
I often get questions from readers about how to determine what a strand of pearls or a pearl jewelry set they've inherited from mom/grandma/great Aunt Pearl is worth.
Look at the beautiful pearl jewelry set a reader sent in today. This graduated set of champagne pearls with a diamond clasp is just stunning!
While round pearls and pearls with a high luster, or surface sheen, are worth more than off-round pearls and gems with an inferior luster, and larger pearls are worth more than smaller pearls, any time you have a set like this, it's worth getting an expert to examine them.
I always suggest contacting the Gemological Institute of America, http://www.gia.edu/, to find a qualified gemologist.