How Much Does a Pearl Necklace Cost? And What Are You Actually Paying For?

Pearl necklaces can cost less than $50 or more than $20,000. Two strands may look almost identical online, yet differ in luster, surface quality, matching, pearl type, clasp, construction, and brand markup.

I find the price easier to judge once you decide how you’ll wear the necklace. A casual baroque strand and a classic Akoya necklace bought for a wedding serve different needs. You may care most about size. I may care more about luster.

Once you know your priorities, the price difference becomes much easier to understand.

Cultured Pearls Are Still Real Pearls

Let’s deal with this first because the wording confuses plenty of people.

Most real pearl jewelry sold today uses cultured pearls. A farmer starts the pearl-growing process inside a mollusk. The pearl then develops over time.

Natural pearls form without that deliberate intervention. They are much rarer, and many natural pearl pieces now sit in antique, auction, or collector markets.

Imitation pearls are different. They may be made from glass, plastic, ceramic, shell, or another material coated to look pearl-like.

So yes, cultured freshwater pearls are real pearls.

They may cost less than Akoya, Tahitian, or South Sea pearls. That usually comes down to supply, farming methods, size, quality, and how many pearls the mollusk can produce.

When I read a product description, I look for actual material details:

• Freshwater cultured pearls
• Akoya cultured pearls
• Tahitian cultured pearls
• South Sea cultured pearls
• Natural pearls
• Imitation pearls
• Faux pearls
• Simulated pearls
• Shell pearls

A listing that says only “pearl necklace” doesn’t tell you much.

Same goes for phrases like “pearl finish,” “pearl-inspired,” or “luxury pearl look.” The necklace may still be cute. It just may not contain real pearls.

I’d rather know that before ordering.

What Does a Pearl Necklace Usually Cost?

There’s no universal price chart.

Two necklaces made with 7 mm freshwater pearls may still cost very different amounts. One might have bright luster, fairly clean surfaces, careful matching, and a 14k gold clasp. The other might use duller pearls, plated metal, and basic wire construction.

Same size. Different necklace.

Still, broad price ranges can help.

Under $100

Most full strands below $100 use imitation pearls, smaller freshwater pearls, lower-grade pearls, inexpensive metal, or a mix of pearls and beads.

And honestly, that may be exactly what you need.

I’d consider imitation pearls for:

• A larger pearl look without the cost
• A necklace I’ll wear only now and then
• Travel
• A trend I’m testing
• An event outfit
• Layering with costume jewelry

You can find real pearls below $100 too. Usually in smaller or simpler designs.

Think:

• A single freshwater pearl pendant
• A station necklace
• Tiny pearls on a chain
• A short baroque strand
• Pearls mixed with glass or stone beads
• A necklace with only a few pearl accents

At this price, I’d read the full listing. Not the title. The details.

The necklace may use very small pearls, plated hardware, visible surface marks, unknotted stringing, or shapes that vary quite a bit.

Would that bother you?

Maybe not.

For a casual necklace worn a few times a month, you may not need perfectly matched pearls or a solid gold clasp. You may just want something that looks good with a black tank top.

Fair enough.

Budget	What You Typically Get	Best For
Under $100	Imitation pearls, small freshwater accents, plated clasps	Casual wear, travel, trend testing
$100–$500	Real freshwater strands, better luster, sterling clasps	First real strand, gifts, everyday wear
$500–$1,500	Akoya or high-grade freshwater, solid gold clasps, closer matching	Milestone gifts, formal occasions
$1,500+	Tahitian, South Sea, large sizes, luxury brands, custom work	Investment pieces, collectors, special commissions

$100 to $500

This is where a lot of people buy their first full strand of real pearls.

You can often find:

• Round or near-round freshwater pearls
• Oval pearls
• Baroque strands
• Better luster than the lowest-priced options
• More even sizing
• Sterling silver clasps
• Simple gold clasps
• Knotted strands
• Modern pearl and chain designs

I tend to like freshwater pearls in this range.

You can get something polished, wearable, and real without moving into four-figure territory. There’s also more variety. You aren’t limited to the traditional white, perfectly round strand.

Try comparing two necklaces in the same light.

One may be very round but a little dull. The other may have slight shape differences and much brighter reflections.

I’d probably take the brighter one.

Roundness sounds impressive in a description. Once the necklace is on your neck, though, luster often does more of the work.

