Second-hand pearl rings

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Second-hand pearl ring: elegance and economy

A unique precious gem, pearls are used in jewelry to create refined, classic pieces. The soft, iridescent sparkle of pearls makes them a symbol of purity, elegance and wisdom. Mounted on a ring, they add a timeless touch to any piece of jewelry. Pearls are also a popular alternative to solitaires when it comes to choosing an engagement ring. To acquire a unique piece of jewelry at the best price, discover the advantages of opting for a second-hand, antique or contemporary pearl ring.

The different types of pearls for rings

There are two main types of pearl in jewelry: natural pearls, which are the rarest, and cultured pearls.

Natural pearls or fine pearls

Natural pearl jewelry is the rarest, and therefore the most valuable. A pearl is created accidentally and spontaneously by a mollusc (most often a bivalve, and usually an oyster) stressed by the presence in its shell of an impurity, such as a grain of sand. Little by little, the mollusc neutralises the foreign body by covering it with layers of mother-of-pearl. In the case of a natural pearl, created without human intervention, we speak of a fine pearl.

Cultured pearls

Most new and second-hand pearl rings are made from cultured pearls. These are not fake pearls, but pearls whose formation has been deliberately stimulated in molluscs, using a mother-of-pearl graft.

Although less expensive than fine pearls, cultured pearls are nevertheless precious gems whose value depends on precise criteria of size, shape, colour, lustre, brilliance, thickness and finish. Cultured pearls are divided into freshwater and saltwater pearls. Freshwater cultured pearls are the least expensive. Produced by mussels, they can come from China or Japan, particularly Lake Biwa.

Saltwater cultured pearls include the famous Tahitian pearls, known for their dark hue, white or cream Akoya pearls, South Sea pearls and white or gold Australian pearls.


Why choose a second-hand pearl ring?

On the second-hand market, you can buy luxury jewelry for up to 60% less than new. It's a great opportunity to treat yourself or someone else to a high-quality jewelry ring at a low price. In the case of a pearl ring, turning to antique jewelry gives you access to rare pieces set with fine pearls.

Pearl cultivation developed over the course of the 20th century, and today provides the vast majority of pearls used in jewelry. Jewelry made before the 1930s is likely to be set with a natural pearl.

On the antique jewelry market, you can find a ring adorned with a single fine pearl or several pearls, sometimes combined with other gems such as diamonds. Unique pieces created in the 19th or early 20th century, in the Toi et Moi, Écusson or Marguerite style, in round, oval or rectangular shapes. Vintage rings, most often adorned with cultured pearls, have the advantage of their original aesthetic: rococo, Art Nouveau or Art Deco inspired, such as the Tank ring. Some vintage rings combine white pearls and black pearls to create an elegant contrast.

Why choose a second-hand pearl ring?

To preserve the beauty and durability of your second-hand pearl ring:
. Clean gently with soap and lukewarm water
. Protect your ring and pearl from all chemicals, including perfume
. Store your jewelry carefully, away from others, to avoid the risk of scratching
. Wear it occasionally
. Have the setting checked regularly by a jeweller

Discover the Bijouteries Gemme catalogue of second-hand pearl rings: antique, vintage or contemporary second-hand 18-carat gold rings set with fine or cultured pearls, some from major jewelry houses such as Isabelle Langlois or Marco Mollinario.