LOVE pearls. Own dozens of them in all sizes, colors and shapes! I use a pair of 12mm freshwater earrings that are irregular shaped (with a fish hook post) as an enhancer for several other semi-precious bead necklaces I have. I especially like to use the earrings (one at a time) as an enhancer on my 15mm tigers-eye choker and also my 15mm black lava rock necklace too. I get LOTS of compliments every time I wear them together that way!!
Mabe pearls are what I’ve collected of late. Fastened in earrings they’re stunning! I bought a silver set with necklace and earrings with peacock colorations for an amazingly reasonable price. Baroque are also stunning made into necklace.
Thank you...really informative, much appreciated. I have always loved pearls but its taken until nearly my 5th decade to really embrace wearing pearls more and in different styles and varieties. Loving that pearls are now in fashion more and worn by all ages.
Loved this video, your information is priceless! I love the traditional look, but after watching your video, I will be searching out funky, unusual and fun pearls. I love the thrill of the hunt, thanks so much for sharing your love for pearls! 😊❤
Very informative. Thank you 😊. Bedsides pretty, getting a good stringing and knotting enhanced the pearl as well. I love my and wore my ugly (baroque) pearls the most. Each pearl has its own characteristics and personality which made it more interesting.
I agree with your statement about funky and slightly different pearls. In some cases you get more use out of them than the standard strand of round pearls. The round ones tend to be very formal and people don't necessarily where is much formal clothing these days an oblong Pearl or a different shape or something a little more interesting is more likely be worn with jeans and a cotton shirt. I love the flat coin pearls they have like different little divots and shapes in them and they're so interesting and beautiful and they just shine and go with everything
So glad I found this channel. I am a pearl fanatic. I even named my cat Pearl. I have about 20 different strands. Love the pink tones. My grandson wanted to wear pearls but my daughter told him ' pearls are for girls'. I love your single black pearl. Getting one for him now. Thank you
My granny gave me her everyday choker before she passed away,and I was going to sell them for a nice chunk of change,until one day I wore them for fun,and I realized I couldn't.I would never be able to have ANYTHING that she wore again. So real (I'm sure they are) or fake...it doesn't matter...they belonged to Annie...and when I wear them...I can feel her.There is no money that can replace that
here in the philippines,we have this place where muslim women sell their products- pearls..I enjoy window shopping & shopping pearls in this place..The pearls in the philippines are something we filipinos are proud of
Thank you for a great, informative video. I’m currently thinking of buying some beautiful Edison pearls and I would LOVE to see a video from you about them 🙏🏼✨
Such good information for beginning a search. For me, using only an experienced GIA jeweler provides a little extra confidence. Thanks for this video; I’m looking forward to more.
I want to thank you for your information as a reseller. I always try to make sure that I know the items that I'm selling and make sure they're verified and pearls are some of the hardest ones. To verify and I have learned so much from you. Thank you and have a blessed day can't wait for your next video
@Matt Harris I found 2 sets of pearls in my collection and I did find what I think is a tear drop looking with a brown opalescent color..I was thinking about the one you had on your neck and it looks like it hung on 925 and opalite..Now I really need another video..LOL
@@365VintageHunter If you send me a photo maybe I can help you figure out what it is! The one on my neck is 1 16.6mm Tahitian set in 18k white gold with some small diamonds.
Very helpful video - finally concise information that answers some questions about pearls! One thing you didn't mention about freshwater pearls is about the different colors that are available, I assume because they are dyed (what about "black" freshwater pearls, are they dyed?). The dying doesn't seem to affect the "tooth test", so wondering why that would be? Also, what is a Majorica pearl? I recently purchased some freshwater pearls that are really shiny and the seller said they had a coating on them. They still pass the tooth test. And, one of my jewelry suppliers, Rio Grande findings, sells a type of coating for pearls, which is super expensive and toxic, but maybe some jewelry makers use it to make blemished pearls look more perfect?
new subscriber. Would you please give advice on whom to trust to restring pearls? I adore pearls and have several strands that need to be restrung. Thank you for any advice or help. Cheers!
@@mattharrispearls hi! No, I mean pearls manufactured from ground up nacre and mother of pearl. I received a beautiful strand of large gray and white pearls and the paper said ‘shell pearls’ Apparently it’s a thing, but I couldn’t find enough information myself.