This price range can make sense for:

• Your first real strand
• A birthday gift
• An anniversary gift
• Work
• Dinner
• Weddings
• A baroque necklace you can wear casually

A $300 necklace can be a very good necklace. It doesn’t need to pretend to be a $3,000 one.

$500 to $1,500

This range gets more interesting.

You may find:

• Smaller Akoya strands
• Higher-quality freshwater pearls
• Larger freshwater pearls
• Solid gold clasps
• Better matching
• Tahitian pearl pendants
• South Sea pearl pendants
• Mixed-pearl designs
• More careful knotting and finishing

At this point, I’d slow down.

What improved?

Can you actually see stronger luster? Are the pearls more evenly matched? Is the clasp solid gold? Are the pearls individually knotted? Does the necklace use a pearl type that normally costs more?

The price should connect to something real.

Sometimes it does. You hold the strand up and immediately see the difference.

Other times, you’re paying for a very nice box.

I’d compare a few options under the same lighting. Better yet, try them against your skin. Pearls can look very different once they’re away from a bright white product background.

A cool white strand may suddenly look gray. A cream strand may look warmer and softer. A rose overtone may become much more obvious.

Photos don’t always tell the full story.

$1,500 and Up

Once you get past $1,500, the range opens up quickly.

You may be looking at:

• Larger Akoya pearls
• Matched Tahitian strands
• Round South Sea pearls
• Golden South Sea pearls
• Large pearl sizes
• Diamond clasps
• Heavy gold hardware
• Custom designs
• Luxury brands
• Rare natural pearls

At this price, I’d want clear answers.

Not polished sales talk. Details.

Ask about:

• Pearl type
• Pearl size range
• Shape
• Body color
• Overtone
• Luster
• Surface condition
• Matching
• Necklace length
• Clasp metal
• Treatments
• Stringing method
• Return policy
• Any independent report

If a seller wants several thousand dollars but can’t tell you whether the pearls were dyed, I’d leave.

No rush. There will be another necklace.

(Related article: How much is freshwater pearl worth)

What Makes One Pearl Necklace Cost More?

The Pearl Type

Pearl type affects price, though the name alone doesn’t tell you whether the necklace is good.

A beautiful freshwater strand may look better than a lower-grade Akoya necklace. I wouldn’t assume saltwater automatically wins.

Look at the actual pearls.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are usually the most affordable real pearls. Most come from China, and they’re available in many shapes, sizes, and natural colors.

You may see:

• White
• Cream
• Pink
• Peach
• Lavender
• Round
• Near-round
• Oval
• Button
• Drop
• Baroque

Freshwater pearls used to be easier to identify because many were clearly irregular. That’s less true now. Some modern freshwater pearls can be quite round and bright.

In online photos, they may look similar to Akoya pearls.

I often suggest freshwater pearls when you want more size for your budget. They also work well if you prefer a slightly relaxed feel.

They’re a good fit for:

• Everyday wear
• Baroque shapes
• Pink or peach tones
• Casual styling
• Your first pearl necklace
• A larger pearl without a much larger price

I like freshwater pearls with simple clothes. A white shirt. A crewneck knit. A black dress. A plain tee.

No special occasion needed.

Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls most closely associated with Japan, although they’re produced in other parts of Asia too.

They’re often known for:

• Round shapes
• Bright, sharp luster
• White or cream body color
• Rose, silver, or green overtones
• Close matching
• A polished appearance

Many Akoya pearls sit around 6 to 8 mm. Larger sizes usually cost more, especially when they remain round, bright, clean, and well matched.

Akoya pearls may suit you when you want the classic white strand people often picture for weddings, milestone gifts, and formal events.

They can look crisp.

Almost glassy, in the best examples.

Still, I’d place them beside good freshwater pearls before deciding. You may prefer the slightly softer appearance of freshwater pearls. Your wardrobe may suit them better too.

A formal necklace isn’t automatically more useful.

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls are cultured mainly in French Polynesia.

People often call them black pearls, but many aren’t truly black. You may see:

• Gray
• Charcoal
• Green
• Blue
• Purple
• Brown
• Peacock tones

Many Tahitian pearls measure around 8 to 14 mm, though you’ll find smaller and larger examples.

Their color can be hard to judge online.

A pearl may look deep green outside, gray under office lights, and slightly purple at dinner. Quite a shift.

