Do Pearls Go Down in Value? The Truth You Need to Know!

How pearls are valued: it’s more complicated than you think

Okay, let’s be real — you probably thought, “Pearls are timeless, right? They must hold their value!” That’s exactly what I assumed too. But then, chatting with my friend Lisa last week (she works in a vintage jewelry shop), she dropped this on me: “Actually, most pearls lose value over time.”

Wait, what?! I was stunned. So, I dove deep to figure this out — and here’s what I found.

Natural vs. cultured pearls

First, you need to understand the difference. Natural pearls (the super rare ones formed without human help) are crazy valuable and often increase in price because they’re scarce. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are farmed, mass-produced, and much more common.

So yeah, if you bought that pretty pearl necklace online for $200, it’s almost certainly cultured, and… sorry, but it probably won’t appreciate.

Freshwater vs. saltwater pearls

Another factor: freshwater pearls are generally cheaper and more abundant, while saltwater pearls (like Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian) tend to hold value better — but even then, only the highest quality pieces.

Why do pearls often lose value over time?

Fashion trends and demand

Let’s face it: jewelry trends come and go. Pearls were ultra-trendy in the ’50s, dipped in the ’80s, and now they’re making a comeback (yay!). But if you try to resell pearls during a low-demand phase, you won’t get much.

Lisa told me about a client who tried selling her grandma’s pearl set and was heartbroken to learn it was worth far less than expected. Apparently, the resale market just isn’t that hot right now for mid-range pearls.

Wear and tear matters

Here’s something I hadn’t even considered: pearls are delicate. They scratch easily, their luster can fade, and they’re super sensitive to chemicals. So if you’ve been wearing that pearl bracelet daily, spritzing perfume all over it (guilty as charged), its value has probably dropped.

Can pearls ever increase in value?

Rare or vintage pieces

Yes! Exceptionally rare natural pearls or vintage designer pieces (think Cartier or Mikimoto) can go up in value, especially at auctions. But you need proper certification, provenance, and sometimes even a famous name attached.

I actually made this mistake once: I bought a “vintage” pearl brooch on eBay thinking I’d struck gold. Turns out, it was a reproduction, and yeah… lesson learned.

Holding onto them for sentimental value

Honestly, sometimes the real value isn’t monetary. Pearls passed down from family, tied to memories — those hold emotional weight that no resale price can match. Lisa reminded me of this, and I loved it: “Jewelry doesn’t have to be an investment; sometimes it’s just your story.”

Should you invest in pearls?

My change of mind

At the start, I thought pearls were a smart investment. But now? I’d say: only buy them if you truly love them, not because you expect to make money. Unless you’re collecting rare natural pearls, the average set is more like fine fashion — beautiful, meaningful, but not a cash cow.

And honestly, I find that kinda freeing! You can wear your pearls, enjoy them, and not stress about “ruining the value.”

Final thoughts: what should you do with your pearls?

If you own pearls, take care of them — store them properly, clean them gently, and wear them with love. And if you were hoping to resell for profit, well… maybe reconsider, or at least check with a trusted jeweler first.

So, what do you think? Do you have a pearl story of your own? Hit me up — I’d love to hear it!

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