What Factors Affect the Prices of Pearl Jewelry?

Look at two pearl pieces side by side and the prices may surprise you, even when the pieces seem alike. Small ball earrings set with 4 mm freshwater pearls and a silver necklace holding one 10 mm baroque pearl are both made with natural freshwater pearls, but they don't cost the same. It isn't only about the pearl. Metal, necklace length and any added stones all move the price. We've gathered these four factors here, with examples from our own collection, to answer what people ask most about real pearl prices and pearl necklace prices.

Material: The Base Behind the Pearl

Most Ecru Atelier designs use one of three bases: gold plating over brass, 925 sterling silver, and gold plating over 925 sterling silver. In the Aida Pearl Necklace example, gold plating over brass frames the white of an 8-millimeter freshwater pearl with the warm tone of gold. With its white shine, 925 sterling silver brings out the color of the pearl and forms the base of the designs on our Silver Pearl Collection page.

For those who want the look of gold on a silver base, gold plating over 925 sterling silver is preferred; Mia Earrings No.3 - Gold is one of the designs made on this base. You can read in detail why silver is preferred in jewelry in our What Is 925 Sterling Silver for the full details.

Real Pearl Prices: Pearl Type and Size

Most of our pearl jewelry is made with natural freshwater pearls, and size changes a piece more than you might expect, in both look and value. The Pearl Stud Earrings No.1 and No. 2 use small 4 to 5 mm pearls, just enough for a quiet touch with everyday clothes. The 8 mm pearl on the Aida Pearl Necklace, by contrast, gives the familiar look of a classic pearl necklace.

Baroque pearls are another story: each one grows into its own shape, so no two designs look quite alike. Take the Chila 925 Sterling Silver Pearl Necklace, whose 10 mm natural baroque pearl shows how much presence a pearl gains as it grows. Baroque Pearl Necklace designs each take their look from the shape of the pearl they carry.

Pearl Necklace Prices: Length and Set Options

A longer necklace or one with more pearls naturally costs more. Most of ours come with a 3 cm extension chain, handy if a necklace needs to sit a little higher or lower with a particular neckline. To work out your own length, see our Necklace Size Guide post.

A set saves you the matching: necklace and earrings come from the same design. A good example for special occasions is the Serena Pearl Necklace and Earrings Set, whose 45 cm necklace rests just below the collarbone. How well the pieces work together is one of the first things to look at in any pearl jewelry set you choose.

Stones and Craftsmanship: Details That Add Value

The stones beside the pearl and the detail of the design also add to the value of a piece. Setting a stone with care calls for its own skill, just as the stone itself does. An elegant choice for anyone looking for a striking look at evening events is the Hailey 925 Sterling Silver Pearl Earrings, which complete the pearl with zircon stones. The same approach continues in the sparkle of our earrings with zircon stones and in the colors of our necklace with natural stones collection.

Choosing the Pearl Jewelry That Suits You

All of these factors add up in the final price, but choosing is usually easier than it sounds. If you'd like pearls you can wear every morning, small ball earrings with 4 or 5 mm pearls rarely disappoint. For an anniversary or a New Year's dinner, a necklace and earring set from the same design feels more complete. Want to check whether a pearl is genuine? Have a look at the tips in our How to Tell If a Pearl Is Real post.

On every Ecru Atelier product page the material, stone and size are listed separately, which makes comparing two pieces quick and the decision easy!