That’s part of the appeal, at least for me.

For an expensive Tahitian necklace, I’d ask for photos or a short video in daylight. Studio lighting can make the colors look more intense than they are.

A full Tahitian strand also takes time to assemble. The pearls need to work together in size, shape, luster, body color, and overtone.

One beautiful pearl is one thing.

Finding thirty or forty that belong together is another.

A full matched strand can be expensive. A pendant, mixed-color necklace, or baroque strand may cost less.

And it may feel easier to wear.

South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls are produced mainly in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

They tend to be larger than the other main cultured pearl types and may appear in:

• White
• Silver
• Cream
• Champagne
• Golden tones

Many fall somewhere between 8 and 18 mm.

Their size, growth time, limited supply, and farming conditions all affect the price. A large, round, well-matched strand can cost several thousand dollars.

Sometimes far beyond that.

I wouldn’t dismiss baroque South Sea pearls, though.

They may give you the same large scale and natural color at a lower price. I also find them less formal. A round South Sea strand can feel very grand. An irregular strand often sits more comfortably with a loose shirt or knit.

Depends what you like.

Pearl Type	Typical Size	Key Characteristic
Freshwater	4–12 mm	Most affordable; wide range of shapes and natural colors
Akoya	6–9 mm	Sharp luster; classic round white strand; saltwater
Tahitian	8–14 mm	Natural dark tones; green, blue, purple overtones; French Polynesia
South Sea	8–18 mm	Largest cultured pearls; white, cream, or golden; premium price

Luster

Luster is usually the first thing I check.

It describes the way light reflects from the pearl’s surface and through its nacre. Pearls with strong luster show bright, fairly clear reflections. Pearls with weaker luster can look cloudy, soft, or chalky.

You can do a quick comparison near a window.

Hold the strand up. Look at the reflections. Can you see the outline of the window? Your fingers? A nearby object?

It won’t look exactly like a mirror. It should look alive, though.

My personal order tends to be:

1. Luster
2. Color
3. Matching
4. Size
5. Surface condition
6. Roundness

Not a rule. Just how I shop.

You may care much more about shape. Or size. Or you may want a strand where every pearl looks slightly different.

Still, I’d think twice before paying extra for large pearls that look flat in normal light.

Big and dull is still dull.

Pearl Size

Larger pearls usually cost more when the other qualities remain similar.

They may take longer to grow. They may come from larger mollusks. They may simply be harder to produce in the desired shape and condition.

And a necklace needs a lot of them.

The price jump isn’t always gradual. Going from 7 mm to 8 mm may cost more than expected, especially with Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls.

That extra millimeter applies to every pearl in the strand.

Here’s how I usually picture the sizes:

• 4 to 6 mm feels delicate
• 6 to 8 mm is easy for everyday wear
• 8 to 10 mm has more presence
• Above 10 mm starts to feel bold
• Above 12 mm can look quite formal

Try them on.

Seriously.

A 10 mm strand can look perfectly balanced in a product close-up. On your neck, with your normal clothes, it may feel much bigger.

I’d rather own a 7 mm necklace I wear every week than a 12 mm strand I keep saving for something.

Something never seems to arrive.

Shape

Round pearls usually cost more because perfectly round pearls are harder to produce.

Other shapes include:

• Near-round
• Oval
• Button
• Drop
• Pear
• Ringed
• Circled
• Baroque

Baroque pearls may have curves, ridges, flat areas, or uneven outlines.

They often cost less than comparable round pearls, but baroque doesn’t mean bad.

Shape is one part of the pearl. Luster, color, surface, and nacre still matter.

A baroque pearl can be bright, smooth, and beautifully colored. Some unusual shapes are quite desirable in their own right.

Personally, I like baroque pearls with regular clothes. They don’t feel as formal.

White shirt, soft sweater, slip dress, tank top. Done.

Round pearls tend to feel cleaner and more polished. Baroque pearls feel looser.

You may end up liking both for different reasons.

Surface Condition

Most real pearls have marks.

Small pits. Ridges. Wrinkles. Growth lines. Flat spots. Tiny changes in color.

That’s normal.

Where the mark sits often matters more than whether it exists.

A tiny pit near the drill hole may disappear once you wear the necklace. A deep mark in the middle of the center pearl will be easier to see.

