The saying that only nature can improve on perfection may be true but can be an exception in the case of pearls. This piece of jewelry was first introduced by the Egyptians way back it time. Unfortunately, they are very rare and thus have become one of the most sought after gemstones in the world today.
However, many still don't understand how these beautiful gems are priced. It's common to get one strand of pearls costing around $400 and find a somewhat similar piece at $60.
This variance in prices can easily be explained. There are several factors that contribute to the pricing of pearls.
It's important to appreciate that there are two main types of pearls. There are the natural pearls and the natured pearls. Pearls that are produced naturally are priced more due to their scarcity. In fact, out of over eight thousand species of oysters, it's shocking that only twenty percent can constantly produce pearls. Again, only a few maintain the round shape after production which makes them even rare.
The breakthrough came in the 19th centaury when some scientists came up with a way to produce pearls artificially. This type of pearls produced under human intervention is called cultured pearls. The process is a daunting task that involves surgically implanting an agent that triggers the pearl creation process in oysters. It is even successful because cultured pearls easily make the round shape that people like very much.
Even to a practiced jeweler, distinguishing between a natural and cultured pearl can be very difficult. The recommended way of differentiating between natural and cultured pearls is to subject them to x-ray scans. Natural pearls generally show internal formations and growth stages unlike the cultured one which leaves a solid center with no growth evidence. Therefore, relatively cheaper cultured pearls work just fine since nobody will recognize it anyway.
Another factor that greatly influences the price of pearls is size. This piece of jewelry is rated highly such that even size differences in terms of millimeters can inflate the price. By the way, the pearl size is measured using its diameters.
The shape also contributes to the price of pearl jewelry. People generally agree that the perfect shape for a pearl is round or oval. However, some pearls are produced when not perfectly round and this can lead to a reduction in price. By the way, it can also add to the uniqueness and thus increase the price.
There are factors such as the color and luster that also influences the pricing. The ideal color is always silvery white with a surface that is reflective and having no stains. The issue of color will of course raise eye brows. One would argue that it depends on ones color preference.
However much the price, it all comes back to you. If you have the money to spend, go for quality expensive pearl jewelry but if you don't want to hurt your pocket, consider the average pearls.
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How To Determine Value
Perhaps the most important factor in determining the value of sports memorabilia is the athlete or the sportsman. If you have a real popular and well-known sports hero's merchandise with his name on it the value may be more. A name like Tiger Woods for an example would increase the value of sports memorabilia overnight. In fact the value of sports memorabilia in the area of golf has increased tremendously since Tiger Woods has been on the circuit.
There have been many other athletes who have made and left their mark on a particular sport. But even with that popularity marketers use their skills and know-how to create something for everyone even if it's no more than a keychain. When a person is in the headlines every day or every week in newspapers and magazines on TV and the Internet you naturally desire some kind of bonding with that person. After all every one has the insatiable need to be connected to something. All across the country there are sports clubs and organizations that engage in various kinds of activities that will enhance the value of sports memorabilia. Another factor you have to take into consideration when you think of the value of sports memorabilia is the availability. Supply and demand factors into the value of sports memorabilia.
But what ever reason the value is more when there are not very many. If you see an abundance of mementos such as flags, caps, buttons, signature sunglasses and so on the price is cheaper. The value in these items comes when you keep them for long periods of time and there are very few in circulation. These are the kinds of things that auctioned off as fundraisers and promotions in years to come. Take into consideration also the popularity of the sport. Research has shown that football, basketball, stock car racing and golf are the most popular sports. This is not to say that the other sports are not popular and well attended in season. But when you think in terms of the value of sports memorabilia you have to consider how the general public feels about the sport. Each sport has its own history.
In other words some sports have been around longer than others. There are sports like skiing and other winter sports that are more territorial than widely known. Unless one moves from a winter sports area there may be little or no interest in winter sports memorabilia. So when you think in terms of the value of sports memorabilia you have to consider all facets of the particular sport. There are very few people who show enthusiasm for every sport. So the value is highly dependent upon the sport, the athlete, the availability, the supply and demand and where the item is located. Once you have factor in all of these variables the value can be determined based on the interests of the person.
Also if you are buying sports memorabilia as an investment the value may be different from a person who is in retail and plans to sell immediately. So actually you are in a better position to determine the value of sports memorabilia to you, based on your need and purpose.
Both Rock Ren & Mike Mansfield are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Rock Ren has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pearls, Jewelry and Womens Health. Rock Ren is the owner of xaxe.com. You can find more information at his site: .. Rock Ren's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
Mike Mansfield has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interest, Site Promotion and Home Management. Dave is both Author and Webmaster at To find out more about Sports Memorabilia, and Sporting Memories, please visit. Mike Mansfield's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
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