Purple Pearl Little Neck Clam

by Genevieve

I have a 6-7 mm purple pearl almost identical to the one just found in Florida. I met with Antoinette Matlins last year in NYC and she complimented our pearl in the same way she did the pearl in Florida. There is very little information about the value since the large one has not sold yet. However, how rare are these pearls if we all have them? Just a question that comes up for me as I hear about new people finding pearls.


I am interested in selling my pearl once the market is established. If anyone has any information about current value of these pearls and the status of the purple pearl traveling the world, please comment here or phone me.

516 463 6658

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Mar 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Little Neck Pearl
by: Anonymous

I was just recently given a littleneck pearl, it weighs 1.8 grams, and has a slight shade of gray and green on 1/4 of the pearl, and is also oddly shaped. I am just inquiring if anyone knows the history on these particular pearls or if they're simply worth nothing, because I seem to be having trouble researching them.
May 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		appraisers
by: Kari

Two appraisers to consider are EGL in New York who do appraisals on quahog pearls:
http://www.eglusa.com/

Also, Gina Latendresse, from American Pearl Company does quahog pearl appraisals:
http://americanpearlcompany.com/

May 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Weigh in carats
by: Kari

Hello Anonymous,

Hopefully, a kind, helpful jeweler will weigh a pearl for you. Quahog pearls are most commonly sold by carats. There are 5 carats in a gram.

Franchise jewelry stores found in most malls often don't have jewelry scales, but look for a local mom & pop jewelry store and they usually have a scale and most often are helpful enough to kindly weigh your pearl for you. Ask him for the carat weight.

May 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		question
by: Anonymous

how do u tell the weight
Apr 28, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		purple pearl 1/4 diameter
by: Frankscar

I was eatin into a topneck clam that was acquired from LI sound and almost broke a tooth. Almost perfectly round and brilliant vivid color. I would like to sell it and need to know it's true value.
Aug 14, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Howard's little neck pearl
by: Anonymous

People who are trying to sell their pearls are having trouble getting realistic estimates of value (or any estimate at all, because they're so rare). The estimates they do get tend to be sky-high, and they have little success selling at those prices.

I had been looking to buy a quahog pearl, and I was quoted $350 and $800 for two pearls that have now appeared on eBay for $1500 and $2000, respectively. The lower prices were too high for me, even taking quality into consideration, so I very strongly doubt they'll sell for the higher prices.

Depending on the size, shape, and color of your pearl, you can probably only realistically expect to get up to a couple hundred dollars from a hobbyist collector (like me). On the other hand, there are wholesalers who will supposedly take a pearl off your hands for $50-$200 per carat. But I personally discourage that avenue because it makes it even harder for little guys like me to get their hands on one.

For another comparison, take a look at www.jewelrytelevision.com for a couple quahog pearls out there on the retail market.

Hope that helps!
Aug 10, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I found a pearl in a little neck clam
by: Howard

I also found a pearl almost identical to the other one mentioned. I found mine in a little neck clam and I too, am wondering what the value might be. I would be very interested in selling it. I would appreciate any information anyone could give me!
Jan 04, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Current Market Value of Quahog Pearls
by: Kari

Hi,

You asked about current market value for your pearl....I talked with a fellow today who pays about $200/carat for nice purple or lavender Quahog pearls. For white clam pearls the price is $50+/carat.

These natural pearls are most often sold by weight and other characteristics also count, like shape, condition, color, size.

Possibly, after the sale of the Golash Brooch, the value will change.

There are maybe other markets as well, but that is at last one practical price point to consider, if you're thinking about selling your pearl.

Your local jeweler may be able to help you out with finding your pearl's carat weight.

Kari
KariPearls.com

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