For an expensive strand, I’d ask for close-up photos. Product lighting can make surfaces appear smoother. Editing can too.

I’m fine with a few marks if the pearls have good luster and a color I enjoy.

I’d be less excited about a perfectly clean strand that looks chalky.

Clean isn’t everything.

Matching

Matching is about the necklace as a group.

A closely matched strand keeps several traits reasonably consistent:

• Size
• Shape
• Color
• Overtone
• Luster
• Surface condition

You may not notice matching when you stare at one pearl.

Step back.

Look at the whole strand.

That’s where uneven color or luster becomes easier to see.

For a classic round necklace, close matching usually creates a cleaner look. With baroque or mixed-color pearls, variation may be the point.

I’d inspect the center pearls first. They’re the ones people see.

A small mismatch near the clasp? I probably wouldn’t lose sleep over it.

Color and Overtone

A pearl has a main body color and may also show an overtone across the surface.

A white pearl might have:

• Rose overtones
• Silver overtones
• Cream overtones
• Green overtones

A Tahitian pearl may be gray with green, blue, or purple overtones.

Freshwater pearls can naturally appear white, peach, pink, or lavender. South Sea pearls may be white, silver, cream, champagne, or gold.

Natural colors often cost more than dyed versions of similar shades.

Dyed pearls can still be attractive. I’d just want the seller to say so.

Color gets personal pretty fast.

You may prefer cool white pearls beside silver jewelry. Cream may sit better with yellow gold. Dark Tahitian pearls may look great with navy, gray, black, or white.

Golden pearls can be beautiful with brown, camel, and cream.

But skin tone rules aren’t exact. I’d try the pearls near your face.

That usually settles it faster than any chart.

Necklace Length

Longer necklaces use more pearls, so they usually cost more when the pearl size and quality stay similar.

Common lengths include:

• Collar: around 12 to 13 inches
• Choker: around 14 to 16 inches
• Princess: around 17 to 19 inches
• Matinee: around 20 to 24 inches
• Opera: around 28 to 36 inches
• Rope: longer than 36 inches

Measure a necklace you already wear.

This is easier than guessing.

An 18-inch pearl strand may sit differently from an 18-inch chain. Large pearls take up more room around the neck, so the inner circumference feels a little tighter.

For a first strand, I often like 17 to 19 inches. It works with quite a few necklines.

But look at your wardrobe.

High crewnecks may work better with a longer necklace. Open shirts may suit something shorter. If you wear a lot of collars, check where the pearls land when the collar is open.

Tiny detail. Big difference.

Length	Approx. Inches	Works Well With
Collar	12–13"	Off-shoulder, boat neck, open necklines
Choker	14–16"	V-neck, scoop neck, strapless
Princess	17–19"	Most necklines; the most versatile length
Matinee	20–24"	Business wear, high crew necks, layering
Opera	28–36"	Evening wear; can be doubled as a choker
Rope	36"+	Casual layering, knotted styling, statement looks

Clasp and Construction

The clasp and stringing can add quite a bit to the price.

You may see:

• Plated metal
• Sterling silver
• 10k gold
• 14k gold
• 18k gold
• Diamonds
• Gemstones
• Custom fittings

For a traditional strand, I’d look for knots between the pearls.

The knots help reduce rubbing. They also mean you may lose only one pearl if the thread breaks, rather than watching the whole strand scatter across the floor.

Not ideal.

Check the clasp too.

Can you open it? Can you fasten it yourself? Does it feel secure?

I’ve handled beautiful necklaces with clasps that made me want to give up after thirty seconds.

A simple clasp you can use may be the better choice. Even if the decorative one looks prettier in the box.

Brand Name

Luxury brands can charge much more.

You may be paying for:

• Tighter selection standards
• Design
• Packaging
• Retail stores
• Customer service
• Repairs
• Restringing
• Brand reputation
• Resale recognition

You may care about those things.

I sometimes do.

But if your main concern is the appearance of the pearls, compare the branded strand with pieces from independent jewelers and pearl specialists.

You may find similar luster and matching for less.

Or you may decide you prefer the branded clasp, design, or service.

There isn’t one correct answer here.

(Related article: How to wear pearl necklaces)

How Can You Tell Whether Pearls Are Real?

Home tests can give you clues.

Clues. Not certainty.

Professional laboratories use specialist equipment to determine whether a pearl is natural, cultured, treated, or imitation.

