Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearls are becoming a market staple. The Chinese have continued to improve their production techniques and are now producing sizes and qualities never seen before in freshwater pearls. This year, 11 to 12mm near-round freshwater pearls are quite common with prices in the $1200 range. There are also some 12-14mm strands of good quality, but are currently selling in the $3000 range.
So are freshwater pearls going to start cannibalizing the South Sea pearl market? Perhaps for some single pearl pieces, but so far freshwater pearls cannot compete with strands of South Sea pearls in size, quality, roundness, or luster.
Tahitian Pearl Prices
The Tahitian pearl market is finally turning up the heat on prices. We've seen prices on quality Tahitian pearls rise as much as 20% this year. You can still get great deals on fine quality
Tahitian pearls at places like The Pearl Outlet, but even there prices are bound to rise some this year.
This increase in price stems from the US Dollar value on international markets as well as the fact the Tahitian Government is finally getting a grip on the supply.
The Tahitian government has ben halting shipments of inferior pearls now for nearly two years. Before that, the dumping of these inferior goods forced the entire Tahitian market down in price.
Demand also plays an important role. The demand for Tahitian pearls has steadily rose the past several years in both the US and in the far East. This high demand for quality goods has helped push up the high-end prices.
