Over the years we have realized more questions about our line of pearls than any other gem we source.  Pearls have such diverse pricing, and that can often be confusing to the consumer. We wanted to share some information about our pearls in particular, purchasing pearls in general, and how to care for your pearls to ensure they last generations.

One of the areas in which we shine at Sayulita Sol is our sourcing of the best quality materials for the best price.  This holds true for our pearls as well as our other gems and metals. All of our pearls come from reputable pearl companies, located in Hawaii and Hong Kong.  We buy from the same people year after year because we know they are honest about their products and they know we are committed to purchasing from them every year.  This gives us access to the highest quality, often unavailable to other pearl buyers, at the best possible price. 

Pearls have one of the most diverse price points in the gem sector.  What this means is that it can be really complicated for a customer to navigate whether or not they are receiving a fair price for what they are purchasing. 

Customers often ask us how is it possible that there are pearls being sold on the beach for such low prices. How can we offer pearls for our price point? And why do Tahitian pearls can cost hundreds for one pearl.  There must be some error? The answer is that all three are offering the correct price for the product! Pearls have a very diverse price point and there are several factors that go in to pricing for pearls. Here list of pearl grading factors:

• Luster - Luster is the way that light reflects off the pearl (Sharp and Reflective or Soft and Blurred). The sharper the luster, the higher the value of the pearl.
• Surface Quality - pearls with smooth, clean surfaces are more valuable than those with pitting.
• Symmetry of Shape - perfectly round pearls are the rarest shape of all, and therefore the most valued. Other common shapes are potato, rice, and baroque pearls.  
• Color - pearls come in every color of the rainbow (literally!). This factor is depends on whether the color is naturally-occurring, as well as the depth and saturation of the color, and finally the rarity of the color.
• Size - large, perfectly symmetrical pearls are RARE, and take many years to form inside the oyster. The larger pearls will be the more valuable ones.
• Origin - Are the pearls cultured in salt water or freshwater.  Freshwater culturing allows for multiple pearls (up to 10) in each oyster, and the oysters can produce several generations of pearls. Salt water pearl culturing is more difficult, therefore the end product is more expensive.

We offer a mid range pearl in a variety of shapes, sizes, luster, colors, and origins.  Our most common shapes are potato and baroque. We always try to choose pearls with good luster. Our most popular sizes are 8mm and 10mm, but we carry many different sizes. Almost all of our pearls have some sort of pitting, usually minimal, and we feel this makes our pieces unique, each pearl has a different imperfection. We offer mostly freshwater pearls, with natural colors such as pink, white, champagne, and lavender. We also offer heat treated freshwater black pearls.  We have begun to carry a freshwater pearl called Edison, which has beautiful luster and ranges in color from electric pink to soft coral and vivid lavender. These are hand drilled in our workshop and are all baroque shape. We also have some Tahitian pearls, which are cultured in salt water. Finally we have some south sea pearls in natural white and silver tones. These last three types of cultured pearls are available in limited editions and by special request.

Finally, in order to have your pearl last for years it is important to care for it properly. Pearls are organic gems and are more delicate than other gems you may have in your collection. They are easily scratched and chemicals can affect their nacar. Pearls should always been put on last and taken off first.  You want to be sure to apply any skin cream or perfume before wearing your pearls. When you aren’t wearing your pearls make sure to store them in a soft pouch where they can be protected from other materials like metal, gemstones, etc. Make sure to gently wipe your pearls with a soft damp cloth before storing to remove and residues from lotion, perfume, etc.

We are happy to answer any further questions you may have about our line of pearls, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Want to shop our entire pearl collection? Click on the link!