Jewelry Buying Guide Pearls

Jewelry Buying Guide

Diamonds

Pearls

For centuries, people have been captivated by the natural beauty of pearls. With their lustrous sheen and sumptuous colors, pearls are regarded as one of nature's most glorious treasures. Once reserved for only royalty, pearls have been among the most coveted and sought-after gems in the world. Today, pearl jewelry is as popular as ever, proving that their beauty and allure is timeless.

Costco Pearl Collections

Buying Pearls at Costco

Costco carries a stunning selection of cultured pearls, which includes Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and freshwater. Our diverse selection of pearl jewelry is available in a variety of styles and designs, from classic to contemporary. Whether you choose a luxurious strand of golden south sea pearls or a delicate pair of freshwater pearl earrings, a quality piece of pearl jewelry, when cared for properly, can be enjoyed for many years.

At Costco, we take pride in the fact that our pearl jewelry meets the industry's highest quality standards. Our process ensures our pearls have good luster, shape, color and no obvious blemishes, and that the size of the pearls match where applicable.

Natural vs. Cultured Pearls

Natural pearls and cultured pearls are both pearls, but are simply created under different conditions. Natural pearls found in the wild are incredibly rare and therefore, extremely expensive. That's why nearly all pearls found in the marketplace are cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are cultivated by oyster and mussel farmers, under controlled conditions. The process under which a cultured pearl is produced is the same as a natural pearl, it is simply helped along by human interaction. Pearl farming produces two common types of pearls, saltwater and freshwater.

Types of Pearls

There are four common types of pearls in the marketplace today: Freshwater, Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian. Each one has its own special beauty and unique characteristics.