Most of us don’t have that equipment in a handbag.

So here’s what I’d check.

Read the Description

The seller should say whether the pearls are:

• Freshwater cultured
• Akoya cultured
• Tahitian cultured
• South Sea cultured
• Natural
• Imitation

“Genuine pearl” still feels too vague to me.

What kind?

Ask.

Look for Small Differences

Real cultured pearls often vary slightly in shape, color, surface, or overtone.

Imitation strands may look extremely smooth and identical.

But this isn’t proof.

A high-quality cultured strand may be very closely matched. A good imitation strand may include deliberate variation.

Use it as one piece of the puzzle.

Check the Drill Holes

Look around the holes where the pearls are strung.

If the coating is peeling or chipped, you may see the bead underneath. That usually points to an imitation pearl.

Real pearls may show nacre around the opening.

Poor drilling can happen on real pearls too. So again, a clue.

Not a verdict.

Feel the Temperature and Weight

Real pearls often feel cool when you first pick them up. They warm gradually against your skin.

Plastic imitations may feel lighter and warmer.

Glass imitations can feel heavy, though, so weight isn’t a reliable test on its own.

I’d compare the strand with another necklace if possible.

Your hand gets a better sense of it that way.

About the Tooth Test

You may have heard that real pearls feel slightly gritty when rubbed against your teeth.

Imitation pearls tend to feel smoother.

This test can sometimes reveal a difference in surface texture.

I still wouldn’t do it in a shop.

It’s not especially hygienic. It may also mark the pearl, and I don’t love the idea of rubbing someone else’s necklace against my teeth.

I’d rather check the listing, inspect the drill holes, ask questions, and make sure I can return it.

Less awkward for everyone.

Read the Paperwork Properly

A store-issued authenticity card isn’t the same as an independent laboratory report.

For an expensive necklace, a report may include information about:

• Natural or cultured origin
• Freshwater or saltwater environment
• Treatments
• Size
• Shape
• Color
• Other identifying details

Retail grades such as AA, AAA, and AAAA can also be confusing.

They aren’t always consistent between sellers.

One store’s AAA strand might look quite different from another store’s AAA strand.

I’d look at the pearls first.

The letters can wait.

(Related article: How to wear pearls casually)

What Can You Buy With Your Budget?

Under $100

I’d look at:

• Imitation pearl strands
• Small freshwater pendants
• Station necklaces
• Pearl and bead designs
• Tiny freshwater strands
• Baroque pearl accents
• Pearls set along a chain

This range works well when you’re trying pearls for the first time or buying something for occasional wear.

I wouldn’t expect a full strand of large, round, bright, closely matched cultured pearls for $39.

Could it happen?

I’d be skeptical.

Read the material details. Check the clasp. Check the return policy.

$100 to $500

This is where I’d start for a real freshwater strand.

You may find:

• Pearls around 6 to 8 mm
• Round or near-round necklaces
• Baroque strands
• Better luster
• More consistent color
• Knotted construction
• Sterling silver clasps
• Simple gold clasps

I’d put most of the budget toward luster and a color I’ll actually wear.

A plain clasp is fine.

It just needs to stay closed.

This price range is also useful because you can learn what you like without spending thousands. Maybe you thought you wanted 16 inches and actually prefer 19. Maybe white pearls feel too formal, but baroque cream pearls work with half your closet.

Better to learn that at $300.

$500 to $1,500

Here, I’d compare higher-quality freshwater pearls with smaller Akoya pearls.

Freshwater may give you more size for the money.

Akoya may give you sharper reflections, closer matching, and a more traditional look.

Neither one wins automatically.

Put them in the same light.

Photos from different stores are hard to compare. One may use strong lighting and heavy editing. The other may use a simple phone photo near a window.

You may also find:

• Tahitian pearl pendants
• South Sea pearl pendants
• Mixed-pearl necklaces
• Baroque saltwater pearls
• Solid gold clasps
• Better hand-knotting

Try to identify what you’re paying for.

$1,500 and Up

Before shopping at this level, I’d make a short list.

What do you care about most?

• Larger pearls
• Roundness
• Bright luster
• Cleaner surfaces
• Natural Tahitian color
• Golden South Sea color
• Close matching
• A designer name
• Custom work
• Independent documentation

Trying to get every premium feature at once sends the price up quickly.

