Blue Akoya Pearls

[ChicagoPearlHunter]

I’m completely new to purchasing pearls, but have recently taken up purchasing estate jewelry, I’m enjoying the antiquing/treasure hunt aspect. I stumbled on a pair of what was listed as blue akoyas on Etsy from a seller in Japan and purchased, currently waiting on their arrival. I assumed the pearls had been treated, either dyed or radiated. I just want to make sure I haven’t been totally scammed. I felt like this seller did a really good job of being transparent and photographing these in different lighting and backgrounds. These aren’t completely obvious imitation pearls though, right? I’ve seen some other photos others guessed as imitation and I would have had no idea.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

While there are naturally occurring silver-blue akoyas, those pearls look color treated. But not imitations.

 

[ChicagoPearlHunter]

I assume natural has a higher value, but I think a lot of akoyas are treated, no? I thought the color was pretty enough to not care when I purchased. Does irradiated versus dyed have any impact on either the value or the structural integrity of the pearl?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

The dye is permanent and won't affect the durability of the pearls. All that matters here is that you like them.

 

[KarinK]

I assume natural has a higher value, but I think a lot of akoyas are treated, no? I thought the color was pretty enough to not care when I purchased. Does irradiated versus dyed have any impact on either the value or the structural integrity of the pearl?

I think, in general, dyed pearls have lower value but preowned pearls don't have a lot of resale value in any case so, as said, what matters is that you love them

 

[A Breaker]

The natural Blue Akoyas I have seen a bit more variation. I think it was in Pearls as One (but it could have been Matt Harris) that said pearls are often dyed as a matched strand. I also think there is a little dye build up on one pearl drill hole in the close up.