LOVE the bracelet, then necklace at around 5:17 Regarding clasps, most of the older ones in my family have had an oval filagree type clasp with a U-shaped connector piece. Think they are usually sterling?? It used to make me think that the pearls were "real", but a strand of my grandmother's that I've had for 50 years self destructed just sitting in the safe.They were sticky and peeling. I threw them away but clasp still looked good.
That clasp you are describing is the hands down "traditional pearl clasp" and it's used millions of times. I personally like clasps with more personality (that are also easier to put on!)
I adore pearls. My one friend's son who's very smart told me" if you look Pearl so much do you know what they are", to which I responded" oysters spit". He said"ok, as long as you know". I call them "affordable elegance", though they used to be insanely expensive before Pearl culturing.
@@mattharrispearls Recently, I moved to Central High Desert Oregon which is ranch/rural. So not much now. When I lived in Dallas pre-Covid, I had season tickets to the Symphony and had an active social life and I wore them a lot.
Thank You For This Amazing Video. I would like a strand of freshwater black pearls between the size of a BB and a pea about 22 inches long. What would I be looking at paying for this type of order? Please? I would like it for daily wear.
Hello! Keshis are a by-product of the culturing process. They are found not in the gonad of the mollusk but in the little lips and folds. They happen by chance and have no nucleus.
Thanks for the great info! I have a question.....I inherited both my Grandmothers pearls, they both seem to have a yellowish tone which I don't remember seeing when they wore them. Is it true if you don't wear them they will turn yellow?
The yellowing is more likely from wearing them and exposing them to substances like lotions, perfume, hairspray or from cleaning them inproperly. They won't turn yellow by not wearing them.
Oh geez.... that's an 6 hour video on it's own! I just released an interesting video about Queen Elzabeth I'st pearl earrings in the Imperial Crown... check it out!
Great tips. I have always wanted a pearl necklace and a matching bracelet but as you mentioned I had no idea how to identify a real one from a fake one. One time in a local superstore a bought a couple of them for -end of school year gift for my children teacher. When they told me they were $29 each I guess I assumed they were not real, but yet they were pretty.Do you sell pearls, I mean do you have a jewelry store? I am not rich but would love to have a necklace and bracelet. Let me know with a message if you can. Thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to comment Isable! Actually, the #1 question people ask is how to tell if pearls are real or fake and if you click on my channel I have a video about that too! Yes, I run a jewelry store that sells all sort of things, but pearls are my passion.
How should pearls be stored, does it matter if they are more open to air or wrapped up tightly, or does it even matter ( especially in regards to discoloration)
Good question! I'll do a video about this in a few weeks. You want them NOT kept airtight or they may become brittle. Luckily we have a good amount of humidity here in Texas.
I have an old strand of pearls that belonged to my Grandmother and need to get them restrung. Any advise on where to go, how much it might cost and any other tips?
Many stringers charge by the inch. Depending on the length and size you should be able to get it done for less than $100. Call around town and ask the jewelry stores. If you can't find anyone reach out to me and we can arrange for you to send them to my team to restring
Over the 42 years of marriage, my geologist husband has bought me many pieces of pearl jewelry. I've not really thought to inquire about it but I'm wondering now what my "baroque" 3-stranded pearl choker is, fresh water or salt sea. It was purchased at a reputable jewelry store but there was no information give, just "baroque". Can you add to this information?
@Matt Harris, I recently inherited a gorgeous pink pearl necklace. It passes the weight, tooth, and coolness....I'm terrified to attempt to sell them not knowing or knowing whom to trust?! Help
Cheers, mate, may I take your precious time and ask you a question, please? Is it OK to wear a string of pearl along with a silver chain necklace or will the silver hurt and damage the pearls? Thanks so much in advance for your kind reply.
Great question! Pearls an get scratched. But, I'd say that unless your chain seems to feel scratchy or rough it is probably ok next to pearls. Can the chain scratch and dull the pearl over time? Yes. But I imagine it would take a long time. Also... If you are wearing a $50 strand of freshwater it would also be different than a $8000 stand of Akoya, which you might not want to introduce to rubbing against metal.