I’d compare several strands in person. If that isn’t possible, ask for a daylight video.

Also check the return window before paying.

Not after the necklace arrives.

For a purchase of several thousand dollars, independent testing may make sense, especially when origin or treatment affects the price.

Are Expensive Pearl Necklaces Worth It?

Sometimes.

A more expensive necklace may give you:

• Brighter luster
• Larger pearls
• Cleaner surfaces
• Closer matching
• Better stringing
• Solid gold hardware
• A more unusual design
• Better after-sales service

You may notice those differences every time you wear it.

But expensive doesn’t always mean better value.

Part of the price may come from diamonds, gold weight, packaging, retail rent, or a famous name.

I’d also be careful with calling a cultured pearl necklace an investment.

Some rare natural pearls, signed antique pieces, and collector jewelry may hold value well. Most cultured pearl necklaces may sell secondhand for much less than the original retail price.

I tend to think about cost per wear instead.

A $3,000 necklace worn twice feels expensive.

A $700 strand worn to work, dinners, weddings, family events, and holidays for 15 years? That may feel very reasonable.

No resale profit required.

(Related article: How to wear long pearl necklaces)

Where Should You Buy a Pearl Necklace?

Independent Jewelers and Pearl Specialists

Independent sellers may give you more help with:

• Pearl type
• Luster
• Overtones
• Matching
• Necklace length
• Custom sizing
• Restringing
• Repairs

I like comparing several strands in person.

Differences that disappear in photos often become obvious when the necklaces sit beside one another.

Ask whether the seller offers restringing later. Pearl strands do need maintenance after years of wear.

Better to know now.

Online Jewelry Stores

Online shopping gives you more choice and makes price comparison easier.

I’d check for:

• Clear pearl identification
• Exact size range
• Necklace length
• Clasp material
• Treatment disclosure
• Close-up photos
• On-body photos
• A clear return policy
• Contact details
• Customer reviews
• Independent reports for expensive pieces

I’m wary of heavily edited images.

Pearls can look brighter, smoother, and more colorful under studio lights than they do in daily life.

For an expensive necklace, ask for a short video in daylight.

A seller who has the actual piece should usually be able to send one.

Vintage and Estate Sellers

Vintage and estate shops can be good places to find older pearl jewelry, unusual clasps, and designs you don’t see everywhere now.

Identification can be difficult.

An older strand may need:

• Restringing
• Cleaning
• A replacement clasp
• Testing
• Repair around the drill holes

Ask whether a gemologist has examined it. I’d also check whether the seller guarantees the description.

A low secondhand price doesn’t automatically mean fake pearls.

Pearl jewelry often resells for less than its original store price.

Sometimes much less.

Questions I’d Ask Before Buying

Before paying, I’d ask:

1. Are these cultured pearls or imitation pearls?
2. What type of cultured pearl are they?
3. What is the pearl size range?
4. Is the color natural or treated?
5. How would you describe the luster?
6. Are there visible surface marks?
7. How closely are the pearls matched?
8. Are they individually knotted?
9. What metal is used for the clasp?
10. What is the exact necklace length?
11. Has the necklace been independently tested?
12. Can I return it after seeing it in person?

A good seller should answer these questions plainly.

The answers don’t need to sound fancy.

I’d prefer that they didn’t.

The One Thing I Check First

Luster.

That’s where I start.

Large pearls look impressive in photos, but size can’t fix a flat surface. A smaller necklace with bright, clear reflections may look better once you put it on.

Then I think about clothes.

Your actual clothes. Not the imaginary formal wardrobe you may someday own.

Do you wear crewneck T-shirts? Open shirts? Fine knits? Black dresses? Office blouses? Linen? Mostly casual pieces?

Choose a pearl size, shape, and length that work with those.

For many people, a freshwater strand around $150 to $500 gives a useful balance of quality, appearance, and wearability.

Akoya pearls may suit you if you want sharp luster and a classic round strand. Tahitian and South Sea pearls may be a better fit when you want natural color, larger size, or something that feels less familiar.

I’d look past the grade on the tag.

Check the reflections. Look at the surface marks. Hold the color near your skin. Try the clasp. See whether the center pearls match. Read the return policy.

Then ask yourself something very simple.

Will I wear this?

The necklace you reach for most may not be the most expensive one.

In my experience, it often isn’t.

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