Tahitians

[sandstone]

Hi
A question about Tahitian pearl necklaces.

Comparing rows of Tahitian, given that size, lustre, blemishes, matching are all equal, how does the colour affect the price?
Does it follow that the darker the pearl is the higher the price?

 

[BWeaves]

Not these days. The actual color itself doesn't matter as much, as long as the color is beautiful. The rarer the colors and the more beautiful, the higher the price.

The better the pearls are matched in size and color and nacre thickness and surface smoothness and luster, the higher the price. The larger the pearls, obviously, the more expensive.

The more baroque and mismatched, the lower the price.

 

[JerseyPearl]

I think it depends on the particular market. Dark round Tahitians are what people think of as traditional. But some actually prefer the lighter colors. Also, I think the rarity of the color impacts the price as well.

 

[jshepherd]

Your question mentioned price and not preference, which is an important distinction.

On the wholesale market, it definitely makes a difference. If lots are separated by color, it's usually by light, medium-light, medium-dark and dark, with each level getting progressively more expensive. The most expensive lots, all other factors being equal, are going to be dark, such as dark peacock, dark aubergine or dark green or dark mixed. Depending on the intensity, the difference in value could be many times that of a light to medium light lot, which usually has silvers and lighter greens.

There are definitely special lots, and lots with intense overtones that can be separated from light lots and be nearly on par with a dark lot. Those are special color light lots, however. Your typical lighter lots and lighter strands (especially ones without a lot of overtones) are much less valuable than darker ones - often several x.

 

[pearlescence]

Rare colours will be more expensive too - full strand of true blues anyone?

 

[kelluvpearls]

Excellent reply Jeremy, thank you for the information.