Are Pearls Worth Buying as an Investment?

The most treasured and popular gems in the world are pearls. These are found under the sea and are thus termed organic gems. The subtle glow of these stones never fails to impress. They are widely used in jewelry, adding a timeless look to even your simple outfit.

Besides enhancing beauty, they are highly valued for their mystical power in many cultures.

In Vedic astrology, the pearl is called Moti and is associated with the planet Moon. It is believed that wearing a pearl gemstone brings luck and success, reduces anger, and adds peace and harmony to a relationship. Read Here: Benefits of Wearing a Pearl Stone

However, in India, people believe that this gemstone is purchased only for astrological purposes. But do you know pearls are valuable stones for investment? Let's know more about it.

Factors that Determine the Value of Pearls

The Moti price starts from INR 500 to INR 3,000 per carat and more. Like all other gemstones, the value of these natural gems is also determined by 4C’s.

Luster

The main factor in determining the value of a Moti Ratna. Shiny pearls with a rainbow-like reflection are highly priced. Too dark and chalky appearance devalues the price of the gem. Luster varies with natural and cultured pearls. Natural Moti is made of good nacre, which makes it more lustrous. Bead-nucleated cultured pearls also feature thick nacre, adding more luster to the surface, thus making it difficult to tell real pearls. 

Also read: Is it OK to Wear Pearls Every Day?

Size

Larger Moti are hard to find as it takes millions of years for these gems to form under natural conditions. Thus, high carat weight pearls are expensive. Tahitian and South Sea pearl stones with sizes ranging from 9.0mm to 15.0mm are valuable and great investments for the future.

Shape

These gems vary widely in shape. It is believed that the more round the Moti appears, the more is its price. Akoya pearls are round and are renowned for their stunning luster. Finding a perfect round gem is, however, difficult and thus commands an exceptional price.

Surface Quality

These organic gems also have flaws, with black spots and wrinkles visible on the surface. If these are visible to the naked eye, they are priced low. Good quality Moti Ratna has a smooth and clean surface. Check the surface quality while buying a pearl stone. One must always ask for a surface grade like “clean” or “slightly spotted.” This will help in evaluating the quality of the stone. Learn More: A Guide on How to Identify Genuine Pearl Stones

Color

The color is not limited to just white or cream. It occurs in a wide range of hues like yellow, pink, gray, purple, blue, and green. Black pearls are rare and command higher prices. Good colors with metallic metals like luster are the best quality Moti.

Different Types of Pearls and Their Price

The price of the original Moti Ratna varies with their type. The cost of these organic gems depends upon their color, luster, size, and origin. Also Read Different Types of Pearls You Must Know About

Natural Vs. Cultured Pearls

Before knowing which one is valuable, we need to find out the difference between the two. Natural pearls, also called Sucha Moti in Hindi, are formed inside the living creature called a mollusk. These gems are rare and formed after millions of years under the earth's crust.

Cultured pearls, on the contrary, are not formed naturally; instead, they are created. A piece of foreign tissue is inserted into the mollusks. Thus, these pearls are cultivated by humans, unlike natural gems, which are the product of nature.

Since Sucha Moti is formed naturally, it is highly priced compared to its cultured counterparts. In India, cultured pearl price start from INR 450 and may extend upto INR 25,000 and more, which is comparatively less than real moti.

So, are cultured pearls worth anything? Well, comparing the prices, one can observe the difference and come to the conclusion that natural pearls are worth more. Since natural Moti is a rare find nowadays, the cost of cultured counterparts is on the boom.

Australian South Sea cultured pearl necklace, sold in 1992 at a world auction in Sotheby's New York at $2.3 million, highlights how market demands changes and trends can make things go a different way. 

Pearls as Investment

Are pearls valuable? Yes, they are. These gems play a significant role in astrology and mirror the perfect elegance like no other. Celebrities' love for these subtle gems is seen on the red carpet and at events. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt was seen wearing an outfit studded with Basra pearls along with other precious and semi-precious gemstones at the Met Gala 2024. So you see how fashion trends are evolving with these timeless pieces. Read Here: Basra Pearls: What Defines Them the Best?

The global pearl jewelry market is expected to reach USD 34.16 billion by 2033. These gems are still valuable, with factors such as an increase in disposable incomes and online channels contributing to their high demand. With the pearls trending in 2024, events like Met Gala events and fashion runways are reinventing these old charms.

Timeless Appeal and Aesthetic Value

These gems hold a deep cultural value and are considered a symbol of purity, wisdom, wealth, and prestige. Real Moti value depends upon their type and quality. Since these gems are natural, they fetch high prices and are a great source of investment.

Rarity of Certain Pearls

Some of the varieties are extremely rare, such as South Sea, Keshi, Tahitian, and Basra Moti, which are extremely rare and thus contribute to high value. Real pearl necklaces are worth $ 100 and can extend up to $10,000 or more if they originate from a natural source.

Benefits of Pearls

In Vedic astrology, Sucha Moti is considered an effective gem. It is associated with the planet Moon, and wearing it helps the wearer maintain emotional balance. These gems bring calming effects to the body, reducing anger and bringing mental peace. Read More: Navigating the Astrological Benefits of Pearl Gemstones

To conclude, pearls are worth investment if they are natural and rare. Buy natural Moti from a reputable gem dealer like Navratan. Make sure to purchase certified pearl gemstones to avoid the chances of being duped in the name of a natural gem.