Colour

There is a difference between pearls with natural colours and pearls that have been colour treated or enhanced. Focusing on pearls with natural colour, the colour can influence the value of a pearl, depending on the pearl type.

The value of South Sea cultured pearls are not only made by quality, shape, and size, but also by their colour. Value increases in the following order; creme, yellow, white, white with rose or silver overtone and gold.

Tahiti cultured pearls are mainly valued by quality, shape, and size, but some rare colours that are highly sought after can increase the value, e.g. brown and pistachio.

The colours of the rare Cortez pearl are worth mentioning. The pearl oyster Pteria sterna is called the rainbow lipped pearl oyster, and these pearls have unique colour overtones, which amongst other factors can influence the value.