5 Best Places to Sell Pearls for Cash [2023]

In this article, we will discuss the best places to sell pearls. We will also provide tips on how to get the most money when selling jewelry online.

Let's get started!

Where to Sell Pearls?

It's certainly no secret that pearls are valuable. These lustrous orbs are classic jewelry pieces, and whether worn as necklaces, earrings, or bracelets, they always add a touch of elegance.

But when it is time to unload them, finding a trustworthy buyer can be challenging. As a seller, you want your pieces to sell for a good price. If you're looking to get cash for your pearls, these five marketplaces are the best for finding reputable buyers:

1. Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s is one of the world's largest auction houses, specializing in fine art, antiques, and collectibles. Founded in London in 1744, Sotheby's has held some of the most famous and valuable auctions in history, including the sale of the "Mona Lisa" in 1904 and the "Edvard Munch" paintings in 2012.

Sotheby's also offers a wide range of other services, such as private sales, appraisals, and estate planning.

Highlights:

• A long history of selling pearls
• An extensive network of sellers and buyers
• Great for high-value sales
• Experts available that are knowledgeable in the market
• High-quality services and competitive prices

What Sotheby’s Does Best:

They have a team of experts who will evaluate your pearls and give you an estimate of what they're worth. They also have a vast network of buyers, so you'll likely get a good price for your pearls if you sell them through Sotheby's.

Best Suited For:

Sotheby's is excellent for sellers looking to auction their pearls for higher prices.

Sell Your Pearls with Sotheby’s

2. I Do Now I Don't

I Do Now I Don't is a website that allows people to sell their unwanted engagement and wedding rings. The site offers a convenient way for people to get rid of jewelry they no longer want, and it also provides an opportunity for bargain-hunters to snag some great deals.

Highlights:

• Hassle-free selling process. Everything from appraising to shipping to buyers is taken care of
• Large network of buyers
• Large platform for selling jewelry
• Peer-to-peer marketplace
• Free shipping and insurance

What the I Do Now I Don’t Does Best:

I Do Now I Don't offers a convenient, safe, and secure platform for selling pearls without worrying about logistics.

Best Suited For:

I Do Now I Don't is an excellent option for people who want to sell pearls directly to buyers in a safe and trustworthy way.

Sell Your Pearls with I Do Now I Don't

3. eBay

eBay is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell just about anything. The company was founded in 1995 and quickly became a popular destination for online shoppers.

eBay is especially well-known for its auctions, which allow buyers to compete against each other to get the best price on an item.

Highlights:

• Access to millions of potential buyers around the world
• Charges lower fees to sellers compared to other platforms
• Well established platform
• Ability to list pearls directly
• Sellers retain control over pricing

What eBay Does Best:

eBay makes it easy to list jewelry, tailor listings, and connect to a large number of buyers.

Best Suited For:

If you want to sell pearls, eBay is an easy platform to list your pearls at your chosen price point.

Sell Your Pearls on eBay

4. The RealReal

The RealReal is the world's largest online marketplace for authenticated luxury consignment. With millions of shoppers each month and over 25,000 items listed for sale, The RealReal is the go-to destination for luxury consignment.

Highlights:

• Millions of shoppers each month
• Authentication process to ensure quality
• Competitive pricing
• Sellers are paid as soon as a sale is made
• Sales information is available for buyers to inform their listing choices

What the Company Does Best:

You can sell your pearls to many potential buyers, increasing your chances of finding a buyer willing to pay your asking price.

Best Suited For:

Sellers looking to get the best prices when they sell pearls have access to an extensive network of buyers and experts readily available to determine how much their pearls are worth.

Sell Your Pearls with The RealReal

5. True Facet

True Facet is a company that specializes in assessing the quality of diamonds and other gemstones. In addition to providing quality assurance for diamonds, True Facet also offers a wide range of services, including gemstone restoration, repair, and appraisals.

True Facet offers a wide range of products, including engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Highlights:

• Sellers can reject unsatisfactory offers
• A team of gemologists can appraise your pearls
• A pool of global buyers
• Reputation for fairness
• 24/7 Concierge

What the Company Does Best:

True Facet specializes in fine jewelry and provides expert support as well as the ability to reject offers so that sellers get the best price for their pearls.

Best Suited For:

Sellers looking for qualified buyers and a risk-free platform to sell pearls.

Sell Your Pearls with True Facet

Where Do Pearls Come From?

Pearls are made inside the shells of certain types of mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. These mollusks secrete a substance called nacre, which coats any foreign object that enters the shell. Over time, this nacre builds up into a pearl.

Nacre is made up of microscopic calcium carbonate crystals and protein. The more nacre that is produced, the larger the pearl will be.

Pearls are found in various colors, depending on the type of oyster they come from and the water conditions where they are grown. The most popular color of a pearl is white, but pearls can also be cream-colored, yellow, pink, or even black.

The pearls that collectors most prize are those that have been formed naturally. However, many pearls on the market today are cultured pearls, meaning they have been grown in pearl farms.

Cultured pearls are typically indistinguishable from natural pearls, making them a more affordable option for many people.

How Much Are Pearls Worth?

While the value of pearls can vary depending on many factors, they are typically worth quite a bit of money. For example, the price of a pearl is determined by its size, shape, color, and luster.

The most valuable pearls are large and perfectly round with a rich, creamy color. Pearls with blemishes or an irregular shape are less valuable. However, even imperfect pearls can be beautiful and therefore still fetch a high price.

The larger the pearl, the more it will be worth to a buyer. Pearls are graded on a scale from A to AAA, with AAA being the highest quality. Pearls that are AA or below are considered to be of lower quality and are usually less expensive.

How to Tell if Pearls Are Real

Pearls are a classic jewelry staple that can add elegance to any outfit. But with the wide range of prices on the market, it can be challenging to know if you're getting a good deal on a genuine pearl.

One of the simplest ways to tell if pearls are real is to look at them closely in good light.

Genuine pearls will have some imperfections on their surface, as they are formed by an oyster coating a small piece of sand or other irritants. Fake pearls, on the other hand, are often perfectly round and smooth.

Another way to tell if pearls are natural is to rub them lightly against your teeth. Real pearls will feel slightly gritty, while fake ones will be completely smooth.

By following these simple tips, you can be sure you're getting the real thing when shopping for pearls.

Bottom Line

Selling your pearls online is a convenient way to reach potential buyers. You can reach people from all over the world with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Plus, selling online allows you to set your own price. You are not limited by what brick-and-mortar stores and pawn shops are willing to pay for your pearls.

Selling your pearls online is the best choice for maximizing your profits and reaching the widest audience possible.