Dreams. No, I don't really want to sell them, it was more of a need. I'll just keep them for my granddaughter, which was my original intent anyway. Thanks for the information. I appreciate it!