Thank you so much, I thought so, I have removed the chain, you have been most helpful, good luck to you and wish you all the best :) @@mattharrispearls
Great question! Unfortunately, there isn't way to bring back the whiteness. You can clean the pearls which may get rid of any dirt which in turn can make them look white, but pearls are porous, and they tend to suck in anything that gets on them. So, often its things like makeup, hairspray, lotions, etc that dull pearls or turn them more yellow. Or, if you clean them using cleaning solutions, that can hurt them too. Put them on last and take them off first and keep them away from any liquids, lotions, perfumes etc. Oh... and don't wear them in chlorinated pools.
I purchased a silk bag of pearls many yrs ago. They seem of good quality. The question is they have some weight to them. Does this pertain to where the pearls came from or the quality of the pearls?
My favorite pearls are what I thought were called "biwa pearls". I know it sounds silly but I think they look like adorable Rice Krispies. Now I realize they're "fresh water pearls" .... right? My strand passes the tooth test! Yay! 💕💗💕Thank you for your advice, Matt! 💕💗💕
My mother gave me a strand of "cultured" pearls from muscles so they are greyish blue in colour. Very nice. What is the comparison between natural and cultured pearls, please? I've been told that natural pearls are hard to come by these days. Is that true please?
There is only one place now where it is legal to dive for natural pearls and that's in Bahrain. Pretty much all pearls now are cultured. So yes, natural pearls are rare (and expensive!)
Mr. Harris thank you for the info ...I got a pearl as white as milk...shaped like a clam and big as your palm... I put my pearl against the light of a candle and I can see the light thru it because my pearl is so smooth.... May I know if it is valuable? How can I sell it... Thanks for the help....
Hi Rosie. That sound interesting! It's super hard to evaluate and determine value without seeing pearls in person. From what you describe, this one for sure would need to be looked at in person. Do you know any pearl experts n your area that can help? Might be worth a Google search
Thanks for the reply Mr Harris...I don't try asking help here in our area with regards to my pearl because they say such pearls may fetch a lot of money and is claimed to be government property...size of my pearl is 3.5 x 4.5 x 7.5 inches. .I wish I could send a pic to you...the biggest pearl in the world is housed in the City Hall of Puerto Princesa City, PALAWAN, Phil..and is said to value 100M dollars....
Thanks for the question. You are describing the difference between "natural" and "cultured" pearls. One is an accident in nature and the other is planned and aided by humans.
I heard pearls peel off..I don't know when this happens, if it is normal, what can happen/ value loss and eventually how to prevent/avoid this.. Hope you Will reply to me sir! Thanks!!
I'd love to reply! I'm grateful for your question! The pearls that peel are the fake (some people like to say "faux") pearls so you don't have to worry too much about loss of value (unless they are maybe Chanel!). I've noticed with these "pearls" the peel often just comes with age. However, real pearls still need some TLC because they can dry up and crack, so make sure they are not in an air-tight environment and get some natural humidity.
Depends on the size of the pearl, but in general expect to pay about $100 for an 18" necklace strung on silk with French wire ends and knotted between every pearl.
Have you ever noticed that pearls are always cold to the touch? I was told once that they always retain the temperature of the water they were grown in, (when in your jewelry box) and that's how you know they are real? Is that true?
I love the story, but I don't think a pearl retaining the temp of the water it was grown in is possible. Yes... they do feel cool to the tough! Well, except if you've been wearing a strand on your neck on a hot summer day here in Texas!
I'm speaking in general and I'm sure there are exceptions, but I feel that most department stores won't know too much about what they are selling. I was even in a pearl gallery in Hawaii and they didn't seem to have a great deal of product knowledge. I'm starting to train jewelry store staff about pearls... we just completed a training last week! It makes a huge difference. Maybe I can help train the department stores too!
Well, I'm a little upset at myself now...🙃 now I'm pretty sure that this garage sale I went to had some real pearls but because I didn't know much back then before cell phones I passed them up because they were gritty I was holding them for a little bit trying to sign if I wanted them I thought they were fake because you were heavy I thought they were fake because they were gritty. Well, live and learn🤷🏼♀️
i dont know why youtube recommended this to me but it was interesting..... and before anyone asks: no i did not search for or talk about pearls so no targeted ads cookie thing going on here... i didnt even search for anything related to jewelry....
I adore the Texture & "flaws" of fresh water I have both a "Mutant " Fresh water and tidy string of Black/ purple salt. I call my pearls The tears of my enemies 😎☕💋
